3 bold predictions for NC State’s offensive line
NC State’s offensive line is experienced. It returned all but one starter from last season, and the Wolfpack replaced the one missing link with one of the top centers from the transfer portal.
It’s tight end/offensive line week on TheWolfpacker.com. Going into fall camp, the Pack’s offensive line enters the 2024 season as a veteran set of players. Let’s break down a few bold predictions for the position group.
Anthony Belton is a first-round pick
While this seems like a very bold take in July, it could look pretty pedestrian by the end of the season: graduate left tackle Anthony Belton could be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
The 6-foot-6, 336-pound offensive lineman generated draft buzz after last season, likely slotting in as a mid-to-late-round pick. But instead of turning professional, Belton returned to NC State for a final season. That decision could pay off in a major way this fall.
Not only will Belton likely be the Wolfpack’s top offensive lineman — and among the best in the ACC as a whole — but he has the chance to improve his NFL Draft stock with a solid season. Some draft experts are already raving about Belton’s skill set, including ESPN already projecting him as a first rounder.
“Despite how well the Chiefs have put together and managed their roster, there’s a lack of answers at offensive tackle,” ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote. “The Kingsley Suamataia pick in the second round likely solves one tackle spot, potentially replacing right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who struggled last season. Belton, a two-year starter at left tackle, allowed one sack last year and wows with his easy movement at 6-5 and 345 pounds. If the Chiefs like Suamataia on the right side (where most scouts pegged him pre-draft), then Belton could fit well at left tackle to give Patrick Mahomes more time in the pocket.”
Belton could become the first NC State player to be picked in the first round since offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu went sixth overall to the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
Zeke Correll allows two or fewer total sacks
After spending his first five seasons at Notre Dame, graduate center Zeke Correll transferred to NC State for his final go in college football. And the center is a proven commodity.
Correll started 23 straight games for the Fighting Irish to close his time in South Bend. In this past season, well, he was impressive. Correll allowed just 10 quarterback pressures, resulting in eight hurries and two hits — with no sacks.
That wasn’t a fluke, either. In all, through his time at Notre Dame, Correll gave up 24 quarterback pressures with 24 hurries, eight hits and just three total sacks. He did all of that in 1,019 pass blocking snaps. Look for that to continue, even though he is on a new offensive line for the first time in his career.
Kamen Smith starts
The 2024 season could have a slight shake up to the NC State offensive line. Yes, the Wolfpack returned with four starters from a year ago, but there’s a redshirt freshman that could make a case to start this season.
Kamen Smith, a former three-star recruit out of Wilkesboro, N.C., did not appear in a game last season, but he is more than capable of pushing Anthony Carter Jr. to start at guard.
The 6-foot-5, 316-pound offensive lineman is expected to push Carter in fall camp. This will be a position matchup to watch, and with a solid set of practices, Smith could surpass Carter ahead of the season opener. It will not be an easy task, but it is there for the taking for the two offensive linemen to battle it out in August.
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