Emil Ekiyor 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

•  29 career starts 
• Named to the Lombardi watchlist 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Both zone and gap 
• 2022 projected role: Starting RG but has the versatility to play either guard position

Pros: There are quite a few things to like about Emil Ekiyor. Ekiyor has a thick lower half that serves as his base source for power—when he can maintain a good foundation you see the best of Ekiyor. In confined spaces, Ekiyor operates well in his ability to keep a good base and use his strength to stall defenders in pass protection. Ekiyor also shows to have good quick feet where he can mirror defenders’ initial and counter moves and keep his feet active while engaged with defenders. In the run game, Ekiyor shows to have enough athleticism to work to second-level defenders and place effective blocks. Ekiyor is a battle-tested interior offensive lineman that has lots of experience. If he continues to build on what he has already done, he should be able to solidify himself as one of the best interior offensive linemen in this class. 

Cons: Emil Ekiyor has an aggressive mentality that can get him in trouble at times. While run blocking, Ekiyor can get too aggressive, which gets his head out over his toes and makes him lose balance. Instead of being able to make effective, sustainable blocks, he is easier to shed by defenders. Also, Ekiyor seems to lose his base for power when he is in space. When Ekiyor has to block in space and really open up, he seems to lose his technique and it makes him an ineffective blocker at times. Ekiyor is a good football player but I believe for him to become a complete guard he needs to work on his athleticism in space so coaches feel comfortable using him to be a lead blocker on pulling plays and on screens. 

Emil Ekiyor NFL Draft Scouting Report by Keith Sanchez