BC's Castonzo nice fit for Giants' O-line
Giants Blog

By PAUL SCHWARTZ

Last Updated: 2:18 AM, April 26, 2011

Posted: 1:48 AM, April 26, 2011
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Although Anthony Castonzo has never met Giants guard Chris Snee, there's a feeling of familiarity based on shared experiences as offensive linemen at Boston College.

"I know him through legend in the O-line room at BC," Castonzo said yesterday in a phone interview with The Post. "There are stories that just linger about guys -- you always hear his name pop up. They kind of paint a picture of a guy for you, the old guys tell you about the guys who have been there before, and Chris Snee just seemed like a real hard-nosed guy from all the little anecdotes I've heard."

The anecdotes ring true, as anyone who has witnessed Snee's work with the Giants can attest. By the end of the week, Castonzo might be calling Snee a teammate. The 6-foot-7, 311-pound offensive tackle almost surely will be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night, and he could be the Giants' selection at No. 19, especially if Florida center/guard Mike Pouncey is already off the board.

Most draft guides and prognosticators list Castonzo as the No. 2-rated tackle in the draft, behind USC's Tyron Smith, who could go in the top 10, possibly to the Cowboys at No. 9. Castonzo and Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin figure to be the next tackles taken.

Castonzo said he can definitely see himself fitting in with the Giants, who are known for tough, close-knit offensive lines. He has had contact with Jack Bicknell Jr., the Giants assistant offensive line coach who previously worked with Castonzo at Boston College. At the BC Pro Day, Giants offensive line coach Pat Flaherty ran the drills.

"We got along very well," Castonzo said.

Castonzo was a late bloomer. His 225-pound body did not attract many recruiters coming out of high school in suburban Chicago. He spent a year at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy and arrived at Boston College at 262 pounds. He was an immediate starter at right tackle -- the first true freshman in 10 years to start at BC -- before shifting over to the left side for the next three years.

Selecting Castonzo might be the safest pick the Giants could ever make. He is projected to be a quick study capable of playing 10 years at left tackle -- though he might begin on the right side to get acclimated to the pros -- and he certainly will not be stumped by the mental aspects of the NFL.

A straight-A student, Castonzo majored in biochemistry with a minor in math, attaining a grade point average of 3.5. He graduated in December and is interested in medical research. He was nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship and scored 41 on the Wonderlic test at the NFL scouting combine -- second highest of all prospects who took the test. As a freshman, then-BC quarterback Matt Ryan dubbed Castonzo the team nerd.

"I get that a lot," he said. "I always pursue all my passions. I had a passion for science, and I saw no reason to put that on the side just because I was playing football. I want to, once I'm done with a nice, long NFL career, do something else, a different job, and I want to be able to help people."

Offensive tackle is not a glaring need for the Giants, but top-flight left tackle prospects are hard to pass up. David Diehl is the incumbent, but he is so versatile the Giants would feel comfortable having him start anywhere on the line but center. Kareem McKenzie is coming off a resurgent season at right tackle, but he probably is nearing the end of the line.

With interior line starters Shaun O'Hara (center) and Rich Seubert (left guard/center) coming off surgeries -- and backup Adam Koets trying to return from a torn ACL -- depth definitely is needed. Other tackle possibilities are Will Beatty -- the former second-round pick entering his third season -- and constant medical risk Shawn Andrews, who came back strong from two back surgeries with the Eagles before faltering.

Castonzo believes he can step in and play right away.

"I think I'll bring an attitude where I'm never satisfied with myself," he said. "Kind of how I always lived my life and set my goals as high as possible."

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/giants/building_block_cgYZDceQH6RTS7WGgV6kvN#ixzz1Kc42INUz

Nothing really new here, but a nice read.

I didn't realise Bicknall Jr coached Castonzo as assistant head coach/offensive line coach at BC in 2007 (well I forgot really).

Also Coughlin and the Scouts have strong ties to BC as well.

Castonzo would be a very safe pick, the Giants would know exactly what we are getting.

Good read.
He would definately help boost the Giants O-line.
A BC kid just like Snee with Chicago roots just like Diehl. He should fit right in.

56 Crazed Dogs wrote:Good read.
He would definately help boost the Giants O-line.
A BC kid just like Snee with Chicago roots just like Diehl. He should fit right in.

The key factor is that the Giants staff know this guy extremely well. If they like what they see (there is every reason to believe they do), he will be right up there on the NYG draft board.

I actually think we will have him higher than guys like Torrey Smith and Mike Pouncey.

In fact, if I had to put odds on the Giants first round pick it would be something like (assuming they are all available)

50% - T Anthony Castonzo

20% - RB Mark Ingram

15% - T Torrey Smith

10% - C/G Mike Pouncey

5% - Other

Nice read but I honestly feel he'll be gone by the time we pick.

Pizan wrote:Nice read but I honestly feel he'll be gone by the time we pick.

He could be, at this stage he "should" be around, but it depends if there is a run on OTs.

If Castonzo is gone, a quality DE will ne available

lol thats not funny Pete.