The New Orleans Saints may have found their offensive line's missing piece in the 2026 NFL Draft. On Day 3, the team selected Auburn guard Jeremiah Wright—a high-upside developmental prospect who could soon challenge struggling starter Cesar Ruiz for the starting right guard spot.

Wright's journey to the NFL was anything but conventional. After spending several seasons as a defensive lineman, he didn't become a full-time starter on Auburn's offensive line until 2024. In 2022, he served as the team's backup left guard, but it wasn't until two years later that he found his true calling. Over the last two seasons, Wright started all 24 games at right guard, and in 2025, he led the team with 33 knockdown blocks. At 6-foot-5 and 331 pounds, he brings a powerful frame and untapped potential to the Saints' offensive front.

New Orleans made a splash in free agency by signing former Buffalo Bills guard David Edwards to a four-year, $61 million deal. But according to ESPN's Ben Solak, it's not Edwards who should be worried—it's Ruiz. "The weakest point is Ruiz at right guard," Solak wrote. "He simply does not move people in the running game the way the other four starters do. If the Saints' offensive coaching staff can get Wright up to speed quickly, I'd expect them to have a quick hook on Ruiz to finish the offensive line facelift and really start running people into the ground."

Ruiz, the Saints' first-round pick (No. 24 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft, is entering the third season of a four-year, $44 million contract extension and is set to become a free agent after 2027. Last season, he played in 14 games, allowing three sacks and 14 quarterback hurries while earning a 44.7 PFF run-blocking grade—ranking 73rd out of 81 eligible guards. While Ruiz is a lock to start in Week 1, the pressure is on. If Wright adjusts quickly to the NFL level, the Saints could have a new starter in the making—and a much-needed boost to their ground game.