New England Patriots select Troy’s Antonio Garcia with the 85th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft

Neal Brown’s mantra for Troy in 2016 was “Rebuild the Wall.” Turns out, that wall had a name: Antonio Garcia. A 6’6″ 302 lb. behemoth, Garcia was the cornerstone in an offensive line that held defenses to only 8 quarterback sacks all season, good for best in the FBS. Secure behind Garcia’s stingy protection, QB Brandon Silvers was able to guide a Troy offense that led the Sun Belt in scoring offense and in passing offense in 2016.

Garcia arrived to Troy a slightly underweight and under-recruited 2-star prospect in 2012. Injury kept him sidelined his freshman year, but Garcia bounced back with more weight and muscle, earning All Sun Belt First Team Offense honors his senior season. His NFL Combine Report suggests that Garcia may need to gain and maintain more weight to be effective against pro defenses. Look for the sage and ever-wise Patriots to bring him along slowly.

Garcia is Troy’s first player selected in the NFL draft since Jonathan Massaquoi in 2012.