NC State Newsstand: The latest on OT Anthony Belton’s NFL Draft stock
It’s April, and that means the NFL Draft is just weeks away. For NC State offensive tackle Anthony Belton, a life-changing opportunity is on the horizon as he is expected to hear his name called during the event in Green Bay, Wisc.
Belton, who spent the last three seasons as the Wolfpack’s starting left tackle, was a standout at both the NFL Combine and NC State’s Pro Day. He impressed with his movement skills at 6-foot-6, 336 pounds, vaulting up draft boards ahead of the April 24-26 event.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler listed Belton as the No. 94 prospect in the draft, the No. 9 offensive tackle available in this year’s draft. Brugler, who authors The Beast each year, projected Belton as a third- or fourth-round draft pick.
“Because of his size, you don’t need to know his jersey number to spot him on film — he received the nickname “Escalade” inside the NC State program, because of the way he can move (at his best on inside zone runs),” Brugler wrote. He can get in the way as a blocker and control rushers, if his hands are right (big “if).”
“Overall, Belton uses his size and length to keep the game on his terms, staying centered and forcing defenders to try to go through him. When he is unable to do that, his body control and footwork break down quickly, which needs to be further addressed by NFL coaching. With improved consistency, he has the tools to get on the field and contribute.”
While Brugler expects Belton to hear his name on the second day of the NFL Draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. thinks he will too, just earlier in the night. Kiper, a longtime draft analyst, mocked Belton as the No. 60 overall pick to the Detroit Lions in his most recent projection.
“The Lions lost Kevin Zeitler in free agency, and some combination of Kayode Awosika and Christian Mahogany is currently in line to take over at right guard,” Kiper wrote. “Belton (6-foot-6 and 336 pounds) has played all but 11 of his 2,146 career snaps at left tackle. However, he could slide inside in the pros — and the Lions might opt for that in Year 1.”
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Belton will become the 28th NFL Draft pick from NC State since Dave Doeren took over in 2013. He will be the seventh offensive lineman to hear his name selected in that span.
Tweets of the day
NC State basketball officially introduced General Manager and Chief Strategist Andrew Slater on Tuesday.
The Pack is in the running for Saint Peter’s transfer forward Fatmata Janneh.
No. 5 NC State men’s tennis has a massive season finale against No. 1 Wake Forest on Saturday in Raleigh.
Quote of the day
NC State freshman reliever Anderson Nance posted a gem with five innings of shutout baseball to help the Wolfpack to a 4-1 win at ECU on Tuesday night. Wolfpack skipper Elliott Avent had high praise for him afterwards.
“This guy’s been unbelievable all year,” Avent said of Nance. “I don’t even look at him as a freshman, I just look at him as our best bullpen arm. He’s our best guy out of the bullpen, he has been all year. I just look at him as a good pitcher.”
Today’s top headlines
‘I believed in myself’: NC State’s Anderson Nance posts another gem to pace Pack to win at ECU
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NC State basketball transfer portal targets: New names to know as Will Wade’s roster forms
