'I Play it All.' How OL Nick Saldiveri Fits in the Saints' Offense

Five position versatility, initial quickness and high-character, Saldiveri could surprise and take a starting role by 2024.

Author:
Ross Jackson
Publish date:
Apr 30, 2023 1:42 PM EDT

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New Orleans Saints

One of the expectations around the New Orleans Saints during NFL Draft weekend is that they would act early when it came to the trenches. They certainly did so on the defensive side with the early acquisitions of Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee and Notre Dame edge rusher Isaiah Foskey. But the Saints did not have to wait a single pick at the top of Day 3 to address the offensive line as well. The Saints moved up to get pick No. 103 overall, the first pick of the draft's third day, and selected Old Dominion University (ODU) offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri.

USATSI_19080536_168388561_lowres — Sep 10, 2022; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri (64) blocks East Carolina Pirates linebacker Jeremy Lewis (11) during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The North Carolina native kicked off a day of draft selections that can be summed up in two words: "versatile" and "athletic". Saldiveri is a 6-foot-6, 318 pound lineman that has played all across the formation. Starting the majority of games at right tackle in college, he also saw a couple of starts at right guard and took some reps at left tackle early in his collegiate career. He was a team captain for ODU and attended this year's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. While in Mobile, he worked out at center, a spot which Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy believes he may be best fit.

He did some center work (at the Senior Bowl)," Nagy told New Orleans media on Saturday. "What I like about him at center is just for that size, he's got initial quickness, he's got second-level mobility, he's really tough. So, best football is still ahead of him. With Nick, I do see him as a starter-level player. I think the Saints would probably feel that way too if they're trading up to take him where they took him."

Nagy was clear that he was not trying to put words in the Saints brass' mouths, but he was right. Head coach Dennis Allen explained that the team expected a run on offensive linemen in the fourth round and moved up to get the guy they really wanted in Saldiveri. They were right about that run on offensive linemen, too as 10 such players went in round 4. Six of the ten were all drafted before the Saints' original pick at 115 overall.

The Saints sent their original fourth round selection (pick No. 115) and their later fifth round pick (No. 165) in order get their hands on the first pick of the day. Clearly they believe Saldiveri can play a big role for them, and that may come sooner rather than later.

The fifth-year senior (thanks to the COVID year, of course) exhibits all of the qualities the Saints love in addition to the aforementioned versatility. He is a student of the game, team captain, stayed loyal to the first program he committed to, and has been reliable in terms of availability. While he has played the majority of his snaps in college outside at tackle, the Saints see him as an interior protector.

"The cool thing about him is that he's got some versatility," Allen said. "I see him moving inside initially. But there's some flex with the player in that he's played offensive tackle, he's played guard, he played center in the Senior Bowl. So, we feel like there's some flexibility with the player. But I think initially the thought would be to move him inside."

USATSI_19908728_168388561_lowres — Feb 2, 2023; Mobile, AL, USA; American defensive lineman Zacch Pickens of South Carolina (3) spars with American offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri of Old Dominion (59) practices during the third day of Senior Bowl week at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Saldiveri himself knows that his versatility is a big part of his game and intends to do whatever it takes to help the team. But for him, the opportunity he could have in New Orleans is greater than a guy that backs up multiple positions. He could work his way into being a starter by the beginning of the 2024 season if all goes well for him.

His fit for 2023 may be that of a backup, which is excellent for New Orleans who would like to improve their offensive line depth. But looking ahead, both starting guards for the Saints are presently on contract years. That is unless right guard Cesar Ruiz's fifth-year option is picked up before the deadline on Monday, May 1. Left guard Andrus Peat reworked his deal this offseason which is now set to expire after the 2023 league year. That means a starting spot on the interior is very likely to open up in 2024.

For Saldiveri, it will all start with Rookie Minicamps in May. But the road ahead is one that has clear opportunity for him to play his way into being a long-time starter for the Saints on their offensive line. Especially after playing his best season at ODU in 2022 wherein he was credited with allowing just 16 pressures and no sacks over 455 pass blocking reps by Pro Football Focus