When the New Orleans Saints set out to bolster their offensive line depth this offseason, they didn't have to look far for a player who brings something extra to the table. Jeremiah Wright, the versatile guard out of Auburn, isn't just another rookie—he's a former defensive tackle who knows both sides of the trenches, and that dual perspective is catching the eye of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

"Strong guy and obviously we saw what he progressed through coming from Auburn and his exposure there on both sides of the football," Moore said, highlighting Wright's unique journey. After switching from defense to offense in 2022, Wright spent six seasons with the Tigers, starting every game in 2025 and racking up 33 knockdowns. That kind of SEC pedigree doesn't just fade away when you hit the pros.

Of course, adapting to the NFL is never a straight line. Wright admits there's been a learning curve, but his time in the tough Southeastern Conference has made the transition smoother. "It's good for me because a lot of the terms are similar," Wright explained. "Just probably the schemes and everything is still different, but just blessed and grateful for that."

What's making that adjustment even easier? Wright has a secret weapon in the meeting room: Will Clapp. The former Saints lineman has just moved into a coaching role, serving as a bridge between the rookies and offensive line coach Brendan Nugent. Moore sees Clapp's recent playing experience as a huge asset. "I think what was a great opportunity, a blessing in disguise because obviously he got hurt and that was a challenge in a different lens, and the way he kind of started mentoring guys last year put himself in a little bit of a coaching approach to the week I thought was really beneficial. Will knows this thing inside and out. He's played at a really high level for a number of years in this league, and so his communication with these guys I think is going to be excellent."

Wright couldn't agree more. "With him being in the league and actually just got done playing, that's a guy that I can lean on and learn from being in the game, and I can take his coaching points and things that he learned while he was playing."

There's even a bit of New Orleans symbolism already inked on Wright's right calf—a fleur-de-lis tattoo that originally represented his Auburn roots. Now, as a Saint, that mark carries double the meaning. With versatility, experience, and a coach who's been in his cleats, Wright is poised to add valuable depth to a Saints offensive line that's always looking for the next big anchor.