2015 NFL Draft: Andrus Peat Vs. Brandon Scherff
The 2015 NFL Draft is all but here and the Giants should really be keenly looking at two prospects in my mind: Andrus Peat and Brandon Scherff. Both are outstanding prospects that will start day one on someones team, but which player serves the Giants best?
Their decision to pick either in my opinion relies squarely on what they want to do with Justin Pugh. If they feel like Justin Pugh will be fine at the Right Tackle position then I think they go withScherff. If they think Pugh would serve better inside then I think they choose Peat. Let’s breakdown each players game, shall we?
Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linesman Brandon Scherff (68) blocks against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Scherff in my mind is like a lumberjack. He just reminds me of someone who would come out of Iowa. He’s a big nasty interior lineman that thrives in the run game and packs a punch based on his rare strength.
Last season, the Giants ranked 23rd in rushing and surely need to improve that mark if they want to continue on the idea of having a balanced offense. They took Odell Beckham Jr. in last year’s draft to add another dimension in their pass game, while passing on a rising star similar to Scherff in Zach Martin.
If they do decide to choose Scherff, I feel like it would be the Zach Martin redo pick. Nobody is going to complain with the selection of Odell Beckham Jr., but they also passed on an elite lineman in Martin that they could have really used.
Now, let’s dissect Mr. Peat’s game. As you already know, last year the team decided to use a different strategy when selecting players in the draft. They went with higher character and overall safer bets as future NFL starters. With that strategy in place, Jerry Reese had his most successful draft since his inaugural Super Bowl draft of 07′.
Peat to me just seems like he fits that persona. I think his Stanford background represents a very cerebral part of his character and I think his potential to be the team’s future left tackle in the coming years is also enticing with his great size and pass blocking ability.
Let’s face it, the tackle position is just more important than the guard position. Tackles have to play with more space and deal with speedy outside rushers, so the position is just a bit more valued.
That is why I think when the Giants hand in their card on thursday night they ultimately decide to go with Peat. I don’t think they’re sold on Pugh starting at Right Tackle and Peat to me fits the vision and need of this club.