With the 13th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected offensive tackle Andrus Peat of Stanford. Peat is at the top of the heap when it comes to prospects who are definitely suited for the tackle position at the next level.
NFL Draft results 2015: Andrus Peat selected by Saints
There’s no doubt about where Peat is best-suited to play: left tackle.
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Guys like Brandon Scherff of Iowa and La’el Collins of LSU were considered potential guards at one point or another in the pre-draft process. For Peat, there’s never been doubt: he’s going to be an offensive tackle at the next level, and probably one who will play on the left side. Peat is a very strong pass blocker, and should be able to start the premium left tackle spot as a rookie.
Peat was named a second-team All-American for his 2014 season. He was also an Outland Trophy semifinalist, and was a second-team All-Pac-12 player in 2013. He started the final 27 games of his career at Stanford, primarily at left tackle.
If there are any complaints against Peat, they always have to do with run blocking. Peat is susceptible to inside moves and doesn’t always make lanes well for his running backs. He’ll keep the quarterback on his feet more often than naught, but teams are better suited running on the other side of the line.
New Orleans has another pick in the first round, at No. 31 overall. We’ll see if they address one of their other areas of need, such as the defensive line or linebacker. Offensive line was the biggest need, and Peat should immediately step into a starting role at tackle.
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