Offensive tackle Trevor Penning’s demeanor and demeanor were considered good qualities as a player when it came to evaluating him as a prospect, and certainly played into his selection at No. 1. 19 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2022 NFL Draft. But this week, the Saints saw the downside of their new chippy player, as Penning was held out of practice after his third fight in three days.
Wednesday’s dust-up between Penning and defensive tackle Malcolm Roach was the last straw, and new head coach Dennis Allen sent both guys back to the locker room.
“We don’t have time for that,” Allen said. via ESPN. “I sent two guys today and we’ve got to get our work done. We’ve got to learn as a team how to compete and how to play and how to practice and push ourselves to the limit but right now. He did not overcome it until the edge.
“It’s not unusual for this to happen in training camp. It’s definitely something we don’t want to see happen. It will be addressed and we’ll move forward.”
The Northern Iowa product is blocking the whistle in training camp, which is something different. These training camp scrimmages serve their purpose in many ways, but at the same time, many can get in the way of actual practice.
“It’s part of my game, I think, how I am as a player,” Penning said earlier this week. “But I’m obviously out of technique working there. I’m trying to improve the technique of the game, by reducing the blocks. The finishing ability, which I’m proud of, and it’s always my team. Part will remain. The game.”
Saints assistant general manager and director of college scouting Jeff Ireland has high hopes for the offensive lineman, as he Comparison Pen on ex no. 1 overall pick Jack Long earlier this offseason. Penning was a 2021 finalist for the Walter Payton Award, presented to the offensive player of the year. He was the only offensive lineman named as a finalist. Penning was also named to the 2021 AP FCS All-American First Team, and the 2021 MVFC All-Conference First Team.
Penning has the potential to be a long-term starter for the Saints, but he will have to see how he handles himself once New Orleans gets into the regular season.