NFL Draft 2011: Writer Predicts New York Giants Will Take Anthony Castonzo

Giants gain size, athleticism in Boston College tackle

I decided to do a little two-for-one deal here.

Saw this post earlier today on the NFL's website, where they're having beat writers for each team predict who will be drafted with their respective pick. Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News went with Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo (6'7'', 311 pounds) for the Giants at No. 19.

Since I couldn't embed that video, I decided to attach another from former Ravens coach Brian Billick offering up his take on Castonzo. Man who's won a Super Bowl tends to have a little more credibility with me when it comes to player evaluation.

Both offer up some great insight.

"The most obvious thing Castonzo brings is size," Vacchiano says. "He's just a big, big buy and scouts say he moves like a littler guy, which basically means he's got the quickness to handle speed rushers on the outside. The Giants do a lot of running, so they need a guy who can be a punishing run blocker as well and he seems to have that strength."

Vacchiano points out that head coach Tom Coughlin and offensive line coach Pat Flaherty attended Castonzo's pro day. It doesn't tell you everything, but it definitely tells you he's high on their radar since Coughlin doesn't attend many of them.

Billick also says he's very similar to Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas in terms of being good athletes for their size and smooth in their movements. Castonzo, he says, should start immediately at right tackle, then eventually shift to left tackle.

The fact that he was a Rhodes Scholar finalist certainly doesn't hurt him, either.

"Having a gifted athlete that shows the aptitude to absorb and retain a lot of information in a short period of time will be an asset to whatever team takes Castonzo," Billick says.

I've been a believer in Mike Pouncey from the start, but the package and the skill set Castonzo brings to the table makes me think this may be the route to go. To have someone who could protect Eli, but also clear some room for Ahmad Bradshaw or Brandon Jacobs (or whoever is in the backfield) is something you can't pass on.

Most recent updates:

Flag

Props (0)