As part of the online coverage leading up to the NFL draft, The Sun will look at prospects who could be available for the Ravens with the 26th overall pick.
ANTHONY CASTONZO
Offensive tackle, Boston College
Height/weight: 6-7/311
Key statistics: Holds Boston College record with 54 career starts
Pro Football Weekly ranking: 1st among all offensive linemen
Why Ravens should draft him: Extremely intelligent (biochemistry major and Rhodes Scholar nominee) who also flashes a mean streak. An all-around tackle, Castonzo is outstanding in pass protection and aggressive in run blocking. Even though he projects to be a left tackle, he played every position on the offensive line except center at Senior Bowl.
What should concern Ravens: Castonzo lacks the elite athletic ability that teams want in a left tackle, which is why some believe USC's Tyron Smith has a higher ceiling. He also isn't a powerful run blocker because he doesn't have great lower-body strength.
What they're saying: "I think I put probably more work into what happened on the field. Academics has always come pretty easy to me. Football is something I love so I pour everything I have into it." -- Castonzo
Interaction with Ravens: Spoke with Ravens at Senior Bowl in January
Bottom line: Most believe Castonzo won't fall out of the top 20, but few thought Michael Oher would plummet in the first round, too. The only way Castonzo is available to the Ravens at No. 26 is if the other teams looking at tackles (Detroit, Indianapolis and New York Giants) favor the more athletic prospects like Smith and Nate Solder. Castonzo would represent great value for the Ravens. He hast the potential to start immediately and would allow the Ravens to move Oher back to the right side, where he seems more comfortable.
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