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2015 NFL Mock Draft: Rams Use First Pick to Protect the Blind Side?

Despite being several months away, it’s never too early to look to the 2015 NFL draft for a team’s positional needs. All signs point to Quarterback for the St. Louis Rams. Hold that thought...

By Brandon Bate
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Even a victory over offensive juggernauts like the Denver Broncos won’t tear some St. Louis Rams’ fans away from the 2015 NFL Draft. A must-follow site as we head towards the draft, SB Nation’s Mocking the Draft updated their 2015 mock draft today, and you might be surprised who the Rams take with the 12th overall pick...

12. St. Louis Rams: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
The Rams can't go into another season hoping that Jake Long can stay healthy. A player like Peat is an athletic blindside blocker with upside.


Soooo....yeah. The Rams aren’t going to be able to rely on Jake Long at left tackle after suffering his umpteenth knee injury. But if Peat is blocking ____________’s blindside, then what is Greg Robinson up to?

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Here’s what CBS Sports draft analyst Rob Rang has to say about the 6’ 7" Stanford product:

STRENGTHS: Peat is impressive on the hoof. He has long arms, broad shoulders and good weight distribution with tree trunks for thighs. Given Peat's monstrous frame, it is almost unfair that he gains an immediate advantage on his opponent with surprising quickness off the snap. He is balanced and light on his feet to slip out to the second level and can adjust to moving targets.

In pass protection, Peat has the agility to slip wide to his left, sealing off speed rushers trying to turn the corner, as well the strength to latch and control defenders. Peat is patient, allowing the defender to come to him, showing good lateral agility and balance to mirror.

WEAKNESSES: Comes off the ball too high and doesn't explode through his hips to drive opponents backward, settling to turn and seal. In pass pro, he will occasionally get lazy and bend at the waist, leaning into pass rushers and inviting counter-moves back to the inside. This flaw could be exposed more in 2014 now that former Morris Trophy Award winner David Yankey is playing for the Minnesota Vikings rather than starring at left guard.

Occasional lapses in technique is the kind of nit-picking that could happen with Peat, who, otherwise looks the part of a future high first round pick.

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In Dan Kadar’s September mock, he had the Rams picking 10th [progress!] and taking Baylor QB, Bryce Petty.  Peat went 8th in that mock. Is Peat a value pick at 12?  


UPDATE [11/19]:  Matt Miller from Bleacher Report released his 2015 first round mock.  Who did he pick for the Rams?

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