Offensive tackle may not have been the number one priority in the Saints war room during the recent NFL Draft, but when New Orleans saw that the Stanford offensive lineman was up for grabs, they snagged him as the Draft's 13th pick.
Peat is the first offensive lineman to be selected by the Saints in the first round of the Draft since 2005.
"I love the way this guy plays," Coach Sean Payton said. "I absolutely love it when you look at his size and length. We can all think of a number of great players, Pro Bowl players, hall of fame players who had a quiet demeanor. But he certainly is someone who is passionate about playing and you can see that on film when you watch a lot of the game tape."
Peat's arrival makes things interesting in the Saints offensive tackle lineup, which now stars veteran Zach Strief and Terron Armstead. Payton declined to label Peat as competition versus depth, but the 6'6", 315-pound Morris Trophy winner holds a lot of promise to make a quick impact.
"They didn't really tell me where they wanted to play me, but I am ready to come in and contribute wherever they need me on the line. I just want to come in and compete," Peat said. I've always played tackle so I feel comfortable playing both sides."
Peat is intelligent as well as athletically gifted. He was a psychology major at Stanford, and has spent years learning from his father Todd, who played tackle in the NFL in the late '80's and early '90's.
"I feel like I am a pretty quick learner," Peat said. "I have always studied really hard on my playbook. I feel like it will be a pretty good transition for me coming in and learning everything."
Peat's transition may also be smoother given the pro style offense and West Coast terminology Stanford used.
"I feel like Coach (Jim) Harbaugh and Coach (David) Shaw did a great job of preparing us physically and mentally for the next level," Peat said. "The blue collar mentality, we are going to be the toughest guys on the field. It's that kind of mindset. The guys at Stanford really helped me out, playing with a lot of smart guys and tough guys."
Despite the fact Peat has spent his entire career at left tackle, he is willing to slide to a guard position if it equates to more playing time.
"You're blocking different body types," Peat said. "Things happen a little bit quicker playing inside, but I feel like if I have to play that position I could do it well."
Peat will wear #75 for New Orleans.
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