The Patriots traded back up into the third round on Friday to select offensive tackle Antonio Garcia from Troy.
Garcia was someone I had on my Top-50 Patriots board and it would appear he’ll be groomed in 2017 to (potentially) take over for Nate Solder in 2018. The team made a similar move with Solder and Matt Light in 2011, but even then Solder was thrust into action early in replacement of Sebastian Vollmer and was solid.
Two words that come up in every Garcia scouting report? Athletic and nasty. That’s perfect Patriots pudding for an offensive linemen. The infusion of depth now that Vollmer has retired was much-needed and now it would appear that losing Solder to injury won’t necessary be the death sentence it was in 2015.
What’s most impressive about Garcia is how he played against the big schools, shutting down NFL-calibre pass rushers from Clemson (2016), Ohio State (2016), NC State (2015) and Wisconsin (2015).
On his introductory conference call he couldn’t recall the last sack he gave up.
Garcia was asked if it’s true that he didn’t give up a sack last season. Said w/a hilarious amount of confidence, “That is absolutely true.”
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 29, 2017
Offensive line picks aren’t always glamorous but they’re critical, especially at the left tackle spot. You need a player you can trust there and Garcia has all the traits to be successful, especially after a year in the Dante Scarnecchia School of Offensive Lineman-ing.
He’ll compete with Cameron Fleming for the swing tackle job and his athleticism will give him a significant edge.
Outstanding athleticism. Very good lateral quickness coming out of stance. Former high school hooper who still has basketball feet. Able to mirror pass rushers before and after engagement. Rarely beaten cleanly around edge by speed. Continues to slide feet and maintain engagement up and around pass arc. Works to keep his blocks centered in his power zone. Easily redirects back inside to chase an inside challenge. Has loose hips and quick feet providing recovery ability. Plays with his length. Fluid in space and can get to challenging angles. Keeps battling to anchor if he gets bumped early. Finds ways to get his man blocked.
It’s rare that the Patriots get through two draft days without making a WTF pick. Both Rivers and Garcia fill two big needs and should immediately find some playing time.
Remaining picks for Saturday:
- 4-131
- 5-183
- 7-239
Why think Garcia was drafted to replace Solder? I mean it’s great if he puts on weight, gains strength, and can be a quality starter at LT. But 3rd rounder doesn’t have to start. (Unlike Solder who was clearly a Light replacement.)
If he can be the Pats’ #3 OT, that’s worth #85 isn’t it? Pats need 4 OTs on the 53, so they can keep Fleming as primarily RT, Garcia as primarily LT, and still extend Solder if they want. That seems like a great depth plan to me, and with Fleming and Garcia playing on inexpensive contracts, not too much money to invest in the position. Right?
I guess the only way we’ll know is if they extend Solder this season. If he hits free agency next year at least they’re protected now with some depth. I don’t know for sure that we can pencil in Garcia to start in 2018, could be a high rounder taken next year as well, but I like his characteristics and he seems far more like a left tackle long term.