NFL Draft 2015 Prospect Profile: Offensive Lineman Andrus Peat

The 2015 NFL Draft will be held on April 30 through May 2 in Chicago, and it is a time where the 32 NFL teams will look to add some pieces to improve both this year and in future years.  The Indianapolis Colts currently have nine picks in the Draft, including at least one in each round, and therefore they should be active on Draft day.  Who might they target?  We're taking a look at a number of different prospects, and today we take a look at Stanford offensive lineman Andrus Peat.

Background

The 6-7, 316 pound lineman started every game over the past two seasons at left tackle for Stanford after playing in 13 games in 2012 as a freshman.  In 2014, he was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press and a first-team All-American by a number of media outlets.

Pros

Peat is very pro-ready after playing in Stanford's system and brings a nice blend of both power and quickness that enables him to excel at left tackle.  He's especially strong in run blocking but is able to play well in pass protection also.  He is quick off the snap and in reacting to moves by opposing defenders and has the size and strength needed to utilize that as well.

Cons

Sometimes plays too high and his pass protection can use some work, as he has shown that he can get beat by speed rushers around the edge.

Big Board Rankings

NFL.com (Mike Mayock)- number 4 offensive tackle

CBSSports.com - 23rd overall, number 4 offensive tackle

Mocking the Draft - 24th overall, number 4 offensive tackle

Mock Draft Predictions

Stephen Reed's most recent mock draft:  selected by Kansas City Chiefs, 18th overall

Josh Wilson's most recent mock draft:  selected by Cincinnati Bengals, 21st overall

How Would He Help the Colts?

Andrus Peat comes from Andrew Luck's alma mater and would certainly help protect the team's franchise quarterback, so many have projected the Colts to pick Peat.  To begin with, let's just establish this: I don't expect that Andrus Peat will still be available at pick number 29 when the Colts are up.  I just don't think it'll happen, but there are people who think that it really could based on their mock drafts.

So what if he were available there?  How would he help the Colts?  Perhaps the first thing you might notice is that the Colts already have a left tackle that they really like (and for good reason).  It's one thing to say that the Colts need offensive line help (which isn't even their biggest need) but it's another thing entirely to say that they should replace their best and most consistent lineman.  So regardless of who the Colts draft, they're not going to be replacing Anthony Castonzo whatsoever.  If the Colts selected Peat, they would be drafting him to eventually be the replacement to Gosder Cherilus at right tackle.  Cherilus' health is still a question mark and so Peat could be insurance if Cherilus were to not return healthy or to play at a high level, as well as a long-term replacement for the right tackle position.

He would help the Colts in run blocking particularly but also could give them a nice boost in terms of pass protection, and he would be a good value pick at number 29.  But I don't expect him to be available there, and either way I still think that defense is a bigger need than offensive line.  It's nothing against Peat as a player, as I think he'll be a very good one, but I think the Colts should target the defensive side of the ball in the first round.  The hardest part about all of this draft talk, especially for a team that picks 29th, is that we can't predict how the draft goes and therefore I can't make a definitive statement about it, but I will say that there are bigger needs for the Colts than offensive line.  But will there be a better player than Peat available if he were to fall to 29?  I'm not so sure.