NC State Newsstand: Anthony Belton projected as 2025 first round pick
NC State did not have a first round pick in the NFL Draft this year, though it had a pair of selections, but that could change in the 2025 iteration, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller’s new mock draft.
It is early, but Miller slotted graduate offensive lineman Anthony Belton as the No. 31 overall pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in next year’s draft.
“Despite how well the Chiefs have put together and managed their roster, there’s a lack of answers at offensive tackle,” Miller wrote. “The Kingsley Suamataia pick in the second round likely solves one tackle spot, potentially replacing right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who struggled last season. Belton, a two-year starter at left tackle, allowed one sack last year and wows with his easy movement at 6-5 and 345 pounds. If the Chiefs like Suamataia on the right side (where most scouts pegged him pre-draft), then Belton could fit well at left tackle to give Patrick Mahomes more time in the pocket.”
Belton was a likely draft pick this year, but he elected to return to Raleigh for another season. It seems like that will help his draft stock, especially with another solid year on what is expected to be a prolific offense at NC State.
In all, Belton has played 1,510 total snaps in three seasons on the field at NC State. He played 875 last fall, where he conceded just 22 quarterback pressures. Belton earned a 71.5 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus for his efforts in the 2023 season.
Now, Belton will block for graduate quarterback Grayson McCall, looking to give NC State a high-powered offense this season.
Tweets of the day
ESPN’s Jordan Reid is very high on Belton going into the 2025 season.
Wolfpack catcher Alex Sosa was a late addition to Team USA’s Summer League Tour.
Quote of the day
Four-star Durham (N.C.) Jordan High defensive lineman Noah Clark is continuing to build his relationship with NC State. Here’s what he said after a trip to Raleigh.
“Every time I come here, I’m welcomed with open arms, and that’s really nice to see because, when it comes down to picking schools, I just want to go somewhere where I can just call home,” Clark told TheWolfpacker.com.
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