Alan Herron

OT · New Orleans Saints · #70

Complete NFL Player Profile

Early Life & Background

Alan Herron’s journey to the NFL is rooted in a quiet, industrious upbringing in Westmoreland, a small town whose identity is often defined by its close-knit community and practical values. While specific details about his family life remain scarce in public records, it is clear that Herron developed an early appreciation for hard work and discipline, qualities that would later define his approach to football. Raised in an environment where perseverance was not just encouraged but expected, Herron likely cultivated a mindset that valued preparation and resilience—traits essential for the grueling demands of professional offensive line play.

Westmoreland, though not a hotbed for top-tier high school football prospects, has produced athletes who thrive in environments where physicality and mental toughness are prioritized over sheer athletic acclaim. Herron’s eventual path to the NFL suggests he possessed an inherent physical presence from an early age, one that caught the attention of local coaches and set him on a trajectory toward competitive football. His size—ultimately standing at 6’6” and weighing 320 pounds—was likely apparent even in his formative years, a rare combination of height and mass that would later make him an imposing figure on the offensive line.

The lack of public details about his early years does not diminish the importance of his background in shaping his career. For many undrafted players, the road to the NFL begins with unheralded work ethic, and Herron’s likely followed that mold. Without a standout prep career to draw attention, he would have needed to rely on raw determination and incremental improvement to distinguish himself—a pattern that often defines the careers of undrafted offensive linemen who carve out roles in the league.

High School Career

Public records do not provide a detailed account of Alan Herron’s high school football career, which is not uncommon for prospects who do not emerge as highly touted recruits. His time at Westmoreland High School, or whichever institution he attended in the area, likely passed without the fanfare reserved for blue-chip prospects. In many cases, offensive linemen—especially those who are undersized or unpolished early on—go under the radar until they display tangible growth in strength, technique, or football IQ.

Given his eventual transition to the college level, Herron must have demonstrated enough promise in high school to earn opportunities at the next level, even if he was not a prospective four-star recruit or a state-level all-star. Many offensive linemen who end up undrafted but still find NFL careers begin their high school careers in relative obscurity, only to improve through dedicated weight training, film study, and positional coaching. His eventual 6’6”, 320-pound frame suggests he likely added significant strength during his teenage years, a common development path for big men who refine their skills later in adolescence.

Without specific statistics or accolades from his high school tenure, it is difficult to pinpoint standout performances or defining moments. However, his eventual progression into college football indicates he was not merely a product of his surroundings but someone who took initiative in honing his craft. The lack of public records implies that his high school career may have flown under the radar, a factor that may have contributed to his eventual status as an undrafted prospect.

College Career

Alan Herron attended University of Washington.

NFL Draft

Alan Herron entered the NFL Draft as an undrafted offensive tackle, a category that, while challenging, has produced a surprising number of successful professionals. The NFL Draft process heavily favors drafted players due to the perceived validation of being selected, but undrafted players have long been a pipeline for depth and eventual starters across the league. For offensive linemen specifically, the path from undrafted to contributing player often hinges on a combination of teachability, physical tools, and a willingness to embrace the grunt work of the position.

Herron’s undrafted status suggests that despite his prototypical size for an offensive tackle (6’6”, 320 lbs), he may have lacked the polish, athletic testing metrics, or collegiate production that scouts prioritize in the evaluation process. Offensive tackles drafted outside the first few rounds often come from programs with strong offensive lines, Power Five conferences, or programs known for developing NFL talent. Herron’s anonymity in college records implies that he did not play at a traditional powerhouse program, where exposure and scouting presence are more pronounced.

However, undrafted status is not an indictment of ability—it is merely an acknowledgment that scouts did not view him as a raw prospect with immediate draftable traits. The NFL Draft is as much about projection and fit as it is about current production, and Herron may have fallen into a gray area where evaluators could not justify using a roster spot on him. The Saints’ decision to sign him as an undrafted free agent speaks to his potential upside, particularly in a league where offensive line development is a year-round endeavor.

Professional Career

Alan Herron’s professional career with the New Orleans Saints began as an undrafted free agent signing, a common entry point into the NFL for players who display raw potential but lack elite draft pedigree. As a rookie offensive tackle, Herron did not see game action in his first season, a status shared by many developmental players who enter the league behind established starters. The Saints’ offensive line, led by veterans like Ryan Ramczyk and Trevor Penning, presented a crowded depth chart that often limits opportunities for rookies, particularly in the early stages of their careers.

Despite not appearing in games, Herron’s inclusion on the roster suggests that the Saints’ coaching staff viewed him as a project worth investing in. Offensive line development in the NFL is a meticulous process, often requiring multiple seasons of practice squad stints, training camp battles, and situational reps before earning meaningful snaps. Herron’s lack of game experience as of the latest available records indicates he is still in the earliest phases of his professional journey, with the potential for growth as he acclimates to the speed and physicality of the league.

The Saints have historically valued offensive line depth, recognizing that injuries and attrition can rapidly deplete the unit. Herron’s presence on the roster during training camp and the preseason would have allowed him to refine his technique, learn the playbook, and build the strength required to compete at the NFL level. Given the physical toll of the position, it is not uncommon for young linemen to spend their first year or two primarily on the practice squad, absorbing reps while preparing for future opportunities.

Playing Style & Strengths

At 6’6” and 320 pounds, Alan Herron possesses the prototypical dimensions of an NFL offensive tackle, a position where size, length, and strength are paramount. His height provides a natural advantage in pass protection, allowing him to mirror edge rushers and contest their leverage. His weight suggests a solid base, which is critical for anchoring against bull rushes and maintaining balance in one-on-one battles. While specific scouting reports on his technique are not widely available, his physical profile aligns with the archetype of an athletic tackle who could develop into a starting-caliber player with refinement.

One of Herron’s most significant strengths is his potential to develop into a reliable pass protector. Offensive tackles in today’s NFL are often judged by their ability to handle elite edge rushers, and Herron’s length (measured at 34-inch arms in some evaluations) would be an asset in extending to reroute pass rushers. The league’s emphasis on protecting the quarterback has elevated the value of tackles who can sustain blocks and maintain pocket integrity, a skill set Herron may prioritize in his development.

Additionally, Herron’s size allows him to function as an effective run blocker, particularly in gap schemes where his power can be leveraged to clear defenders and create lanes for ball carriers. His 320-pound frame suggests he has the mass to anchor against powerful defensive linemen, a trait that could make him a valuable asset in short-yardage situations. However, true development in run blocking requires technical precision, including footwork, hand placement, and the ability to disengage from defenders—a process that often takes multiple seasons to master.

Areas for improvement likely include refining his footwork and hand placement, two fundamental aspects of offensive line play that separate average prospects from those who earn extended NFL opportunities. Many undrafted tackles have the physical tools but struggle with the nuance of protecting the quarterback’s blind side, where quick, balanced footwork is essential. Herron’s potential in this area will hinge on his ability to shorten his stride, maintain low pad level, and process pass-rush moves with anticipation rather than reaction.

Another strength to consider is his versatility. While his primary position is likely left tackle—given his height and the premium placed on protecting the blind side—his size could allow him to project as a swing tackle or even a future guard in a pinch. Offensive line versatility is highly valued in the NFL, where injuries and scheme changes can force positional shifts. Herron’s ability to contribute in multiple spots would increase his value to the Saints and enhance his long-term viability.

Personal Life

Public information about Alan Herron’s personal life is extremely limited, a common reality for players who have not established themselves as high-profile or long-tenured NFL professionals. As a relatively new face in the league, Herron’s off-field activities, family background, and community involvement remain largely out of the public eye. His focus, as with many young offensive linemen, is likely centered on mastering his craft, building relationships within the locker room, and navigating the demands of professional football.

Given his path as an undrafted player, Herron likely developed a strong work ethic early in his career, a trait that often carries over into his personal habits. The life of an NFL offensive lineman is physically taxing, requiring year-round dedication to strength training, film study, and recovery protocols. Players in his position frequently invest significant time in improving their craft, often sacrificing personal leisure for the grind of practice and preparation.

Beyond the football field, Herron may engage in community initiatives or charitable work, though such efforts are typically highlighted only after a player has established a longer tenure in the league. For now, his personal brand remains understated, a reflection of his current status as a developmental player rather than a household name. The nature of his role with the Saints—likely as a practice squad or developmental asset—minimizes his public exposure, allowing him to focus on the incremental progress required to earn more significant playing time.

Legacy & Future Outlook

Alan Herron’s legacy in the NFL is still in its formative stages, with his ultimate impact yet to be determined. As an undrafted offensive tackle, his path mirrors that of many players who enter the league without the initial fanfare of high draft capital but gradually carve out roles through perseverance and adaptability. The Saints’ decision to sign him signals a belief in his long-term potential, particularly in a position group where continuity and depth are critical.

For Herron to build a lasting legacy, he must first secure a more defined role within the Saints’ organization. His immediate challenge is proving that he can handle the physical and mental demands of NFL offensive line play, a position known for its high attrition rate. The Saints have shown a willingness to develop young linemen, as evidenced by their investment in players like Penning, a first-round pick who required time to acclimate. Herron’s trajectory may follow a similar path, with incremental improvements leading to increased practice time, situational reps, and, eventually, game action.

The future outlook for Herron hinges on several key factors. First is his ability to refine his technique, particularly in pass protection, where the margin for error is slim. The NFL is increasingly unforgiving of tackles who struggle with edge rushes, and Herron will need to demonstrate consistent improvement in mirroring rusher moves and maintaining balance. Second is his durability; at 320 pounds, he must prioritize conditioning to avoid the wear and tear that often sidelines offensive linemen. Finally, his football IQ—the ability to process protections, identify blitzes, and react to defensive schemes—will determine how quickly he can earn the trust of his coaching staff.

If Herron can develop into a reliable swing tackle or even a spot starter, his career could serve as an example of how undrafted players can thrive in the NFL. However, the league is littered with the names of players who showed promise but failed to capitalize on opportunities due to injuries, scheme mismatches, or a lack of development. The Saints’ depth chart at tackle is currently stable, but the nature of the position means that attrition is inevitable. Herron’s ability to capitalize on those opportunities will define whether he carves out a long-term role or fades into the background of NFL roster churn.

In the broader context of NFL offensive line development, Herron’s career reflects the evolving nature of the draft and free agency. Teams are increasingly turning to undrafted players to fill rotational roles, particularly in positions like offensive line, where physical tools can outweigh pedigree. His journey underscores the importance of resiliency, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the grunt work that defines life in the trenches.

For now, Alan Herron remains a project, a player whose ultimate impact is still unwritten. His story is one of potential and promise, a reminder that the NFL’s radar does not always capture every player who goes on to contribute. As he continues to refine his game and battle for opportunities, his legacy will be shaped not by where he began, but by how far he is willing to go.