Antonio

Garcia

The 2017 third-rounder has now burned through three organizations in a span of three years, all without playing a single down. Slated to begin the year serving a four-game PED suspension, Garcia’s phone won’t be ringing off the hook with job offers.

Garcia is a former third-round pick by the Patriots. He had been working with Indy’s second-string offense at offseason activities. This announcement comes on the heels of Colts third-string QB Chad Kelly being suspended two games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Garcia likely took some form of PEDs when he was coming back from blood clots in his lungs.

Garcia (6’6/302) made 42 starts at left tackle for the Trojans, earning first-team All-Sun Belt during a senior year where he didn’t allow a sack. An all-region high school basketball player, Garcia is an adequate athlete with quick feet and a finisher’s mentality. Garcia is lanky by NFL standards and struggles to carry weight, however, at times dipping into the 280s. Garcia’s arm length (33 3/8") is also less than ideal, and he turns 24 in December. An over-aged, small-school project, Garcia is a bit of a boom-bust prospect we could see emerge as a legitimate starting left tackle or get exposed quickly.

A 42-game starter at left tackle for the Troy Trojans, Garcia didn’t allow a sack as a senior and is a plus athlete with adequate arm length. The Pats may view him as a candidate to eventually replace contract-year LT Nate Solder.

Garcia’s reason for remaining glued to the sideline was never reported. On blood thinners, Garcia reportedly lost 40 pounds. Garcia is expected to make a full recovery, but the Patriots are "(not) assuming anything in regard to his return to the field.” He is without a timetable to resume practicing.

Last year’s No. 85 overall pick, Garcia missed his rookie season with blood clots in his lungs and lost 40 pounds. After the Patriots lost LT Nate Solder in free agency, getting Garcia back in the mix to at least compete for snaps would be a welcomed addition. Matt Tobin is currently penciled in at left tackle, though New England is still trying to re-sign LaAdrian Waddle and/or Cameron Fleming.

Garcia missed his entire rookie season with blood clots in his lungs, but he has been cleared to return. The ordeal reportedly caused him to lose 40 pounds, however, so his conditioning could prove to be an issue this spring. LaAdrian Waddle is currently penciled in at left tackle following Nate Solder’s departure.

He was cut with a non-football injury designation. It’s a stunner as Garcia was under consideration to replace Nate Solder at left tackle. The Patriots traded up to snag Garcia in the third round of last year’s draft but he never saw the field in New England, missing his entire rookie season while battling blood clots in his lungs. The 24-year-old is finally healthy but needs to gain back weight after losing 40 pounds during his illness. Despite his health issues, it shouldn’t take Garcia long to resurface.

The 85th overall pick in last year’s draft, Garcia missed his entire rookie season with blood clots in his lungs, then was cut by the Pats with a non-football injury designation late last week. Garcia is a worthy flyer as a 24-year-old left tackle prospect, but he’ll ultimately be a long shot with the Jets.