Anthony Belton has been a solid tackle for the Wolfpack since they lost Ickey Ekwonu in 2022 and has filled the role well. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, and Early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report of NC State OL Anthony Belton
Measurables:
- 6’6”
- 336 lbs
Player Background:
Anthony Belton, unranked out of high school, spent two years at Georgia Military College in 2019 and 2020 at the JUCO level. In 2021, he was ranked as the fifth-best JUCO offensive tackle in the nation. He ended up a three-star and committed to NC State. He briefly played in two games during his first season with the Wolfpack, posting a 74.8 PFF grade in 11 snaps. Taking the reigns as a starter in 2022, he hasn’t looked back since.
He started eight games in that season, getting a 64.2 PFF grade and an impressive 81.2 Pass Blocking grade. Belton started every game the following season, getting a 65.9 PFF grade in a career-high 875 total snaps. 2024 was his final collegiate season, and arguably his best. In 741 snaps across 12 games, he put up a 73.6 PFF grade and a fantastic 87.2 Pass Blocking Grade.
Accolades:
- Third Team All-ACC (2023)
Strengths/Pros:
Belton’s massive frame allows him to naturally take up enough space to surround edge rushers on the outside. He has the strength and size to manhandle defenders when he makes first contact and has great length to spread out and cover ground. He’s strong enough to hold his own on bull rushes and his footwork can show some flashes of sustainability.
He’s fantastic as a chip/help blocker on the inside, bringing a ton of force to destabilize pre-occupied defenders. Belton opens up holes well with momentum as a chipper, utilizing his size advantage to clear out much-needed running space. He knows how to clear out space and get his body out of the way. He brings an aggressive mentality when throwing himself at defenders and makes up for some quickness issues.
Weaknesses/Cons:
Belton can use his size to succeed against most defenders at the collegiate level, but he has noticeable weaknesses as an athlete. He doesn’t sink into his hips very well, not generating much drive behind his anchor. His hands are often extremely late, and he doesn’t utilize them well when he gets them up. He gets moved out of his stance too frequently on nuanced pass-rush moves by faster players.
His kick step is more of a jump than normal, offsetting his weight too much and leaving him more vulnerable. Belton lets his upper half get rotated a lot and doesn’t have the athleticism to work himself back. He tends to be late to the contact point at the second level on screens and can’t establish his base. His footwork is a net negative overall, and he has serious lateral movement restraints.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
There are a lot of issues in Belton’s game, but his size and strength at least give him the floor of a depth lineman. He doesn’t have enough traits and technical prowess to become a starter and is likely limited to a plug-and-play OL when the starter gets hurt. He should get taken in the later rounds as a developmental piece and roster filler by a team looking to increase OL depth.
Prospect Grade:
- Mid 5th Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Tennessee
- 2024 vs. Clemson
- 2024 vs. Duke
Main Image: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
