2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Anthony Belton (OT – NC State)

Now that we are more than halfway through the College Football season, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Anthony Belton.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Anthony Belton (OT – NC State)

Anthony Belton (OT – NC State)

6’6” – 336 lbs.

Background:

Originally attended Georgia Military junior college, spending two seasons there (including one canceled due to the pandemic), then transferred to NC State and played eleven snaps over two games in 2021. Ended up starting eight games to begin the year for the Wolfpack in 2022, but lost his starting job and rotated in after that, totaling 152 snaps over his last five appearances (624 on the year), with three sacks allowed. Won back the starting left tackle role for the 2023 season.

Positives:

Very thickly-built left tackle who will meet any team’s size requirements. Can be a handful in the run game. Brings a tough temperament, and his strength and work rate overwhelm defenders at times, with a killer instinct. Keeps his feet going after contact, and is able to grind down opponents as the play goes. Overall grip strength is good, and works hard to stay engaged. Generates a lot of torque with his upper body. Some experience pulling in the run game, or playing in space in the screen game. Not the quickest laterally, but is able to mirror pretty well on the edge against standard seven-technique alignments because of his thickness and controlled kick slide. Doesn’t over-set in pass protection, allowing him to successfully handle inside moves. Absorbs opposing bull rushers quickly, with a strong lower body. Can recover and finish when steering opponents wide of the pocket.

Negatives:

Admitted that he needs to improve his off-the-field habits this past offseason, after losing his starting job toward the end of last season. Lack of ideal range and athleticism will probably necessitate a position change to right tackle or guard. Doesn’t fire out with the lowest pad level. Lapses into being a leaner at times, and has some sloppy snaps where he ends up on the ground. When pass protecting, form is compromised when he needs to travel farther. Anchor can occasionally be undermined by a relatively narrow base in pass protection. More of a catch-and-ride blocker who could be more aggressive with his punch. Hand placement can be outside, and may lead to penalties at the next level.

Summary:

A tough left tackle with rare size. He can move opponents in the run game, and protects the edge surprisingly well given his size. There are some inconsistencies to his technique, mostly in terms of balance and maintaining his form in pass protection, but also many snaps where he shows a good feel for the game. Looks like an interesting developmental option for a gap-based offensive scheme.

Grade: Round 4