31-05-2025
Undrafted Saints Lineman Easton Kilty Could Power His Way To A Roster Spot
Undrafted Saints Lineman Easton Kilty Could Power His Way To A Roster Spot originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New Orleans Saints had a ton of issues during the 2024-25 NFL season. Chief among them was the offensive line, especially when injuries decimated an already thin and questionable unit.
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New Orleans addressed this after hiring new head coach Kellen Moore. The Saints used their first-round choice on Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. They also signed guard Dillon Radunz, who has started 26 games the last two years.
The Saints brought in a few undrafted rookie linemen to add competition. New Orleans has had good fortune with linemen selected in the later rounds or not drafted at all in recent years. Perhaps this undrafted blocker can be the next gem.
Easton Kilty, T/G (Kansas State)
Kansas State Wildcats offensive lineman Easton Kilty (71) blocks against the Arizona Wildcats. © Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
After starting his collegiate career at North Dakota, Kilty transferred to Kansas State to finish his career last season. Between the two schools, he was a four-year starter that spent his last two years at the left tackle position.
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Kilty is expected to make the switch to guard in the NFL. He has shorter arms and only average lateral quickness that could present problems if lined up on the outside. He's also had issues against speed rushers at tackle and has struggled to react quickly enough to stunts or inside counter moves.
If he does move inside, Kilty must play with more consistent leverage to maximize his strength. He'll need to get into his stance quicker at the snap to prevent defenders from getting inside his pads.
Kilty has excellent leg drive that allows him to push defenders off the ball in the running game. He's shown good endurance through the whistle to sustain his blocks in pass protection.
New Orleans Saints tackle Easton Kilty (73) during rookie minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Kilty has terrific awareness. He recognizes opposing fronts and more complex rush packages quickly. He's especially effective on double-teams, both when to help and effectively switching off to pick up other threats. His hand placement is outstanding, allowing him leverage advantages and rarely picking up penalties.
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Easton Kilty will have his chance to earn a role on the Saints offensive front. New Orleans moved on from veteran linemen Lucas Patrick, Shane Lemieux, Justin Herron, and Oli Udoh this offseason. If Kilty can show the versatility to play both guard and tackle, it could lead the way to a backup spot.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
