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2015 NFL Mock Draft: Andrus Peat Selected by Bengals

By David Petrocelli

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Oct 25, 2014; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive tackle Andrus Peat (70) prepares to block Oregon State Beavers linebacker D.J. Alexander (4) rush during the third quarter at Stanford Stadium. Stanford won 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

In Fansided’s most recent 2015 mock draft, editor Josh Sanchez has the team selecting offensive tackle Andrus Peat out of Stanford.  Before we get into analyzing the selection here’s what Sanchez has to say.

"“Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith are closing in on the end of their contracts, so it would make sense for the Bengals to begin looking ahead and potentially snagging one of their replacements. Secondary will also be an option for Cincinnati, but Peat is one of the best players still on the board and a versatile offensive lineman who some have considered to be a top ten talent in recent months.”"

Although I disagree with Sanchez suggestion that secondary will be an option, that’s beside the point.  The selection here is Andrus Peat, and it’s a good one.  As can be easily seen from his picture here alone, Peat is built like a mountain and has great strength in his lower half.  But build isn’t everything, and it’s certainly not where Peat’s talent ends.

Sanchez hits Andrus Peat’s analysis pretty much on the head.  He has great strength and could turn into a powerful run blocker, which would make both Hue Jackson and Jeremy Hill smile, not to mention Giovani Bernard.  With right tackle Andre Smith having suffered from injuries at several points in his career including last year’s season-ending torn triceps, his return to Cincinnati isn’t assured following his contract season in 2015.  Peat could adequately fill his spot and maul defenders from the right side.

Yet Andrus Peat’s versatility would allow him to be an adequate replacement for Andrew Whitworth also if the Bengals end up moving on from him.  Peat has light enough feet and enough athleticism to play on the left side also.  He’ll need some refining, but if the Bengals took him this year he’d have 2015 to learn the ropes from a great line coach like Paul Alexander, not to mention to tutelage he’d great from an All-Pro like Andrew Whitworth.

But 2015 wouldn’t necessarily be a lost season for Peat either as far as production on the field.  The Bengals are in need of a backup swing tackle after losing Anthony Collins in 2014 and the failed Marshall Newhouse experiment last season.  Peat would be a quality reserve swing tackle, which would insure the team against injury, something the Bengals have struggled with in recent seasons.

Andrus Peat could end of being the “best player available” if he’s available when the Bengals are “on the clock.”  They are no strangers to using their first-round selection in such a way.  And considering how Andrus Peat would solve both a long-term and short-term issue in fantastic fashion, his selection is both plausible and prudent.

Next: Baylor Wide Receiver Antwan Goodley to Bengals Makes Sense

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