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Scouting Report: Boston College's Anthony Castonzo has some physical tools to be envious of. He's got big hands, long reach, and a lean build. On the downside he's a little light and I wonder how he'll maintain weight in the NFL. He's a decent athlete with good feet and nice lateral movement. Maybe his best weapon in the blocking game is between his ears. Castonzo is a very smart player with very good awareness and instincts. He's a very sound technical blocker and while he isn't always the most athletic or powerful guy on the field, rarely is he caught out of position or beat on a play because he didn't do his job or follow his assignment. In terms of a resume' you can't discount a guy who's a four year starter at both left and right tackle.
Draft Status: There is much debate about what order the top 4 or 5 tackles will be drafted in. As always it'll come down to the best fit for the team. Castonzo isn't going to be the first tackle off the board, but he's in the mix for 2-5, which will put him in the first round almost certainly. Whether it's pick 11 or 31 will depend on how teams rate the other top tackles in the draft.
Final Analysis: I like Castonzo a lot. I wish he had a little more meat his bones, and I wish he was more consistent. He's an interesting mix because while he's not the biggest strongest guy, he isn't as athletic as his sleek build might suggest. I think his NFL future is to put some beef on and spend a long time at right tackle in the NFL. He's too smart and too natural a leader not to succeed in the NFL, and while he may not be the most physically imposing guy nor the most athletic tackle prospect in the NFL, he's very sound technically. He's a hard worker and has a good all around skillset, but nothing that really stands out. He's a decent pass protector, but a much better run blocker, able to get into the body of a defender, re-direct them and even pull and get to the next level on a pretty consistent basis.
Reminds me of: Russell Okung OT Seattle Seahawks. Both guys are a little underrated technically and overrated physically and both need to get bigger and stronger in the NFL. Neither play as mean and strong as you would ideally like, but both know their assignments and work hard.
Red Flags: None
Scouting Report written by Curt Popejoy |
