Arizona Cardinals: 5 First Round Options in 2015 NFL Draft

Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

October 10, 2014; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive tackle Andrus Peat (70) blocks Washington State Cougars linebacker Kache Palacio (40) during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Stanford defeated Washington State 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

While the free agent addition of Iupati certainly helps solidify the Cardinals’ interior offensive line, they still have a need at the right tackle position. If available at the 24th pick, Andrus Peat would be an intriguing best available selection for the Cardinals, while also filling a mild need.

Peat has strong bloodlines as his dad Todd Peat was a solid NFL offensive lineman for six years with the Cardinals and Oakland Raiders in the late 1980s and early 1990s.  His size alone (6-foot-7, 313 pounds) makes Peat an interesting tackle prospect.

Peat has surprising quickness and athleticism for a man his size. He gets off the snap very quickly and has natural athleticism that allows him to handle speed rushers. He shows great agility in pass protection, and does not reach towards defenders, letting them come to him instead.

He has great pass protection skills that make him a great fit for Arizona. Arians loves to throw the ball deep, and Peat dominating in pass protection would only help their deep passing game.

While he does have physically imposing size, Peat does lack the nastiness that teams like to see in offensive line prospects, with some even calling him soft. Peat’s lack of physicality prevents him from being a great run blocker, but he is solid in that department based on athleticism and technique.

Peat is a prospect with major upside as an athletic blind side pass protector. If he can ever find that mean streak, the sky is the limit for this prospect.

Next: Another Strong Pass Rush Option