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Where NC State OT Anthony Belton stands in recent NFL mock drafts

image_6483441 (3)by:Noah Fleischman•04/17/25•

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Anthony Belton
Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NC State offensive lineman Anthony Belton (OL02) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NFL Draft is one week away. NC State has one prospect that is expected to hear his name called during the league’s festivities in Green Bay: offensive tackle Anthony Belton. 

Belton has been on NFL teams’ radar for quite some time now with his 6-foot-6, 336-pound frame. He received invitations to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine during the pre-draft evaluation periods and impressed at every stop along the way. 

Now, the tackle is positioned to be a Day Two pick after he allowed just eight total sacks in his three years as a starter in Raleigh. Here’s a look at the latest mock drafts and where they have Belton going in next week’s draft. 

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. — second round (No. 58 overall) to the Houston Texans

“We obviously can’t go two rounds without any offensive line reinforcements for Houston,” Kiper wrote. “The team gave up 54 sacks last season and made a bunch of big changes this offseason — but there are still holes. Belton played left tackle in college but has the versatility to fit in wherever the Texans need him.”

NFL.com’s Chad Reuter — second round (No. 59 overall) to the Baltimore Ravens

“Belton is an enormous tackle with good power and long arms,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report. “He can bulldoze the roads clean for running backs but needs to play with better hand placement to sustain his early lead. Belton has the length to shove rushers up and around the pocket but his punch timing is inconsistent and he lacks the body control to consistently respond to inside counters. If a team can steady his feet and improve his hand placement, he could become a solid starter at right tackle, but he will need some help from time to time.”

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler — third round (No. 75 overall) to the San Francisco 49ers.

“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 previously 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.”

WalterFootball.com – second round (No. 63 overall) to the Kansas City Chiefs

“The Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore to potentially be their new left tackle, but they could also address the other side. Anthony Belton is a massive tackle, but has enough quickness and athleticism to remain on the edge.”

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