Gee Balance/The Who Dat Daily

New Orleans, La– The New Orleans Saints were faced with a sort of unexpected retirement of Pro Bowl Center Max Unger this offseason. Unger was a major force on the offensive line since the trade that bought him over from Seattle.

The Saints decided to bring in and sign former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Nick Easton to soften the blow of losing offensive line anchor Unger. But Easton comes in with a load of questions including the fact he spent all last year injured.

The questions were obviously loud enough to draft another player at his position. The Saints drafted offensive lineman center prospect Erik McCoy in the 2nd round out Texas A&M. The Saints even told McCoy that they wanted him to play center.

So where does that place Easton IF that’s the case? It places him in a direct battle with McCoy for Ungers former spot.

The truth is McCoy is considered one colleges top center prospects & the Saints moved up into the draft to select him. The team is very high on McCoy’s upside so it will interesting to observe the competition for the job, even though most believe its McCoys for the taking.

Let’s breakdown the two offensive lineman:

Saints Offensive Lineman #62 Nick Easton

Nick Easton 6-3 303 lb offensive lineman that went undrafted out of Harvard. He was sign by the Baltimore Ravens back in 2015, spent time with 49ers, Vikings before landing with the Saints. Easton has played in 23 games, started 17 of them in 5 seasons & spent the entire 2018 season on IR (neck Injury).

Erik McCoy Saints 2nd Round Pick Offensive Lineman

Erik McCoy 6-4 314 lb offensive lineman out Texas A&M was highly touted as the best center prospect in the draft. McCoy has a considerable amount of experience starting 39 games in three seasons playing 37 at center & two at guard.

Both players have the ability to play either guard or center but the Saints moved up to select McCoy because they seen him as a potential starter. The consensus from a lot of football official natos that barring injury McCoy will win the job eventually. The Black & Gold did an outstanding job of adding two players who will most certainly give an entertaining competition for the vacant center spot.

Who do you think will when the job and why? Chime in and be heard!