Antonio Garcia Scouting Report: The Tackle Sleeper from Troy

Written by Christian Lysek
For small school prospects, a big game against a power-5 program can do wonders for their draft stock. That is what happened with Antonio Garcia of Troy, who was the best player on the field for his team against the Clemson Tigers. It helped him earn a Senior Bowl selection, and it is helping his stock gain steam as we move into draft season. Here is my evaluation of the draft riser.

Measurables: 
Height- 6'6''
Weight- 293 lbs
Year:
Senior (22)

Pros: Garcia certainly looks the part. He is tall at 6'6'' and long with 33'' arms, two very important measurements tackles need to have in the pros. Garcia is also quite athletic. When asked to pull in the run game (which wasn't often due to scheme), Garcia flashed the potential to accelerate to the second level and take out defenders. Garcia does a good job of sealing defenders away from the hole in the run game. He is so long it is hard to get around him to make the tackle. In pass protection, Garcia does a good job of using his length to make the first contact. He has very strong hands, so once he gets his mitts on a defender, it is near impossible to beat him. Against the speed rush, Garcia does a good job of pushing rushers past the quarterback and out of the play. Garcia also shows good balance in general and does not get beat very often by the defenders pass rushing moves.

Cons: Garcia is a little light at 293 pounds, but that wouldn't matter if he didn't look even lighter on film. I'm honestly not sure why rushers didn't just bull rush Garcia on every play. He needs to add muscle and learn to anchor his feet against the great bull rushers in the pros. Garcia also needs to work on his kick out, because he really did not kick out at all in college, leaving him susceptible to an edge bend. Garcia sometimes struggles in the run game due to his lack of power and because it seems like on some occasions, he is waiting to see the running back before he blocks.

Pro Comparison: Terron Armstead, T, New Orleans Saints
Terron Armstead is a finesse blocker rather than a power blocker. He shows good hand use and has good measurables, but he can give into a good bull rush.  Garcia won't step nice in and play at the level Armstead is playing out now, but if he adds strength, he can be a pro-bowler like Armstead.

3 teams that could use him: The Seahawks need could draft only offensive lineman this draft and come out winners. Tom Cable will know how to get the most out of an athlete like Garcia. The Steelers lack tackle depth and could use Garcia as a backup/eventual starter. The Bears need to improve their offensive tackle position and adding Garcia would help bolster a line that has the best interior trio in the game.

Conclusion: Antonio Garcia is not quite ready to start on day one, but he has the athleticism and build to eventually be a great tackle. He should go sometime on day 3.

All stats from www.sports-reference.com