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If Drew Brees is the franchise, then protecting him is paramount.

With everyone looking for help on defense, the Saints threw a bit of a curveball by selecting Stanford offensive lineman Andrus Peat with the 13th overall pick in the draft.

Read more: Saints select offensive lineman Andrus Peat with the 13th pick - Black and Gold

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Tall with a thick lower body and well-proportioned frame. Has good knee bend and movement for a power player. Shows some bounce in his feet. Gains plenty of ground on kick slide but keeps his weight under him. Able to transition from pass set to power step inside to close down inside moves. Hand placement generally good in run and pass. Plays with a strong, wide base. Above-average understanding of protections. Instinctive against twists and reacts quickly to them. Able to drop his anchor in pass protection. Powerful drive blocker with explosive hips. Plays with leverage and leg drive to mow down overmatched defenders. Punishes defensive tackles when asked to secure with a down-block. Once he locks out, has the anchor and power to end his opponent's chances.

WEAKNESSES Left tackle displaying some edge fear. Technique breaks down when facing wide rushers with juice off the snap. Opens up prematurely and turns into a lunger. Waist-bender. Will lead with head and hands, hoping to land a strike and engulf the edge speed. Needs to improve angle of pass sets against speed. Has direction-change issues when moving in space. Gets stuck to first block too long, allowing second-level target to escape over top. Has issues with sustaining blocks on second level and doesn't always work feet to improve positioning when blocking laterally.

DRAFT PROJECTION Round 1

NFL COMPARISON Andrew Whitworth

BOTTOM LINE Big and powerful with a right tackle's play strength and demeanor, but enough foot quickness to protect on the left side. Peat has the physical tools to be an upper-echelon run blocker with pass-protection ability, but he needs to improve his technique in order to protect with consistency. Peat has been well-coached and is one of the most game-ready offensive linemen in this year's draft.

Andrus Peat Draft Profile




What do you know about the Saints? Have you visited with them? Did you take a visit to New Orleans?

“Yes, I took a visit to the Saints and I really enjoyed it when I was there.”

Did you have any idea the Saints were going to pick you tonight?

“I could tell that when I met with them that they really liked me. I was just really excited when I found out that they picked me. It’s a great team and a great organization. I am glad to be a part of it now.”

Did the Saints give you any indication on how they would like to use you?

“They didn’t really tell me where they wanted to play me, but I am ready to come in and contribute wherever they need me on the line. I just want to come in and compete.”

Read more: Transcript Andrus Peat's conference call with Saints media

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