Why Smith over Constanzo?

[gimmesix]

Just bought three draft guides today and two of them rate Anthony Constanzo as the top offensive tackle available in the draft.

However, in discussions I've seen here, it appears the Tyron Smith is preferred over Constanzo (possibly even by the Cowboys). Why is that?

Now, I've read about Smith's tremendous upside (if that's the reason), but it seems to me (based on what I've read) that Constanzo is more of a sure bet and a better possibility to step in immediately as a starter.

[burmafrd]

Castanzo has less overall potential. Simple as that. Smith is almost a freakish athlete. Super long arms and still did 31 reps. quick and fast; put on weight quickly and still looked ripped. That is why he is rated so high.

[Hostile]

Smith is stronger and faster and only 20. He has a very real chance to be a special player for a long time. That said, I like Castonzo just fine. Carimi too.

We can improve RT with any of these guys.

[Chocolate Lab]

My question is what is so great about Castonzo. I freely admit I've never watched him play one snap, but he seems very generic and I wonder if he isn't getting overrated just because of the school he went to (which is totally meaningless).

[arglebargle]

Are those published, pen and ink draft guides? If so, they may be months behind. A number of the magazines are pushed out even before the combine results are in, and don't reflect up to date opinions.

[realtick]

Originally Posted by arglebargle

Are those published, pen and ink draft guides? If so, they may be months behind. A number of the magazines are pushed out even before the combine results are in, and don't reflect up to date opinions.

Exactly.

Further, what a draft guide says doesn't mean much.

[Vertigo_17]

I personally like Carimi later in the round. I think he'll be a fine pick

[gimmesix]

Originally Posted by burmafrd

Castanzo has less overall potential. Simple as that. Smith is almost a freakish athlete. Super long arms and still did 31 reps. quick and fast; put on weight quickly and still looked ripped. That is why he is rated so high.

I see that, but the potential factor is one that always concerns me because it leads to picking busts like Alex Barron.

It seems to me that Smith has only risen because he is a "freakish athlete," not because he has shown a great acumen for playing tackle.

Constanzo was a standout at the Senior Bowl and seems to have the one thing Smith lacks, a great understanding of how to play the position.

[gimmesix]

Originally Posted by Chocolate Lab

My question is what is so great about Castonzo. I freely admit I've never watched him play one snap, but he seems very generic and I wonder if he isn't getting overrated just because of the school he went to (which is totally meaningless).

From what I understand, Constanzo is another in a line of players who will get the job done and be solid in doing it, but isn't going to impress people who are looking for great athleticism and the like.

I don't think there's anything "great" about him, but it appears to me that he is less likely to fail than Smith.

[realtick]

Originally Posted by Chocolate Lab

My question is what is so great about Castonzo. I freely admit I've never watched him play one snap, but he seems very generic and I wonder if he isn't getting overrated just because of the school he went to (which is totally meaningless).

I've watched him and I'm not impressed with him either. I'm really hoping he doesn't end up in Dallas. Of the consensus Top 5 OT this year, I like Smith, Carimi and Sherrod.

Although an effort guy, I think he's pretty sloppy technique wise, has bad feet and struggles overextending and reaching.

The UNC game in '09 against Robert Quinn is a good example of this.

[PullMyFinger]

Originally Posted by gimmesix

I see that, but the potential factor is one that always concerns me because it leads to picking busts like Alex Barron.

It seems to me that Smith has only risen because he is a "freakish athlete," not because he has shown a great acumen for playing tackle.

Constanzo was a standout at the Senior Bowl and seems to have the one thing Smith lacks, a great understanding of how to play the position.

He was a four year starter too

[gimmesix]

Originally Posted by arglebargle

Are those published, pen and ink draft guides? If so, they may be months behind. A number of the magazines are pushed out even before the combine results are in, and don't reflect up to date opinions.

Yes, but both are after the combine results. However, I wouldn't devalue their opinions if they didn't include the combine because I think the combine numbers sometimes sway opinions away from production on the field.

It appears to me in that area that Constanzo is more stable than Smith.

(I guess I'm looking for someone who has seen both play, or at least Smith play, who can tell me why Smith is the better pick ... other than measurables.)

[gimmesix]

Originally Posted by realtick

I've watched him and I'm not impressed with him either. I'm really hoping he doesn't end up in Dallas. Of the consensus Top 5 OT this year, I like Smith, Carimi and Sherrod.

Although an effort guy, I think he's pretty sloppy technique wise, has bad feet and struggles overextending and reaching.

The UNC game in '09 against Robert Quinn is a good example of this.

Thanks, that helps. Seems like he did well on the running plays and struggled on at least half of the pass plays shown.

[supercowboy8]

Originally Posted by gimmesix

Just bought three draft guides today and two of them rate Anthony Constanzo as the top offensive tackle available in the draft.

However, in discussions I've seen here, it appears the Tyron Smith is preferred over Constanzo (possibly even by the Cowboys). Why is that?

Now, I've read about Smith's tremendous upside (if that's the reason), but it seems to me (based on what I've read) that Constanzo is more of a sure bet and a better possibility to step in immediately as a starter.

why did you buy those guides. Thats a big waste of money. Those mags are written before the combine.

[28 Joker]

Alex Gibbs thinks Smith will be a pro bowl player.

Tyron Smith is a great run blocker at RT and the best run blocking OT in this draft. I've seen him pancake guys at 285. His second level run blocking is elite. Smith has a mean streak. He is a natural RT, and the NFL is projecting him to LT. Smith is the best pass protector in this draft. His combination of athleticism and power blows away every offensive tackle in this draft, and he has been universally compared to D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Smith has the film to back up his freakish measureables.

According to Charlie Casserly, Castonzo needs to get stronger in his legs and will have trouble with the bull rush early on, and he doesn't have as strong of an anchor. He is a better fit for a team like the Patriots, a team with a short passing game. Castonzo will most likely just be a solid, steady player, perhaps at RT. Plus, he will play at 23. Dallas has a serviceable LT already, in Doug Free.

Tyron Smith would be the perfect fit for Felix Jones and Jason Garrett's vertical passing game. He is only 20 years old, and his ceiling is extremely high. He's a blue chip, cornerstone foundation in the offensive line. All things being equal, when he's 32, Smith will be going into his 13th year.

Smith has all the tools to dominate at RT or LT.

The Cowboys old, deteriorated offensive line needs a dominate player, and Smith has all the tools to dominate in the NFL. He would really open up the field and playbook for Felix Jones and keep Tony Romo off his back. By at least November, Smith would be Dallas' best offensive linemen, imo.

The line is in horrendous shape, and Smith's talent is badly needed up front. Adding inferior players like Carimi, Castonzo, Solder, or Sherrod wouldn't have near the impact that adding a superior talent like Tyron Smith would have. Dallas needs a difference maker, a dominating player, and Smith fits the bill.