Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
Size:
Height: 6060
Weight: 336
Arm: 33 ⅞”
Hand: 10 ¼”
Accomplishments:
Third-Team All-ACC (2023)
“Anthony Belton is a physically imposing offensive tackle who showcases an excellent blend of hand usage and power to quickly stymie pass rushers.”
Strengths:
Reactive footwork
Hand usage
Quick to anchor
Powerful frame
Concerns:
Flexibility (increased depth in hips and bend in knees)
Consistency
Leg drive in run game
Footwork to counter speed
Film Analysis:
Anthony Belton did a fine job in 2024, showcasing many of the traits he entered the season with. While there is still work to be done in his ability to get out and counter his outside shoulder against speed rushers, opponents have a tough time working around his massive frame if they are unable to win the outside arc quickly. Belton is a power-laden athlete with some dominant reps (North Carolina) in the ground game when he drives through his lower half, but that’s only on occasion. However, the potential is there. Aligned primarily at left tackle for the Wolfpack, Belton transferred to NC State following two years at Georgia Military Academy.
In pass pro, Belton’s size is a nightmare to work around. Combine his overall mass and footwork and pass rushers have a tough time working around his 6-foot-7 frame. He showcases quick feet at the snap and can redirect. Does a nice job of establishing his hands and controlling reps early in the play. He does not overextend to force contact. Rather, he invites contact and will shoot his hands at varying times to keep pass rushers off balance.
As a run blocker, although Belton’s mass suggests he would overpower opponents, it’s a part of his evaluation that remains fluid. He is a primary zone blocker who fires off the ball well. Does an excellent job of maintaining principles up front – Belton’s body is consistently in the right position. Easy maneuverability to out-leverage defenders, constantly putting his body in the way. He is much more of a climber than a puller but has shown the footwork to get around the edge in certain scenarios. Belton is a powerful athlete who, with refinement, can elevate his ceiling by fine-tuning the small nuances in the ground game.
Concerns remain about Belton’s consistency. He’s had flashes of a first-round pick in the last few years, as well as performances that force you to scratch your head and check the tape again. He has room to get stronger and I would like to see increased leg drive at contact on run plays. Belton’s frame has room to tone up, as well. He’s not an extremely fluid athlete when asked to work laterally, but is more than capable of shuffling and sliding at his weight. Does play over his toes a bit at times when looking to press his weight on opponents. Edge rushers who do a nice job of stacking/shedding can quickly use Belton’s size against him, dip their shoulder, and work toward the play. Mechanics can get lazy at times, especially when working against much inferior opponents. Maintaining a high level of intensity no matter the skill set in front of him can showcase the true ceiling in his game.
Overall, Belton touts an intriguing blend of traits that showcase one of the top tackles to know in the 2025 NFL Draft. Continued improvement in the finer details of his game, including his body profile, while finding his performance equilibrium will paint a better picture of his profile.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written by: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Duke (2024), Georgia Tech (2024), North Carolina (2024), Clemson (2023), Notre Dame (2023), Wake Forest (2023)
