Trevor Penning is a name that has garnered increasing attention in the world of professional football. As a young and promising offensive lineman, Penning’s journey to the NFL has been marked by both his physical prowess and his relentless work ethic. In this article, we’ll dive deep into who Trevor Penning is, his background, career, and what makes him one of the most anticipated players in the NFL.

Who is Trevor Penning?

Trevor Penning is an American football offensive tackle currently playing for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL). Penning was selected by the Saints in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and despite the challenges of transitioning to the professional level, he has quickly earned a reputation as a hard-hitting, physically dominant player with great potential. 

His size, strength, and aggressive style have made him a standout in the league, and many experts believe that he will be a key player for years to come. Born on January 20, 1999, in Sioux Center, Iowa, Penning’s football journey started in high school before he ultimately became one of the most coveted offensive linemen in college football.

Early Life and Background

Trevor Penning grew up in Sioux Center, a small town in the state of Iowa. He attended Sioux Center High School, where he first showed promise as an athlete. Despite being relatively unknown in the high school football scene, Penning’s raw athleticism and physicality stood out. Standing at 6’7” and weighing over 300 pounds, he quickly attracted the attention of college recruiters, but his story didn’t begin with the major college programs.

Penning’s humble beginnings were characterized by his unassuming nature and dedication to improving his craft. He was not highly ranked as a recruit coming out of high school, so he committed to playing for the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) school. This decision, while not as high-profile as committing to a Power 5 school, allowed him to develop into the player he is today, thanks to UNI’s emphasis on developing players through hard work and coaching.

College Career: A Rising Star at Northern Iowa

Trevor Penning’s college career at Northern Iowa is where he truly began to shine. Although the Panthers weren’t a powerhouse in FCS football, Penning’s play on the field was unmistakable. He started in all 11 games as a freshman and continued to improve year after year, earning All-MVFC (Missouri Valley Football Conference) honors. By his junior season, Penning was considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects in college football.

Penning’s senior year was particularly impressive, as he earned several accolades, including being named a consensus first-team All-American. His performance during his time at UNI helped elevate his draft stock, and it was clear that his combination of size, power, and technique made him a rare commodity in the NFL draft.

Strengths and Skills Developed at UNI

Power and Aggression: Penning’s physical style of play was evident throughout his college career. Known for his ability to overpower defenders, he often dominated in the running game, clearing lanes for his running backs.

Pass Protection: One area in which Penning excelled was his pass protection. His footwork, combined with his large frame, allowed him to shield quarterbacks from pressure effectively.

Durability: Penning played in a majority of UNI’s games throughout his career, proving his durability and ability to stay on the field consistently.

Versatility: Penning also showcased his versatility by playing multiple positions on the offensive line, which further enhanced his appeal to NFL scouts.

The 2022 NFL Draft: Penning’s Big Break

The 2022 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in Trevor Penning’s career. After dominating at UNI, he declared for the NFL Draft, and his stock skyrocketed as one of the top offensive tackle prospects. His impressive performance at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine helped solidify his place as a first-round pick.

Penning was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 19th overall pick in the first round. The Saints had a need at the offensive tackle position, and Penning’s combination of size, strength, and raw athleticism made him a perfect fit. New Orleans saw great potential in him, and they were eager to bring him in as a future anchor for their offensive line.

Penning’s selection by the Saints was not just a milestone for him but also an exciting moment for the franchise, which has been working to revamp its offensive line. His arrival signaled a new era for the Saints, with a focus on building a more formidable and dominant front.

Playing Style and Strengths

One of the most noticeable aspects of Trevor Penning’s play is his sheer physicality. Standing at 6’7” and weighing 330 pounds, he is a towering figure on the field. However, it’s not just his size that makes him effective, it’s how he uses that size to his advantage. Penning plays with an aggressive demeanor, often finishing his blocks with a tenacity that is rare for a player of his age.

Key Strengths:

Run Blocking: Penning excels in run blocking due to his raw power. His strength allows him to push defenders back and open up holes for running backs. His ability to generate movement at the line of scrimmage has been one of the primary reasons the Saints invested in him.

Pass Protection: While his run-blocking ability is his most well-known trait, Penning is also solid in pass protection. His long arms and quick footwork allow him to mirror defenders and keep quarterbacks safe in the pocket.

Physicality and Aggression: Penning has a no-nonsense style of play. He often finishes blocks with extra effort, sometimes pushing defenders past the play to ensure the play is fully successful. His aggressive mentality is something the Saints love about his game.

Mental Toughness: Penning has a relentless attitude toward his development and play, which is seen in his ability to respond to challenges, whether it’s facing a tough opponent or adapting to the speed of the NFL.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite his immense talent, Trevor Penning’s transition to the NFL hasn’t been without its challenges. There are several areas where he will need to improve to make the leap to elite status in the league.

Penalties and Over-aggression: One of the biggest criticisms of Penning during his time at UNI was his tendency to commit penalties due to his over-aggressive playing style. At times, he could get too eager and find himself flagged for holding or other infractions. In the NFL, where the competition is tougher and the stakes are higher, this will be something Penning must refine to avoid hurting his team.

Transition to the NFL Speed: While Penning’s college tape was impressive, the speed and strength of NFL defenders are on a different level. He will have to adjust to the faster and more skilled edge rushers in the league. Penning has already shown a willingness to learn, but this transition is a common challenge for many rookies.

Technique Refinement: Penning’s raw power and aggressive mindset are his greatest assets, but his technique still requires development. He needs to refine his hand placement, leverage, and pass-blocking fundamentals to become a more polished player at the NFL level.

The Impact of Penning on the NFL

Trevor Penning’s arrival in the NFL is seen as a significant moment for the New Orleans Saints. As an offensive tackle, he will be a cornerstone of the team’s offensive line for years to come. The Saints have invested heavily in their offensive line, and Penning is seen as a key piece in this effort.

Penning’s impact on the NFL extends beyond just his own play. His aggressive style and physicality are starting to influence the way teams approach building their offensive lines. With the growing importance of pass protection and the increasing focus on protecting quarterbacks, players like Penning are becoming more sought after. His presence in the NFL helps elevate the importance of offensive line play and emphasizes the need for dominant, physically imposing players.

The Future of Trevor Penning

The future looks bright for Trevor Penning. His raw talent, combined with his work ethic and desire to improve, gives him all the tools needed to succeed in the NFL. Although he will face challenges, his determination to learn and grow will likely propel him to success. As he continues to develop, Penning could become one of the premier offensive tackles in the league. The Saints will likely rely on him to protect their quarterbacks and establish a strong running game. His potential as an elite player is clear, and the next few years will be pivotal in determining how high his ceiling is.

FAQs

What is Trevor Penning’s NFL career history?

Trevor Penning was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He started his rookie season with high expectations due to his outstanding performances at Northern Iowa. Although Penning faced some injuries early in his career, he is known for his powerful run-blocking and pass protection skills. As of 2025, he is continuing to develop into one of the top tackles in the league.

What is Trevor Penning known for in football?

Penning is known for his strength, toughness, and aggressive playing style. During his time at Northern Iowa, he earned a reputation as one of the top offensive linemen in college football due to his ability to dominate defenders. He also gained attention for his fiery temperament, frequently engaging in physical confrontations on the field.

How did Trevor Penning perform in his rookie NFL season?

In his rookie season (2022), Trevor Penning showed flashes of his potential, though he faced challenges with injuries. He missed a portion of the season due to a foot injury but still displayed significant promise as a powerful and determined lineman. As of 2023, Penning is expected to become a key player for the New Orleans Saints’ offensive line in the upcoming seasons.

What injury did Trevor Penning suffer?

During his rookie season in 2022, Penning suffered a foot injury that caused him to miss several games. This injury set back his development a bit, but Penning has shown resilience in working through the recovery process and has continued to train hard to improve.

How fast is Trevor Penning?

Trevor Penning has impressive athleticism for his size. He ran the 40-yard dash in approximately 4.89 seconds at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, showcasing his speed and agility despite his large frame. This combination of speed and power is part of what makes him a formidable offensive lineman.

In Summary

Trevor Penning’s journey from a small-town high school player to a first-round pick in the NFL is an inspiring story of hard work, talent, and determination. As he continues to develop his skills and adjust to the professional game, it is clear that Penning has the potential to become one of the league’s top offensive linemen. With his aggressive playing style and physical dominance, Penning is poised to make a significant impact on the NFL for years to come.

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