History and Opportunity Led to the Drafting of Andrus Peat.

(Rookie Tackle Andrus Peat during rookie mini-camp.)

Every team has their weaknesses, but there's usually one in particular each season that does them in.

The challenge for coaching staffs and personnel departments is addressing current needs while making sure other positions don't go to pot. While you always want to fill immediate needs, the latter is just as important as the former. An area of strength can soon turn into an area of weakness if neglected, or in the Saints case, taking project players and reaching for them in the process.

There has been a lie circulating for years that the Saints don't value offensive tackles, but the team spent a 2nd round pick on Charles Brown in 2010. Brown spent the majority of his time as a back up, but earned the starting job in 2013. He was bench late in the year and the team didn't attempt to resign him. He was a converted tight end in college and never really developed the strength needed for the position. He was raw, and they reached for him. This happened repeatedly with players like Martez Wilson, Corey White, Tavon Rooks, and to the chagrin of Saints fans, Stanley Jean-Baptist. This practice led to the firing of Rick Reiprish and the hiring of Jeff Ireland.

While a failure as a GM in Miami, Ireland excelled at scouting during his time in Dallas. Many thought that the Saints were blowing up their roster but this was a controlled demolition, albeit a risky one. The roster already had it deficiencies, and they traded away some big pieces of it. If the Saints don't nail the 2015 draft, and the team flounders again, then they really are looking at a rebuild, this time with Brees as their trade worthy asset. The fact that the team didn't even try to rework or extend Brees's contract makes it more than likely that they see that as a real possibility.

The drafting of Andrus Peat caught fans and analyst by surprise, but I believe it caught the team by surprise as well. They probably didn't think he'd be available at 13. I know some have complained that you could have gotten him at 31, but mock drafts aren't reality. The draft comes and shows us just how different the teams boards were from the analyst's projections. Pass rusher was one of the top needs. Dante Fowler and Vic Beasly went early. Randy Gregory (positive drug test) and Shane Ray (DUI) were too much of a risk that high, and Bud Dupree was a raw physical specimen, the very thing they were trying to get away from. In hindsight it was either Peat or Devante Parker. Parker would have provided a true #1 receiver and excitement, but Peat provided something much more valuable.

(Zach Strief could see his tenure as starter end this year)

I may be in the minority but I think Peat is going to start this year. Zach Strief has been one of the most consistent performers in recent history, but he has missed 10 games since becoming the starter in 2011. Peat was the most pro-ready tackle coming out of the draft. Sean Payton has raved about how fluid his movements are for such a big man. Peat is like a more physically gifted Zach Strief. They are both 6'7'' tackles with long arms, but Peat's ceiling is much higher. He could be an all pro. You can't keep this guy on the bench. If he's not the starter, he will see the field a lot in heavy, unbalanced lines this year.

This brings me to two objections I've seen repeatedly.

"So we're going to be paying 4 mil a year for a backup?"

and

"So we spent the 13th pick on a right tackle?"

First off, if you have more production and great depth at the tackle position to where you never have to play Bryce Harris, is that not worth 4 mil a year? That could mean the difference between winning one or two games. It is also highly probable that the team will ask Strief to take a pay cut after the season.

Secondly, the distinction between left and right tackle is becoming less important. Teams play in sub-packages most of the time. In passing situations, when the pressure is on, teams are looking to put their best pass rushers on the field. They're not sitting there saying "Well, you have the strength to set the edge and the athleticism to cover tight-ends, so why don't you go out and rush the quarterback off the strong side against their 5 receiver set?" While it is true that the teams most talented pass rusher does rush mostly from the blind side, they will rush from the strong side at times in an attempt to create a mismatch. Then you have exotic blitzes, stunts and overloaded fronts. You need capable pass blockers on both sides in today's NFL.

There is also the distinct possibility that there could be some position changes along the offensive line. While Sean Payton said there were no plans for any of their tackles to play guard, Peat's position coach may have clued us in that it's at least been discussed.

From Larry Holder's article on Nola.com:

"What we have to find out for next season is who are our best five players and how do we put them on the field at the same time," Saints offensive line coach Bret Ingalls said after Saturday's practice. "I can't answer that question today, but that's the goal. Put the best five players out there.
"If he's playing tackle or if he's playing guard or if he's playing wherever he's playing, we're going to find the best five guys. Talent-wise, I think he's capable of contributing." 

You can read the rest here.

There have been questions to whether or not Brees could see the field with a 6'7" guard. The truth is Brees has always been short and has developed ways to compensate. He tends to drop back deeper than most quarterbacks to give him more time and a greater view of the field. He'll tilt his head back and stand on the tips of his toes to get every last bit of height out of his 6'0" frame. His footwork is one of the best in the league and he's a master of maneuvering around in the pocket to see through passing lanes and avoid pressure. Things fall apart for him when he's pressured up the middle. If Brees has a clean pocket the added height in front of him might be negligible.

The selection of Andrus Peat was uncharacteristic, and here's to many more like it.