The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Emil Ekiyor 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Offensive Guard/Center
School: Alabama
Size: 6-foot-2 1/2, 314 pounds
Class: Redshirt Senior
2022 Stats: First Team All-SEC
Ekiyor was able to get loads of experience during his time with Alabama. Now he is a 2023 NFL Draft prospect.
As a four-star prospect out of Indiana, Ekiyor signed with Alabama in the class of 2018. He played in four games, but redshirted in 2018. Ekiyor saw action in eight games during the 2019 season. He jumped into the starting lineup at right guard during the 2020 season. He helped the Crimson Tide go undefeated and win the National Championship. The next season, he returned to the right guard spot. His play helped Alabama go 13-2 and make the National Championship Game. He was named First Team All-SEC in 2022. He led the Crimson Tide to a Sugar Bowl win.
Following the Sugar Bowl, Ekiyor entered the 2023 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Ekiyor is a shorter guard, but does have an ok frame. He has 314 pounds, which is solid for the interior of the offensive line. Ekiyor also has good arm length, that measured in at 33 7/8 inches. His length helps him to sustain blocks.
He has shown to be a solid run blocker. Ekiyor has good quickness at the snap of the ball and maintains his leverage. He is able to drive defenders out of the way to clear big holes for running backs. Ekiyor has solid forward mobility to get to the second level at times
His hand usage is advanced for a prospect. Ekiyor has heavy hands that can provide some pop. He has good timing with his punches, but also has good hand placement. He gets his hands outside and doesn’t allow defenders to get into his frame.
Ekiyor has just average athleticism for the position. He isn’t flexible and also lacks lateral agility. Ekiyor can struggle to block moving targets and also have trouble with athletic interior pass rushers. He isn’t the best in space.
While he has decent size, Ekiyor has struggled against power rushers. They are able to bullrush him back into the pocket, as he doesn’t have a great anchor. Ekiyor can add strength to help combat the power rushers at the next level.
He also can struggle with length. Defenders with great arm length are able to shed his blocks at times. His good hand usage helps him combat this, but he still struggles with length. Perfecting his technique will help against length.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Draft Grade: Third-Round Pick
Make sure to check out our NFL Draft page for more content like Emil Ekiyor 2023 NFL Draft Profile!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
