Saints' Sean Payton envisions 1st-rounder Andrus Peat as a right tackle

If New Orleans Saints first-round draft pick Andrus Peat is a Day 1 starter, his duties probably won't include protecting quarterback Drew Brees's blind side.

Head coach Sean Payton said the team worked Peat at both left and right tackle at its rookie minicamp this week, but he envisions Peat ultimately slotting in on the right side.

Payton's words should come as no surprise. Terron Armstead is entrenched as the Saints' starting left tackle.

Though it was once rare for teams to use first-round picks on right tackles, the position has seen a significant jump in value in recent seasons as blitz schemes get more complex and the running game is de-emphasized.

If Peat can deliver high-end play at right tackle, he will be well worth the 13th overall pick the Saints spent to acquire him. However, Peat may be challenged to pick up the offense quickly because he will be away for a portion of OTAs due to some school responsibilities at Stanford.

While Peat is away, the coaching staff is planning to keep him up to speed with Skype sessions about the offense.

Assuming Peat starts on the right side, the Saints could move Zach Strief to one of their two guard spots. The team has the raw ingredients of one of the league's best offensive lines, but there's still a lot to be worked out before play kicks off in September.