Saints 2020 Year-in-Review: Ryan Ramczyk
The New Orleans Saints traded two-time 1,000-Yd receiver to the New England Patriots in the offseason of 2017 in exchange for the 32nd overall pick in the 1st round of the 2017 draft. With that pick, the Saints drafted offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk out of Wisconsin.
Ramczyk started the opening game of his rookie campaign against the Minnesota Vikings at left tackle in place of an injured Terron Armstead. In that game, right tackle Zach Strief was injured, forcing Ramczyk to slide into his spot.
Since that night on September 11, 2017, Ramczyk has been a fixture at right tackle for the Saints and has developed into perhaps the NFL's best offensive lineman. Despite some rocky moments as a rookie early on, he was voted to the 2017 All-Rookie team and has missed only one start in 71 games. Ramczyk earned his first All-Pro honor in 2019 and entered 2020 as the most impressive member of a formidable New Orleans front line.
Ramczyk is the subject of today's Year-in-Review spotlight.
RYAN RAMCZYK
Sep 27, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) blocks Green Bay linebacker Preston Smith (91). Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Ramczyk was again a model of consistency for the Saints, starting every game and playing in 100% of the offensive snaps in 14 contests. He provided his usual exemplary level of pass protection, routinely nullifying opposing pass rushers. Dre Brees was sacked only 13 times in 14 games this season.
Not only is Ramczyk an elite pass protector, but he is also an outstanding run blocker. The Saints prefer to run over the right side, Ramczyk's area. He continually got great push at the point of attack for New Orleans runners Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray, and Taysom Hill as the Saints ranked 6th in rushing offense and led the league in rushing touchdowns.
The 6’6” 314-Lb Ramczyk possesses an elite combination of power, ability, and technique. He was penalized just twice for holding this year and is annually among the least penalized offensive linemen.
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) is blocked by New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71). Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Ramczyk teams with LT Terron Armstead to give the Saints the best tandem of offensive tackles in the league, with each capable of shutting down the NFL's top defenders one-on-one.
New Orleans picked up the fifth-year option on the 26-Yr old Ramczyk's rookie contract, but he will be an $11 million salary cap this year. After another All-Pro quality season, look for New Orleans to hammer out a contract extension with their star right tackle before the start of next season.
