The Minnesota Vikings have a pretty glaring need at offensive tackle. The team's pass protection in 2014 wasn't very good. Even if left tackle Matt Kalil does bounce back from a bad year, the Vikings shouldn't take any chances with second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and his slight frame.
Minnesota ranked just 27th in adjusted sack rate last season, according to Football Outsiders. Kalil totaled 37 blown blocks which led to a sack or pressure. Right tackle Phil Loadholt didn't fare much better 25 blown blocks in only 11games. Better blocking is a must.
That is why Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat may be an option in the NFL Draft.
"The Vikings can't afford to continue putting their faith in talented LT Matt Kalil, who has been too inconsistent and will be expensive to retain if they pick up his fifth-year option," Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. wrote. "Peat has the tools to step in as an immediate starter on the left side and protect Bridgewater's blind side for years."
Recently, the team has been linked to Louisville wide receiver (and Bridgewater's former favorite target) DeVante Parker and Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes with the No. 11 overall pick in the draft. That may be a bit too early for Peat, who ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects to go 21st to the Cincinnati Bengals in his Mock Draft 4.0.
"The Bengals could take DT Malcom Brown here or possibly look at one of the wide receivers, but Peat is a great value pick here...and Cincy's starting left tackle, Andrew Whitworth is a free agent after the 2015 season. Peat struggles against power at times, but he has all the tools to develop into a good starting NFL left tackle. The return of Michael Johnson in free agency lessens the Bengals' need for a pass-rusher, to a certain degree."
