Nate Solder, Anthony Castonzo, Other NFL Draft Picks Post Impressive GPAs in College

When fans, analysts and coaches examine players for the NFL draft, every part of their game is scrutinized. Quarterbacks are judged based on arm strength and accuracy, while defensive tackles get analyzed for strength.

What they did off the field, however, does not always hold much weight.

Despite the heavy responsibility that comes with being a student-athlete, many of this year’s top picks were impressive both on the field and in the classroom. Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo posted a 3.45 grade point average while majoring in biochemistry, not exactly an easy subject.

Some of his fellow draftmates were just as impressive academically.

Wyoming safety Chris Prosinsky was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars (121st overall) and was a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, an academic honor given to college football players with GPAs between 3.2 and 4.0 who demonstrate strong team leadership.

Below is a list of the draft picks with the top GPAs.

Stefen Wisniewski, Oakland Raiders, second round (48th overall), guard, Penn State, 3.91 GPA, secondary education  

Greg McElroy, New York Jets, seventh round (208th overall), quarterback, Alabama, 3.83 GPA, marketing

Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings, first round (12th overall), quarterback, Florida State, 3.73 GPA, finance

Sam Acho, Arizona Cardinals, fourth round (103rd overall), defensive end, Texas, 3.55 GPA, business

Derek Sherrod, Green Bay Packers, first round (32nd overall), offensive tackle, Mississippi State, 3.54 GPA, business

Nate Solder, New England Patriots, first round (17th overall), offensive tackle, Colorado, 3.51 GPA, biology

Owen Marecic, Cleveland Browns, fourth round (124th overall), fullback, Stanford, 3.47 GPA, human biology

Anthony Castonzo, Indianapolis Colts, first round (22nd overall), offensive tackle, Boston College, 3.45 GPA, biochemistry

Mike Mohamed, Denver Broncos, sixth round (189th overall), linebacker, California, 3.43 GPA, business