Saints 4th Round Rookie Movin' on Up in the O-Line, Ready to Contribute Now

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It was only four years ago that Jeremiah Wright started his offensive journey. In fact, it's more like three-and-a-half, if you only count games played.

Wright hit Auburn, Alabama as a defensive tackle in 2020. He played his freshman year in that slot recording four tackles, one of those a tackle for loss. His second year had him tearing an ACL early in Spring camp forcing him to miss 2021. Change of plans for the Tigers, as coaches flipped him to the offensive side to play guard. Wright started one game, but played in a dozen for the Plainsmen. In 2023, he was mostly coming in off the bench, but played in all 13-games for Auburn. Then, in 2024, he started all 12-games at right guard.

The Saints liked what they saw, drafting him in the 4th round this year, one of the selections the team received when they traded Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks.

Though used to Alabama heat, the Selma native now has to get used to New Orleans warmth.

"It's hot out there," Wright said with is ever-present smile, "but if felt good."

Moving Up to Second Team

So far, Wright has impressed the Saints coaches. So much so, the unofficial depth chart this week has Wright as 2nd string right guard behind Cesar Ruiz. The Tiger alum credits the guys who have been around the block a time or two.

"Coming in, learning from the vets and taking in different techniques, that's the thing for me," Wright remarked. "I'm a big guy, physical. I know my strengths, but I also know my weakness, so I just learn from the veterans."

One in particular has been a big help.

"(Guard) David Edwards has taught me (techniques in the pass game)," Wright acknowledged. "I've been watching him for my last two years and he's helped me in my game. He's like a technician. Smooth, and not overdoing it. For me, sometimes I (play) aggressive. So, I can overdo it, but for him, he's under control, controlled aggression, (so it helps me) get to my spot (in the scheme)."

For the Auburn graduate, getting the playbook down was not an issue.

"Coming in and learning the plays was kind of easy for me," Wright noted, "similar to what I had at Auburn, thanks to my coach (at Auburn) for helping me to stay ahead of the game."

And he had complements for his fellow Tigers.

"When I went to Auburn, just being around guys like Derick Hall (linebacker for the Seahawks) and Colby Wooden (now a defensive tackle for the Colts)," Wright listed off. Those guys would be watching film (on Monday) and it was like, 'Man, those guys are going out there, competing at a high level,' I know me coming in as a freshman, I wanted to help my team win. Just being able to go in the room, and watch them study, and hear from them. Man, each and every day I want to watch film, try to outlearn, out-strategize my opponent."

So far, Wright has won his fair share of 1-on-1 drills. He says it's just who he is.

"I just go out there and be me," Wright said matter of factly. "Remember my why, go out there and dominate. I don't go out there and be timid."

The poised Tiger feels he's ready for the challenge.

"(That's) the reason they drafted me," Wright asserted, "help the team win, be a mauler, just be confident. Be J-Wright."

Training Camp Schedule

Here's the practice schedule for the week:

- Thursday, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Pads (SOLD OUT)
- Friday, TBD, Walk-Thru (Closed)
- Saturday, Saints vs. Jaguars, 3:00 p.m., Superdome

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