Saints rookie lineman Saldiveri brings work ethic, eager attitude to NFL challenge

The New Orleans Saints used a 2023 fourth round draft pick on Old Dominion offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri, who is preparing to get to work with training camp set to begin later this month. His new employer traded up to take him so much is expected.

Saldiveri will not be intimidated by the challenge. He has never shied away from hard work and much of what he has attained he has had to put in the effort to achieve.

His father died when Nick was only two years old. His mother had to work multiple jobs in order to support him and a brother five years Nick’s senior.

Coming out of the prep ranks in Monroe, North Carolina, Saldiveri did not have a plethora of college offers to consider as a two-star prospect in 2018 at Parkwood High School. He also played basketball and threw the shot put in track.

However, he grabbed the attention of Old Dominion wide receivers coach Arick Forest, who was merely passing through Forest offered Saldiveri a chance to continue his athletic career on the gridiron.

Saldiveri’s early days at Old Dominion were split between guard and tackle but the latter was where he became a mainstay. He recorded 35 career starts for the Monarchs with all but one at right guard which came last season in which Salvideri allowed no sacks.

He concluded his days at ODU as the Monarchs team captain due to his work ethic and leadership skills. The first Old Dominion lineman to score a touchdown when he recovered a fumble against Charlotte in 2021 was also the first lineman in program history to play in the Senior Bowl. At the Indianapolis Combine, the 6-foot-6, 318 pounder was a top 10 overall performer at his position.

Now facing the step up in class to the NFL, he is hoping to ratchet up his intensity level while keeping his emotions tempered a bit.

“I have always tried to stay within my skill set and to figure out what I do well,” explained the Saints rookie. “In college, I had a lot of good veterans around me. Center Isaac Weaver (now with the L.A. Chargers) showed me what it was like to work and to be versatile, to treat this game with the respect it deserves. Do things the right way and carry yourself the right way.”

Saldiveri may be asked to fill a utility role for New Orleans, at least early in his career. That does not sound too different from when he reach the college level.

“When I came to Old Dominion at 18 years old, I didn’t know if I was pumped or stuffed,” joked the 22-year old. “I just always tried to find my role. At this time (last year), I wasn’t even considering the NFL. I was just thinking about one day at a time. I want to take care of what is in front of me.”

Saldiveri has been praised by scouts for his high football IQ. His approach to the game is similar to ex-Saints lineman and assistant coach Zach Strief. It’s apropos that Saldiveri now wears the No. 64 once worn by Strief.

As for the learning curve, Saldiveri should handle it well. He is quickly aware of stunts and blitzes and performs well on combo blocks. A good technician, he plays with a good base, possessing heavy hands and loose hips, and moves well in space on screens and pulling assignments.

“It takes a lot of time and dedication,” Saldiveri said, describing the challenge of learning multiple spots as a rookie in the NFL. “You must know the playbook very well. You have to change your footwork at different spots. Also, the mental approach is not easy. You have to be able to think fast so you can play fast. Training at center helps train you mentally.”

Cesar Ruiz, the Saints first round draft pick in 2022, has recorded 40 starts the previous three seasons at right guard but the organization chose not to pick up his fifth year option year for 2024. As a result, the future is uncertain at that spot. Andrus Peat, the longtime starter at left guard, is a high-priced veteran who has been prone to missing time due to injury. Opportunity could knock for Saldiveri at any time.

A calf injury during offseason workouts limited Saldiveri during OTA’s and minicamp but he should be a ready to go when training camp begins. That when were he fits best will be sorted out but he does have more comfort on the right side thanks to his extensive college experience there.

“Right now I’d say right guard, just because that’s where I have spent time,” Saldiveri explained. “That’s where I’m comfortable playbook wise. I am long, flexible, athletic and bendy. I have advantages there.”

Saldiveri is set to concentrate on areas he would like to improve as camp gets underway.

“Quickness in my hands, get my hands on a defender a little faster,” he said.” I want to shorten my steps. I want to tighten up my steps from long and rangy. I’d like to be a little more consistent in my steps in the run game.”

He loved the New York Jets growing up because it was his father’s favorite team, so he has fond memories of cheering for Curtis Martin, Brett Favre, Darrelle Revis, Jonathan Vilma and Alan Faneca. His family will now join the Who Dat nation.

“I’ve heard a lot of things about the great fans the Saints have. They are diehards. They want this team to be successful. I thought that the Saints had a solid history. I thought that this was a great opportunity for myself,” Saldiveri noted. “We can do a lot of things as a unit in terms of the offensive line.”

Of course, offensive linemen enjoy a good meal so Saldiveri is anxious to sample the cuisine of the Crescent City.

“I’ve heard about the great food in New Orleans. Everyone tells me that I’m in the best food city in the NFL. I need some gator gumbo,” he said with a good laugh,

Armed with a good mixture of talent and attitude, Saldiveri is a good bet to earn his keep in whatever capacity the Saints deem fit.

“I want to be versatile and bring value with me to the Saints,” he stressed. “I want to be a good locker room guy and carry myself (right).”