HOUSTON – Firing off the line of scrimmage out of his blocking stance, Anthony Belton engulfed pass rushers all season and planted them onto the turf.
One of the most imposing offensive tackles in the draft at 6-foot-6, 336 pounds, Belton excelled at the Senior Bowl all-star game as he stonewalled speed and power moves.
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During the past three seasons for North Carolina State, Belton represented an extremely difficult matchup for defensive players. He regularly knocked down linemen with heavy hands. And Belton displayed an ability to reset and create leverage, shifting his body into position to shut down upfield rushes or stop bull rushers. He can also reach the second level.
NFL teams have definitely taken notice of his massive, road-grading presence, especially as a run blocker.
Belton has 18 top 30 visits, according to a league source, meaning over half the league. The Green Bay Packers were linked to Belton this week.
Belton, who has 33 7/8 arms, is regarded as a strong first-round to second-round draft target. He has outstanding mobility for his size with a 40-yard dash of 5.26 seconds.
Speed isn’t pivotal for an offensive lineman, though, but it shows his athleticism and explosiveness. And Belton was ultra-reliable as a three-year starting left tackle as he racked up 2,216 snaps during that span.
The tape never lies.
Belton picked up a nickname during his time with the Wolfpack with strength coach Dantonio Burnette naming him after a luxury SUV.
“He said I move like an Escalade,” Belton said.
Belton has consistently drawn praise from the Wolfpack coaching staff, including head coach Dave Doeren, for his mentality for the game.
“He’s in really good shape,” Doeren said last fall. “His practice habits have become escalated as far as the urgency and the focus. Anthony likes to have fun. He’s got a great personality, and sometimes that gets too close to the game for him.
“Being able to compartmentalize those things, this is work, this is fun, and knowing when it’s time to do both, he’s really grown up. He’s had a really good fall camp, and I’m excited for him.”
Belton allowed just three sacks last season and 12 pressures, and two sacks two seasons ago.
Belton models his game after several top offensive tackles, including Penei Sewell and Laremy Tunsil.
Belton has positional flexibility, because he can play either tackle spot or even guard if needed, but is viewed as a left tackle.
“I’m a guy who can move, especially at my size,” Belton said. “I can compare with any when it comes to power, speed, finesse. I’m ready for anything.
“I’m just ready for the unexpected because that’s what comes on the offensive line. You’ve got to go against different defenders and it’s about how you prepare yourself, how you react, how you bounce back when you lose.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
