Versatility is calling card for Saints undrafted offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton

The New Orleans Saints have demonstrated a propensity for signing undrafted free agents who have paid dividends as offensive linemen over the past few decades.

For example, an undrafted defensive tackle from Tennessee, Richard Cooper, started 72 games during his six-year career in New Orleans after signing and converting to offense in 1990. In 2013, Tim Lelito made the team and eventually spent four seasons with the Black and Gold and started 24 contests.

More recently, former Southern Miss center Cameron Tom came aboard in 2017 and found a roster spot as a versatile reserve interior blocker.

Calvin Throckmorton is hoping to parlay his extensive college career with the Oregon Ducks into a job with the Saints this year.

“Their history of undrafted free agents, late round picks is appealing,” Throckmorton explained. “They have a great history of developing these guys and having those guys make the team. The offensive line room, the guys, inside of it, I’m excited to be a part of it.”

After 52 college starts in which he played all over the Oregon line, Throckmorton did his research to find the best fit when he went undrafted. He connected well with Saints offensive line coach Dan Roushar, finding a comfort level with his chance to stick after training camp.

“I learned a lot about (Saints) history)throughout the draft process, talking with Coach Roushar during the draft process. I felt really good about it. I knew their pedigree. It’s a place where I’ll be able to develop.”

Affectionately called “Doc Throck” with the Ducks, Throckmorton thrived in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA. His intelligence helped him become one of the more versatile offensive linemen in all of college football with starts at all spots except left guard.

The 6-foot-5, 318 pounder displays good technique and plays snap to whistle while using his arms very well. He is a good zone blocker and solid pass protector. Throckmorton earned a 90.2 pass blocking grade and 980.2 rating as a run blocker from Pro Football Focus in 2019.

“I’m very confident. I’ve played all the spots in my career at Oregon,” Throckmorton explained. “I’m ready to go wherever they need me and help as much as possible.”

Versatility may be the biggest asset to help him make the team as a backup. Although familiarity with each line position is an advantage, there is a learning curve moving from one side of the line to the other with a new playbook.

“It’s like trying to write something with your off hand,” said Throckmorton. “I started my career playing right tackle. When I’ve had to move to the left side, it was a big change and required a lot of preparation, learning and practice. I try to be responsible whenever I step on that field and play wherever I’m needed.”

Confident in his ability to play anywhere as a down lineman, the Bellevue, Washington native didn’t get that opportunity until Mario Cristobal arrived on the coaching staff at Oregon as line coach and offensive coordinator in 2017.

“They gave me that opportunity to play all along the o-line wherever I could.”

Cristobal was the offensive line coach at previous stops with Miami and Alabama. He was part of two National Championship teams as a player at offensive tackle for Miami. His coaching expertise is the offensive line so it’s no surprise he made it a focal point when he was elevated to head coach of the Ducks in December 2017.

“He brought in an NFL mentality,” Throckmorton said, “It came down to our preparation and how we went about our business. I owe a lot to him and his staff the last couple of years. Incredible offensive mind, especially with the offensive line. He was working with the offensive line every single day. He instilled a lot of pride in us. He put a lot of confidence in us.”

The Saints reportedly gave Throckmorton $110,000 with a $12,500 signing bonus to get him to choose them over other NFL options. That amount of investment for an undrafted payer tells you a lot. Last year’s 7th round draft pick, linebacker Kaden Elliss, received $76,316.

Throckmorton still has gotten past the frustration of not hearing his name called during the recent NFL Draft though. He trusts his instincts and feels comfortable with his chances with the Saints regardless of the path to New Orleans.

“There were a few teams calling me, telling me if I go undrafted that they’d love to have me. In the middle of the seventh round, I decided it was down to the Saints and the Cowboys. The Saints were calling me and saying they’s love to have me if I’m not drafted.”

Perhaps even better than the one-way relationship that comes with being drafted, Throckmorton and the Saints chose each other. It could be the beginning of a long, mutually beneficially relationship.

“Everybody dreams about having their name called in the draft, but at the same time I don’t think that I could be in a better position than I am now, to be a part of the Saints organization,” Throckmorton noted.

“I’m excited to get down there and start competing with the rest of the guys. I think it worked out for the best.”