Saints rookie offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright, drafted in the fourth round, is expected to make an immediate impact. He has a chance to replace Cesar Ruiz in the starting lineup due to his strong performance at Auburn and the Senior Bowl.
ESPN: Saints rookie offensive lineman could make 'instant impact'
Did the New Orleans Saints just pick a new starter in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft? Former Auburn Tigers right guard Jeremiah Wright has an uphill battle ahead of him if he's going to replace Cesar Ruiz in the starting lineup, but he might have a chance to do just that. ESPN's Field Yates highlighted Wright as one of this year's late-round picks who could make an instant impact:
"The Saints wanted to get tougher, nastier and more physical during the draft and did exactly that by adding Wright at the end of Round 4. The hulking 6-foot-5, 331-pounder mostly anchored the right guard spot for Auburn, showing off serious power in the running game. His competitive spirit was visible at practices during Senior Bowl week, and he should be in the running for early snaps in New Orleans' offense."
Wright was a standout at the Senior Bowl -- Saints running backs coach Joel Thomas, head coach of the American Team at the all-star game, singled him out for a one-on-one matchup with his Alabama rival LT Overton (who ended up being drafted five slots behind him). Wright won the rep:
Wright plays with the exact kind of mean streak he'll need to succeed in the NFL, but he needs more reps. He initially played on the Auburn defensive line in 2020 before suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for all of 2021. When he healed up, Auburn's coaching staff had turned over and he moved to the offensive line full-time, but he didn't start a full season until 2024. Now he's a 25-year old rookie with just two seasons of starter's reps behind him. He's landed in a good spot to develop and push Ruiz, but it may be too much to expect Wright to start in September.
Jeremiah Wright is a rookie offensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints, primarily playing as a right guard.
Jeremiah Wright was drafted in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
ESPN highlighted Jeremiah Wright as a late-round pick who could make an instant impact on the Saints' offensive line.
At the Senior Bowl, Jeremiah Wright was noted for his competitive spirit and won a one-on-one matchup against LT Overton.
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As for Ruiz? He's seen the criticism of his play, and he's taken it to heart. He's eager to prove he's the best option the team has at right guard. At the same time, it's telling that the Saints have not restructured his contract like they have with other veterans. If Wright or another backup like Dillon Radunz outcompetes Ruiz at training camp, the Saints could trade Ruiz and save $9.5 million against this year's salary cap, with over $4.7 million freeing up next year. They could also choose to ride it out if no team steps up with a compelling offer and make a decision on his contract in 2027. Either way, Wright is waiting in the wings.
AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 18: Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather #13 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with teammates Jeremiah Wright #77, Jay Fair #5, and Shane Hooks #3 during the first half of their game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 28: Wide receiver Malcolm Simmons #11 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers after scoring a touchdown during the first half of their game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 26: Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on October 26, 2024 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 26: Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on October 26, 2024 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 11: Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers warms up prior to facing the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 11: Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers lines up against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 18: Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers warms up before the game against the Missouri Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Apr 8, 2023; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) talks with lineman Dillon Wade (52) during the annual Auburn Spring Game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) takes a moment prior to the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) gets ready before the snap during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) gets ready before the snap during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright is interviewed at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala., on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) during football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala., on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) goes through drills during Auburn Tigers A-Day football practice at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Oct 18, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks with offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) during the first quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Auburn Tigers interim head coach DJ Durkin hugs offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) during a senior day ceremony before Auburn Tigers take on Mercer Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) of Arizona State and American Team offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) of Auburn line up for a play during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) of Auburn blocks during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Jan 31, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) of Auburn works against National defensive end Logan Fano (50) of Utah during the fist half of the 2026 Senior Bowl at University of South Alabama, Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Jeremiah Wright of the Auburn Tigers participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Jeremiah Wright of the Auburn Tigers participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (OL56) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (OL56) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (OL56) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (OL56) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) runs drills during Auburn football pro day at Woltosz Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
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AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 18: Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather #13 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with teammates Jeremiah Wright #77, Jay Fair #5, and Shane Hooks #3 during the first half of their game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
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AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 18: Tight end Rivaldo Fairweather #13 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with teammates Jeremiah Wright #77, Jay Fair #5, and Shane Hooks #3 during the first half of their game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
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AUBURN, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 28: Wide receiver Malcolm Simmons #11 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers after scoring a touchdown during the first half of their game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
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LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 26: Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on October 26, 2024 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 26: Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field on October 26, 2024 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 11: Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers warms up prior to facing the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 11: Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers lines up against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 18: Jeremiah Wright #77 of the Auburn Tigers warms up before the game against the Missouri Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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Apr 8, 2023; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) talks with lineman Dillon Wade (52) during the annual Auburn Spring Game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) takes a moment prior to the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 19, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) gets ready before the snap during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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Oct 19, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) gets ready before the snap during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright is interviewed at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala., on Monday, March 24, 2025.
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Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) during football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala., on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
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Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) goes through drills during Auburn Tigers A-Day football practice at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
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Oct 18, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks with offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) during the first quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
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Auburn Tigers interim head coach DJ Durkin hugs offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) during a senior day ceremony before Auburn Tigers take on Mercer Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
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Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) of Arizona State and American Team offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) of Auburn line up for a play during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) of Auburn blocks during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Jan 31, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) of Auburn works against National defensive end Logan Fano (50) of Utah during the fist half of the 2026 Senior Bowl at University of South Alabama, Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Jeremiah Wright of the Auburn Tigers participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Jeremiah Wright of the Auburn Tigers participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (OL56) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (OL56) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (OL56) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (OL56) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) runs drills during Auburn football pro day at Woltosz Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Jeremiah Wright to compete for Saints starting job