When the New Orleans Saints spent the 32nd pick in the 2017 NFL draft on an offensive tackle, many fans and analysts alike were left scratching their heads. With huge holes elsewhere in the starting lineup on both sides of the ball, spending a first-rounder on depth seemed like a luxury the Saints couldn’t afford.

But after an injury to veteran Terron Armstead, rookie Ryan Ramczyk will be thrust into the starting lineup in Week 1, tasked with protecting the blind side of a future Hall of Famer in quarterback Drew Brees.

Ramczyk will be the first rookie to start a Week 1 game for the Saints at left tackle in 31 years. Despite having to face one of the league’s best pass-rushing groups via the Minnesota Vikings, the former Wisconsin star is prepared for the challenge, per Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune:

Obviously, it’s a little bit bigger stage here, but it’s really just trusting my preparation and what I’ve done so far here. I feel good about it. It’s not going to be an easy task by any shot, so I’m going to have my work cut out for me. And I look forward to it.

Ramczyk dealt with a hip injury during the predraft process, but his film was as impressive and consistent as any tackle prospect in this year’s draft. Arguably the most pro-ready of this year’s picks at his position, the Saints could do far worse than having him in the starting lineup this week.