Anthony Castonzo of Boston College ~ 6.7/308
"A tall, natural athlete for the position who displays good length and above-average athleticism when asked to reach the edge. Does a nice job sitting into his stance off the snap and is very comfortable playing from a three-point stance. However, isn’t as technically sound as advertised. Struggles to consistently keep his base under him and will bend at the waist and overextend into blocks — especially from a two-point stance — and his footwork on his initial kick-slide isn’t the cleanest. Has a tendency to get a bit overextended, will open up his hips prematurely and get caught with his feet parallel to one another vs. speed to the corner. Now, is a natural athlete with fluid hips and displays the ability to cleanly/quickly redirect and cut off blocks inside and counter moves. However, isn’t real heavy handed and doesn’t have the kind of power to simply lock out and keep defenders from pumping their legs through contact.
Displays good range and body control on the move in the run game. Is natural when asked to get around defenders and seal on perimeter runs, and he looks comfortable chipping at the line and reaching the second level as well. However, again, doesn’t generate much power from his lower half on contact. Has a tendency to roll his hips into contact and doesn’t get much movement off the snap. More of a finesse guy who understands angles, leverage and does a nice job of getting his hands inside on the target, but lacks the natural strength to simply eliminate defenders from the play.
Impression: The size, length and natural athleticism is there, but he needs more time to mature physically. I don’t think he’s a guy who you can pencil in as a starter on the left side from day one, but with some time he has the skill set to eventually develop into a serviceable starting left tackle in the NFL. However, as of now, isn’t an elite offensive tackle prospect by any stretch in my book."
Displays good range and body control on the move in the run game. Is natural when asked to get around defenders and seal on perimeter runs, and he looks comfortable chipping at the line and reaching the second level as well. However, again, doesn’t generate much power from his lower half on contact. Has a tendency to roll his hips into contact and doesn’t get much movement off the snap. More of a finesse guy who understands angles, leverage and does a nice job of getting his hands inside on the target, but lacks the natural strength to simply eliminate defenders from the play.
Impression: The size, length and natural athleticism is there, but he needs more time to mature physically. I don’t think he’s a guy who you can pencil in as a starter on the left side from day one, but with some time he has the skill set to eventually develop into a serviceable starting left tackle in the NFL. However, as of now, isn’t an elite offensive tackle prospect by any stretch in my book."
"Pass Blocking: Good initial quickness out of his stance. Gains depth efficiently in his kick-slide. Plays with good balance, moving on the balls of his feet with his knees bent and shoulders square. Shows good lateral agility to slide and mirror the pass rusher. Appears to be quick enough for the cut-block on quick throws. Prototypical long arms to grasp the pass rusher and has improved his strength to control. Can struggle with leverage and be walked back into the pocket by short, stout pass rushers able to get into his chest. Lacks the sand in his pants to anchor sufficiently.
Run Blocking: Gets a good initial push, but loses the leverage battle quickly and struggles to sustain. Gives good effort and has made significant improvement in this area over the past three seasons. Has a tendency to get his hands too far outside the numbers, but with greater strength would have more control. Relies on positioning and technique and lacks the power to drive defenders off the ball, despite improvement in this area. Flashes some leg drive when he gets under the pads of an opponent.
Pulling/Trapping: Has above-average straight-line speed and is surprisingly effective changing direction and hitting a moving target blocking in space. Technically refined trap blocker, though his lack of bulk and ideal strength make him less effective. Good athleticism overall. Should continue to improve in this area.
Initial Quickness: Good initial quickness off the snap. Eases out of his stance into pass protection and is typically able to secure the edge. Can be beaten by pure speed rushers able to turn him and get under his reach. Gains an initial advantage in the running game due to his quickness and is often able to turn and seal his defender from the action.
Downfield: Lacks ideal balance and strength, but not effort, in blocking downfield. Works to sustain. Has made improvements in this area over his career.
Intangibles: Has started all 53 games of his career, tying the Boston College all-time record. Was the first true freshman to start the season opener on the offensive line in 10 years. Enrolled as a biochemistry major in the College of Arts & Sciences and was an Illinois State Scholar in high school. Won the Scanlan Award, BC's highest honor, after his senior season. Goal is to one day conduct cancer research."
Run Blocking: Gets a good initial push, but loses the leverage battle quickly and struggles to sustain. Gives good effort and has made significant improvement in this area over the past three seasons. Has a tendency to get his hands too far outside the numbers, but with greater strength would have more control. Relies on positioning and technique and lacks the power to drive defenders off the ball, despite improvement in this area. Flashes some leg drive when he gets under the pads of an opponent.
Pulling/Trapping: Has above-average straight-line speed and is surprisingly effective changing direction and hitting a moving target blocking in space. Technically refined trap blocker, though his lack of bulk and ideal strength make him less effective. Good athleticism overall. Should continue to improve in this area.
Initial Quickness: Good initial quickness off the snap. Eases out of his stance into pass protection and is typically able to secure the edge. Can be beaten by pure speed rushers able to turn him and get under his reach. Gains an initial advantage in the running game due to his quickness and is often able to turn and seal his defender from the action.
Downfield: Lacks ideal balance and strength, but not effort, in blocking downfield. Works to sustain. Has made improvements in this area over his career.
Intangibles: Has started all 53 games of his career, tying the Boston College all-time record. Was the first true freshman to start the season opener on the offensive line in 10 years. Enrolled as a biochemistry major in the College of Arts & Sciences and was an Illinois State Scholar in high school. Won the Scanlan Award, BC's highest honor, after his senior season. Goal is to one day conduct cancer research."
"Offensive linemen are rarely amongst the most well-known draft prospects, and Anthony Castonzo is no exception.
Castonzo was a starter in all four seasons at Boston College, and moved from right tackle to left tackle following his freshman campaign. He was the first true freshman in 10 years to start on the Golden Eagles’ offensive line, and helped the team go 11-3 that season, including a win in the Citrus Bowl over Michigan State.
Castonzo was a four-year starter at Boston College.
Strengths:
Castonzo possesses good size for an NFL offensive tackle. He’s 6’7″ and does a good job of getting his hands inside of defenders, helping him to gain leverage and drive them backwards. His footwork and balance help him keep his opponents in front of him, and he finishes blocks. Castonzo has a nice first step off the snap, which allows him to get into good position to take on oncoming defensive linemen. He’s effective in both pass and run protection, and is big and agile enough to open up running lanes. He can also pull well and get downfield quickly enough to help block linebackers and defensive backs. He’s a very hard worker and has a high IQ on and off the field.
Weaknesses:
At 308 pounds, Castonzo could still stand to add some bulk and strength. He was able to push smaller college players around, but, obviously, players in the NFL are bigger and stronger. At times, he can be overpowered by quicker and stronger defenders, and is susceptible at times to being beaten by a quick first inside move. He won’t amaze you with his athleticism, and doesn’t consistently show the lateral agility necessary to effectively neutralize speedy edge rushers. At times, he can also be overpowered by defenders that are able to get leverage due to being quicker off the snap.
Draft Range:
Due to his size, potential and reputation as a hard-worker, Castonzo is likely a mid-first to early-second round pick. He may have to start his career on the right side, but, assuming he can make proper adjustments to his game, he can certainly slide over and become a starting left tackle at some point as a pro. He does need to add strength, but that’s easily done. He may never have the necessary speed to have great success against speedier pass rushers, but does enough things well enough to become a very solid NFL offensive tackle.
NFL Player Comparison: Winston Justice"
Castonzo was a starter in all four seasons at Boston College, and moved from right tackle to left tackle following his freshman campaign. He was the first true freshman in 10 years to start on the Golden Eagles’ offensive line, and helped the team go 11-3 that season, including a win in the Citrus Bowl over Michigan State.
Castonzo was a four-year starter at Boston College.
Strengths:
Castonzo possesses good size for an NFL offensive tackle. He’s 6’7″ and does a good job of getting his hands inside of defenders, helping him to gain leverage and drive them backwards. His footwork and balance help him keep his opponents in front of him, and he finishes blocks. Castonzo has a nice first step off the snap, which allows him to get into good position to take on oncoming defensive linemen. He’s effective in both pass and run protection, and is big and agile enough to open up running lanes. He can also pull well and get downfield quickly enough to help block linebackers and defensive backs. He’s a very hard worker and has a high IQ on and off the field.
Weaknesses:
At 308 pounds, Castonzo could still stand to add some bulk and strength. He was able to push smaller college players around, but, obviously, players in the NFL are bigger and stronger. At times, he can be overpowered by quicker and stronger defenders, and is susceptible at times to being beaten by a quick first inside move. He won’t amaze you with his athleticism, and doesn’t consistently show the lateral agility necessary to effectively neutralize speedy edge rushers. At times, he can also be overpowered by defenders that are able to get leverage due to being quicker off the snap.
Draft Range:
Due to his size, potential and reputation as a hard-worker, Castonzo is likely a mid-first to early-second round pick. He may have to start his career on the right side, but, assuming he can make proper adjustments to his game, he can certainly slide over and become a starting left tackle at some point as a pro. He does need to add strength, but that’s easily done. He may never have the necessary speed to have great success against speedier pass rushers, but does enough things well enough to become a very solid NFL offensive tackle.
NFL Player Comparison: Winston Justice"
"Bio: Four-year starter who broke into the lineup at right tackle as a true freshman before moving to the left side as a sophomore. All-Conference selection the past three years.
Positive: Tall, relatively athletic tackle prospect who comes with a high upside. Keeps his feet moving throughout the action, displays better than average footwork off the edge, and is effective in pass protection. Moves well about the field, easily slides out, and fights hard to finish blocks. Adjusts to defenders, blocks with good lean, and easily holds the point. Shows good quickness, stays square, and is an effective position blocker who seals opponents from the action. Turns defenders off the line run blocking and uses his long arms to push opponents from their angle of attack. Makes good use of angles, keeps his head on a swivel, and works well with teammates.
Negative: Just average blocking in motion. Must improve his blocking balance. Overextends into blocks, adversely affecting his ability to finish the play.
Analysis: Castonzo has been a terrific tackle on the college level and offers the size, athleticism, and blocking fundamentals to eventually start at the next level. He should be given a chance at the all-important left tackle position before any consideration is given to moving him to the right side."
Positive: Tall, relatively athletic tackle prospect who comes with a high upside. Keeps his feet moving throughout the action, displays better than average footwork off the edge, and is effective in pass protection. Moves well about the field, easily slides out, and fights hard to finish blocks. Adjusts to defenders, blocks with good lean, and easily holds the point. Shows good quickness, stays square, and is an effective position blocker who seals opponents from the action. Turns defenders off the line run blocking and uses his long arms to push opponents from their angle of attack. Makes good use of angles, keeps his head on a swivel, and works well with teammates.
Negative: Just average blocking in motion. Must improve his blocking balance. Overextends into blocks, adversely affecting his ability to finish the play.
Analysis: Castonzo has been a terrific tackle on the college level and offers the size, athleticism, and blocking fundamentals to eventually start at the next level. He should be given a chance at the all-important left tackle position before any consideration is given to moving him to the right side."
"Positives: Intelligent, heady... Very good athlete... Solid pass blocker... Plays with good overall technique... Natural knee bender... Good length and long arms... Agile with reasonably quick nimble feet... Good initial quickness, sets up quickly... Good body control... Quick kick step... Good lateral movement and slide... Good blocking range... Does a real good job mirroring defenders... Solid run blocker... Very good short area quickness... Carries his pads well... Does a good job bringing his feet along with him... Gets into defenders quickly... Solid strength at POA... Good quick punch... Can get to the second level... Reasonably good flexibility and COD... Plays with good balance... Tough... Works hard to finish blocks... Perfect fit as a Right Tackle in ZBS, similar in many ways to Houston's Eric Winston.
Negatives: A little thin, needs to add 12-15 lbs... Needs to improve his footwork, especially when re-setting against speed rushers... Not real strong or powerful... Needs to improve lower body strength... Doesn't hold up especially well to bull rushers, can be knocked off balance... Will occasionally reach or lean on the edge versus good speed... Doesn't always break down well in space... More of a wall-off blocker than actual contact maker in space."
Negatives: A little thin, needs to add 12-15 lbs... Needs to improve his footwork, especially when re-setting against speed rushers... Not real strong or powerful... Needs to improve lower body strength... Doesn't hold up especially well to bull rushers, can be knocked off balance... Will occasionally reach or lean on the edge versus good speed... Doesn't always break down well in space... More of a wall-off blocker than actual contact maker in space."
"Strengths: Unique nastiness in both the run game and in pass protection. Gets it done with effort and determination. Street fighter with a solid punch and recoil. Emotional leader. Football player who wants to win. Caves DEs in consistently in the run game, and looks to bury people. Gets solid push in the run game, and refuses to be beaten in pass pro. Good enough feet for the left side, but has the mauler's mentality to make him an elite ROT.
Weaknesses: Has a few technical flaws in pass pro which he will need to iron out. Feet are only average for an LOT prospect. Can get even stronger. Needs to keep emotions in check, and channel his aggression even more tightly at times. Can overextend.
Projection: Should be a late mid-to-first round candidate because of his approach to the game, and his B.C. pedigree."
Weaknesses: Has a few technical flaws in pass pro which he will need to iron out. Feet are only average for an LOT prospect. Can get even stronger. Needs to keep emotions in check, and channel his aggression even more tightly at times. Can overextend.
Projection: Should be a late mid-to-first round candidate because of his approach to the game, and his B.C. pedigree."
"It was clear from the beginning of his career at Boston College that Anthony Castonzo was something special. In 2007 he was the first true freshman in a decade to start on the Eagles offensive line. Castonzo started at right tackle that season and was a big part in Matt Ryan's recording setting final season at BC. His efforts earned him a few All-Freshman All-ACC accolades.
By his sophomore season Castonzo had high expectations and he moved to the left side to help protect the less experienced quarterbacks that were to follow Ryan. And the 2008 season went surprisingly well thanks to the offensive line. The offensive line was only credited with giving up 21 sacks (which is not bad at all, especially considering the inexperience of quarterbacks Chris Crane and Dominique Davis at the time). By 2009 Castonzo was paving the way for running back Montel Harris to have a breakout year. The Eagles are not having a great season in 2010, but Harris is having another good year and Castonzo is the main man providing room with him to run.
At 6-7 and 308 pounds Castonzo certainly has the size to play in the NFL. He could have left a year early, but the extra year at Boston College saw him add quite a bit of needed weight. The pundits have already been paying close attention to Castonzo since he was on the radar last year and his year bulking up at BC should move him up into the late first round or the second round."
By his sophomore season Castonzo had high expectations and he moved to the left side to help protect the less experienced quarterbacks that were to follow Ryan. And the 2008 season went surprisingly well thanks to the offensive line. The offensive line was only credited with giving up 21 sacks (which is not bad at all, especially considering the inexperience of quarterbacks Chris Crane and Dominique Davis at the time). By 2009 Castonzo was paving the way for running back Montel Harris to have a breakout year. The Eagles are not having a great season in 2010, but Harris is having another good year and Castonzo is the main man providing room with him to run.
At 6-7 and 308 pounds Castonzo certainly has the size to play in the NFL. He could have left a year early, but the extra year at Boston College saw him add quite a bit of needed weight. The pundits have already been paying close attention to Castonzo since he was on the radar last year and his year bulking up at BC should move him up into the late first round or the second round."
"Skinny: There’s a reason why Boston College currently has well over a dozen offensive lineman in the NFL, coaching. Costonzo has been schooled on his fundamentals and made a seamless transition as a sophomore, stepping into the starting left tackle void when Gosder Cherilus graduated. The 6’0, 300-pounder has been a staple ever since.
SCOUT'S TAKE
At 6’7” Castonzo is blessed with ideal length and a perfect frame for an NFL tackle. He has the ability to dominate against both the run and the pass thanks to his athletic prowess. The Illinois native possesses the agility to get to the second level of the defense to make blocks on linebackers, with the footwork and lateral quickness to handle speed pass rushers coming off the edge. Castonzo is “only” 295 pounds, a bit light in the pants for a man of size—he will need to bulk up and get stronger to be dominant at the next level. The all-ACC performer is among the most experienced and durable players in all of college football regardless of position, with 41 starts already under his belt, including 27 straight at left tackle. If Castonzo continues to improve as a senior the BC product has a chance to be the top tackle in the 2011 NFL Draft and is a potential top-10 selection.
Bio: In 2007, Castonzo became the first true freshman to start on the offensive line for Boston College in 10 years. As a sophomore, he made the move from the right side of the offensive line to left tackle and has been a fixture since. After three seasons as an Eagle, he will enter his senior year with 41 starts under his belt, the last 27 at left tackle."
SCOUT'S TAKE
At 6’7” Castonzo is blessed with ideal length and a perfect frame for an NFL tackle. He has the ability to dominate against both the run and the pass thanks to his athletic prowess. The Illinois native possesses the agility to get to the second level of the defense to make blocks on linebackers, with the footwork and lateral quickness to handle speed pass rushers coming off the edge. Castonzo is “only” 295 pounds, a bit light in the pants for a man of size—he will need to bulk up and get stronger to be dominant at the next level. The all-ACC performer is among the most experienced and durable players in all of college football regardless of position, with 41 starts already under his belt, including 27 straight at left tackle. If Castonzo continues to improve as a senior the BC product has a chance to be the top tackle in the 2011 NFL Draft and is a potential top-10 selection.
Bio: In 2007, Castonzo became the first true freshman to start on the offensive line for Boston College in 10 years. As a sophomore, he made the move from the right side of the offensive line to left tackle and has been a fixture since. After three seasons as an Eagle, he will enter his senior year with 41 starts under his belt, the last 27 at left tackle."
"Castonzo has shown improvement as the season progressed. He fared well against Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers, who leads the nation in sacks, and understands leverage and positioning. He lacks lower-body mass and finishing strength and may never be a great run blocker. That said, he has the foot quickness, agility and balance to excel protecting the blind side in pass protection and has clear starter-quality traits, having started four years in a competitive program and played on both right and left sides. Despite a number of injuries, he has not missed any time and has the toughness to play through pain. With a more proven track record but less upside than Solder, he will contend to be the top tackle drafted in the spring."
"Recently, I took some time out of my not too busy schedule to re-watch the Emerald Bowl, which pitted Boston College against the program formerly known as Pete Carroll’s USC Almost immediately, my attention was drawn to the trenches. And after hitting the zoom button on my remote a couple times, I was able to get a good look at one of the top 2011 draft prospects, BC left tackle Anthony Castonzo.
Anthony Castonzo’s a 6’7", 297 pound offensive lineman who possesses excellent length and impressive smarts. According to TFY Draft, Castonzo scored well on the pre-season Wonderlic test, and there’s been some talk that he could be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, a la Myron Rolle.
What Castonzo lacks is great bulk. On tape, the BC tackle almost looks like a tall tight end, and his svelte build affects his game. At times, Castonzo struggles to maintain his base, and he’s not going to maul people in the run game. After watching his fairly mediocre performance against North Carolina’s Robert Quinn, I wasn’t expecting a great performance against USC’s talented edge rushers.
I was very, very wrong.
Throughout the game, Castonzo’s impressive athleticism was on display. He started off strong by surging to the second level and chipping linebacker Chris Galippo. On other plays, he showed an uncanny knack for locking onto second level defenders, allowing running back Montel Harris to cut back and bounce a couple runs to the outside. He was most impressive on scoop blocks, in which he helped the left guard control a defensive lineman before releasing and neutralizing a linebacker. In many ways, Castonzo’s impressive work blocking on the move reminded me of Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas’s success roughing up linebackers and defensive backs.
Besides blocking well on the move, Castonzo did a great job containing defensive ends Everson Griffen and Nick Perry. Castonzo capably mirrored the two rushers' speed off the edge, and he managed to anchor well against the occasional bull rush. When Nick Perry lined up opposite right tackle Rich Lapham, he was able to wreak some havoc. But when Perry battled Castonzo, he came up with nothing. And on quick passing plays, Castonzo put the defensive ends on the carpet by getting low and taking out their legs.
Though Castonzo had an excellent Emerald Bowl, a few weaknesses did pop up. In short-yardage situations, Castonzo was minimally effective getting push and moving defenders. Because of his lanky frame and only average strength, he isn’t a very effective drive blocker. Hopefully, Castonzo will spend a lot of time this summer in the weight room honing his guns and improving his overall strength.
In addition, Castonzo can be a little inconsistent landing his punch in pass protection. On one play, he failed to hit his target, instead getting jolted by the defender and knocked back on his heels. Fortunately, Castonzo was able to reset and stop his man, but he could have less luck against stronger and more skiled pass rushers.
An immensely intriguing talent, Castonzo still has some areas in which he needs to improve. But if he can get stronger and polish up his technique, he very well could live up to the #1 senior offensive tackle ranking bestowed upon him by National Scouting."
Anthony Castonzo’s a 6’7", 297 pound offensive lineman who possesses excellent length and impressive smarts. According to TFY Draft, Castonzo scored well on the pre-season Wonderlic test, and there’s been some talk that he could be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, a la Myron Rolle.
What Castonzo lacks is great bulk. On tape, the BC tackle almost looks like a tall tight end, and his svelte build affects his game. At times, Castonzo struggles to maintain his base, and he’s not going to maul people in the run game. After watching his fairly mediocre performance against North Carolina’s Robert Quinn, I wasn’t expecting a great performance against USC’s talented edge rushers.
I was very, very wrong.
Throughout the game, Castonzo’s impressive athleticism was on display. He started off strong by surging to the second level and chipping linebacker Chris Galippo. On other plays, he showed an uncanny knack for locking onto second level defenders, allowing running back Montel Harris to cut back and bounce a couple runs to the outside. He was most impressive on scoop blocks, in which he helped the left guard control a defensive lineman before releasing and neutralizing a linebacker. In many ways, Castonzo’s impressive work blocking on the move reminded me of Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas’s success roughing up linebackers and defensive backs.
Besides blocking well on the move, Castonzo did a great job containing defensive ends Everson Griffen and Nick Perry. Castonzo capably mirrored the two rushers' speed off the edge, and he managed to anchor well against the occasional bull rush. When Nick Perry lined up opposite right tackle Rich Lapham, he was able to wreak some havoc. But when Perry battled Castonzo, he came up with nothing. And on quick passing plays, Castonzo put the defensive ends on the carpet by getting low and taking out their legs.
Though Castonzo had an excellent Emerald Bowl, a few weaknesses did pop up. In short-yardage situations, Castonzo was minimally effective getting push and moving defenders. Because of his lanky frame and only average strength, he isn’t a very effective drive blocker. Hopefully, Castonzo will spend a lot of time this summer in the weight room honing his guns and improving his overall strength.
In addition, Castonzo can be a little inconsistent landing his punch in pass protection. On one play, he failed to hit his target, instead getting jolted by the defender and knocked back on his heels. Fortunately, Castonzo was able to reset and stop his man, but he could have less luck against stronger and more skiled pass rushers.
An immensely intriguing talent, Castonzo still has some areas in which he needs to improve. But if he can get stronger and polish up his technique, he very well could live up to the #1 senior offensive tackle ranking bestowed upon him by National Scouting."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Anthony Castonzo
When I evaluate any prospect, 1% of it derives from my own analysis of The Tape, and 99% of it is my evaluation of the evaluators: Those guys, quoted and linked, above, whose expertise DWARFS mine.
***
Anthony Castonzo is not a very good Croucher, at this point. Now, he does display superior Lateral Agility and Flanking Speed, but as yet commands insufficient Power to Drive the Run Game or Strength to Anchor against the Pass Rush.
He'll probably develop into a solid O Tackle, but his Market Value is bloated, to say the least.
Over Rated!!
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
***
Anthony Castonzo is not a very good Croucher, at this point. Now, he does display superior Lateral Agility and Flanking Speed, but as yet commands insufficient Power to Drive the Run Game or Strength to Anchor against the Pass Rush.
He'll probably develop into a solid O Tackle, but his Market Value is bloated, to say the least.
Over Rated!!
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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