This is the first time I've seen this tackle go so late in the first round:
Andrus Peat, OT (Stanford)
Class: Jr | Ht: 6'6" | Wt: 315 lbs
Analysis: It's not really overstating it to say the Panthers' pass protection was absolute garbage in 2014. And if you assume they will make a commitment to Cam Newton this offseason, they'll need to find a way not to take his durability for granted in constructing the offensive line, because even Newton can't hold up forever with this kind of blocking. Peat is a still-improving blocker in every facet, but he has as much upside as any tackle in the draft, has great bloodlines and if you really go through his games this season, you'll see he did a great job of keeping his quarterback clean. I don't see him as a rookie starter at left tackle, but I see him as an eventual one.
Mel our offensive line was not 'garbage' in 2014...it was more of a dumpster fire! Fortunately it's a good year for OTs in the draft.
For this reason I predict 99 out of 100 mocks this offseason will have an OT going to the Panthers. Let's hope a good one slides to us and G-Man has no choice to pick him.
So what if that guy was Andrus Peat? Me? I would love it. Many have Peat going in the top 10 so this is the first time I've seen him slide to the 20's. Dan Kadar lists Peat as the fifth best OT in the class, one of 7 with 1st round grades. Walter Football ranks him #1 among tackles though they last updated the list at the beginning of December.
Here's a scouting report on Peat from CSR's own scouting fanatic Derek Leaser which he posted last September:
Carolina Panthers Tuesday Afternoon Prospect: OT Andrus Peat - Cat Scratch Reader
Final Word As you can see, Peat's strengths far outnumber his weaknesses. He definitely has room to improve, but the sky is the limit for this prospect. To understand his potential, all you need to know is that Stanford head coach, David Shaw, was confident enough to leave him on an island for every single play against one of the best pass rushers in all of college football (Anthony Barr) last year. In response, the sophomore stud didn't allow a sack and contained the 2014 ninth overall pick with ease. Shaw even went so far as to say that he thinks Peat can ultimately come close to reaching Jonathan Ogden level achievements.
The more I look at him the more I'm convinced no way does 24 other teams pass on this guy. He will be long gone by the time the Panthers pick but we can dream right? We might catch another 'falling Star'! What do you think of this pick Panther fans?