Peyton Manning is happy after seeing the Colts 2011 first round pick. Bill Polian didn’t throw a curve ball with his first pick, selecting offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo out of Boston College with the 22nd pick.
Castonzo is listed as 6-foot-7, 311 pounds and will be a force on the offensive line for Manning and company.
Bill Polian has stressed a need at offensive line for the last few years and so he finally got his guy.
Gil Brandt, a NFL senior analyst who is well respected in the league listed Castonzo as the top offensive lineman in the draft.
“Castonzo has played and started since his true freshman year in 2007. He played right tackle in 2007 and left tackle the past two years, totaling 41 starts in that time. He was All-ACC in 2009, and is also a very smart (he’s a biochemistry major) athlete with quick feet and long arms. He should be a top-10 pick in the 2011 draft.”
Colts President Bill Polian was very happy with his selection.
“We didn’t think he’d be there, we think he’ll step in and do a good job,” Polian said.
Below is quick reaction on twitter on the Colts selection:
SI’s Peter King – “Really smart. It took Polian about 4 seconds to make this pick after passing on Saffold last year.”
ESPN’s Todd McShay – “OT Castonzo one of the steals of the draft so far. Plug-and-play left tackle. Move C. Johnson inside to guard… big upgrade across board”
ESPN’s Bruce Feldman – “Anthony Castonzo getting last laugh. He told me his HS coach had told him “You’re a DII or DIII ftball player at best”..started 4 yrs at BC”
ESPN’s Trey Wingo – “Castonzo is 311, came to BC at 220. asked him last week how he got so big? schedules his classes around meals. #dedication”
The draft will continue on Friday with rounds two and three. 4-7 will finish up on Saturday.
Below is Todd McShay’s evaluation of Anthony Castonzo: