Offensive guard Keylan Rutledge worked at guard and center to increase value at Senior Bowl

"I know I'm versatile and I can play all three spots"

Jan 29, 2026 at 08:13 PM

John DeShazier

Senior Writer

Mobile, Ala. – One of the advantages to having a New Orleans Saints-flavored coaching staff at the Panini Senior Bowl is that if the front office wanted to evaluate a player in a different position from where he made his mark in college, a request could be submitted and executed.

Saints Senior VP/Assistant General Manager - College Personnel Jeff Ireland likely made that call for the American team, which is being led by five Saints coaches — including head coach Joel Thomas, offensive coordinator Scott Tolzien and defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon — during this week's practices at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala.

Whether he made the request from the National team, it still worked out that way with one of the top offensive line prospects — Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge — who may be able to add to his NFL Draft value by displaying his versatility.

Rutledge started 26 games at left guard the last two seasons, but took reps at center and right guard during practice this week and was able to show the willingness and versatility that has become almost essential for incoming interior offensive linemen.

More than just holding his own in one-on-one drills, Rutledge occasionally engaged in a game of bully ball, imposing his will on opposing defensive linemen.

"I played a lot of guard in college and that was great, but I know I'm versatile and I can play all three spots," said Rutledge, a second-team All-American who anchored an offensive line that paved the way for Georgia Tech to average 31.7 points and 460 yards per game, 197.5 rushing. "So I was just coming out here and showing that."

NFL teams covet that multiplicity, and the Saints may be seeking it in the upcoming draft.

New Orleans' projected starting interior linemen in 2025 — left guard Trevor Penning, center Erik McCoy and right guard Cesar Ruiz — rarely worked together last season.

Ruiz, the Saints' first-round pick in 2020, logged the most time, starting 14 of 17 games. McCoy (second-round pick in '19) tore his right triceps in Week 7 and missed the rest of the season. Penning, the team's first-round pick in '22, started his career at left tackle, moved to right tackle in '24, shifted to left guard last season and was traded to the Chargers on Nov. 4 after playing six games with the Saints.

McCoy and Penning both played in the Senior Bowl before they were drafted.

Photos: 2026 Senior Bowl | Practice Day 3

Check out photos from Day 3 of practices at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. on Thursday, Jan. 30, featuring top NFL Draft prospects. Associate Head Coach and Running Backs Coach Joel Thomas, Quarterbacks Coach Scott Tolzien, Linebackers Coach Peter Sirmon, Assistant Special Teams Coach Kyle Wilber, Assistant Defensive Backs Coach Robert Blanton, and Assistant to the Head Coach Mike Martinez continue working with players.