NFL Draft 2022: 5 prospects who could be day one starters for New York Giants
OL Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State:
Coming in at 6’4, 320 pounds, Ikem Ekwonu made a name for himself as one of the best run-blocking guards in the entire country this year, gaining a run-blocking grade of 93.8 per, PFF.
Not only is Ekwonu an elite run blocker, but he is also a very good pass blocker, only allowing 3 sacks and 10 QB hurries in 500 pass-blocking snaps this season, good enough to gain a pass-blocking grade of 78.3 per, PFF.
Ekwonu possesses elite technique with his hands and feet, scary strength, and shocking athleticism, using all of these tools to absolutely dominate opposing defenders in the run game.
"He is probably the best pure run blocker in the entire class. The amount of times where Ekwonu creates a gap and opens a hole for his back is insane."@TalkPrimeTime writer @charlie_parent on NC State tackle Ikem Ekwonu#HereWeGo #RedSea #SeizeTheDey #SeizeTheDey #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/dmpTyzypsX
— Black and Gold Nation (@B_GNation1) February 21, 2022
Ekwonu may have some of the best hand usage I have seen in a long time, his ability to just toss defenders around is something unheard of.
Something that could become interesting with Ikem Ekwonu is if the New York Giants decide to keep him at tackle or move him to guard, as his size and skill set is a better fit for the guard position.
While it is obvious that Ekwonu would start for the New York Giants if they were to select him, this does not mean that he does not deserve to be mentioned.
Ekownu is a truly special prospect.