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Andrus Peat is Not the Answer for New Orleans Saints in First Round

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Andrus Peat

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

For only the second time in six seasons, the New Orleans Saints missed out on the playoffs. The hope is the selection of offensive tackle Andrus Peat with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft will change all of that, but unfortunately, fans in New Orleans should not count on it.

On the surface, drafting Peat makes perfect sense. No one wants to see Pro-Bowl quarterback Drew Brees flat on his back for more than 30 times in a season. He needs time to make plays, which is something the Saints failed to do for him last season.

The idea is Peat’s strong frame and burst off the snap should allow him to get ahead of defenders, something that will help improve New Orleans’ offensive line play. However, that may not be a reality the organization can enjoy right away.

Even though there is a need on the offensive line, I believe the Saints could have attacked that necessity later in the draft. When taking a player as high as No. 13 overall, the expectation is they will have an immediate impact. Regrettably, I do not see that happening with Peat. There is no question he will be a work in progress, which means he may not be able to be a contributor right away.

The good news is his flaws are fixable. If the Saints can figure out a way to get rid of his bad habits in the ensuing months, Peat has the athleticism and raw talent that could make him an above average blindside pass blocker. Of course, some of his flaws are not exactly teachable, which has to make the Saints a bit worrisome.

In my opinion, New Orleans should have addressed some of their struggles on the defensive side of the ball, particularly their pass rush, with the No. 13 overall pick. Outside linebacker Bud Dupree is a stellar talent who would have fit in with the Saints brilliantly. Considering New Orleans has two first round draft picks, they still may consider that to be a possibility.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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