Andrus Peat to the New Orleans Saints: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The New Orleans Saints kicked off their 2015 draft with the selection of Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat.

Despite the fact that head coach Sean Payton’s squad needed help at multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball, it opted to shore-up its offensive line first.

Peat comes to New Orleans after having enjoyed a successful collegiate career. He was named second-team All-American by the AP in 2014, and he was also a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s top interior lineman.

As far as physical attributes are concerned, there’s a lot to like about the 6'7", 313-pounder. In addition to his long, massive frame, he’s extremely agile for a man his size. He has the quick feet often desired in a left tackle, and he also has solid instincts as a blocker. This should come in handy when facing the Atlanta Falcons’ newly acquired pass-rusher—first-round pick Vic Beasley—in future NFC South battles.  

In addition, he uses his hands well, and he can overwhelm pass-rushers with a lethal combination of length, power and quickness.

While he has great potential as a pass protector, he could develop into a solid run-blocker at the next level, as well. Stanford’s offense places heavy emphasis on establishing a downhill rushing attack, and with Peat’s size and strength, it’s not surprising that he demonstrated flashes of dominance as a road-grader in games.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

He does have his shortcomings, however, such as his sometimes-shaky technique in pass protection. He has a tendency to stand up straight at times, while at other times he has a habit of bending over and lunging at defenders.

Peat should be able to improve on some of these weaknesses, however, as he’s a smart football player who was well-coached at Stanford. He should enter the season in the mix for immediate playing time.

The question at the moment is: Where exactly will he play?

New Orleans already has third-year-man Terron Armstead at the left tackle slot. Armstead wasn’t exactly stellar for the Saints in 2014—his first year as a full-time starter—but he had his moments in pass protection and as a run-blocker.

Although Peat looks the part of a prototypical left tackle, it’s tough to imagine the Saints pulling the plug on Armstead after just one season as a starter. That certainly looks to be the case, though, given Peat's measurables.

At the right tackle spot, the Saints' current starter is 10-year-veteran Zach Strief, who was also serviceable last season. Strief is 31 years old, however, and the Saints could be looking to eventually replace him with Peat in the next couple of seasons.

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

There’s also the slight possibility that the New Orleans front office envisions Peat potentially playing guard, at least early in his career.

The fact that the Saints traded for center Max Unger and signed running backs Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller suggests that they’ll run the ball between the tackles a little more next season.

As a guard, Peat could be the final piece of the puzzle in the Saints’ transition to a more run-oriented offense. After all, the future of current starting right guard Jahri Evans in New Orleans isn’t certain after this season, and Tim Lelito has yet to prove that he’s the long-term solution on the left side.

Given his size and athleticism, however, it's hard to see the Saints ultimately playing Peat anywhere but at left tackle.

At any rate, the fact that New Orleans went with Peat early in the draft suggests that the Saints are fully committed to establishing a strong group of capable blockers across the offensive line.

This has been a formula for success time and time again in the NFL, and that’s why the selection of Peat should prove to be beneficial for the Saints for the next several seasons.