Top 3 reasons why the NY Giants must draft Ikem Ekwonu

Continuing a long-overdue rebuild of the NY Giants offensive line should be Joe Schoen’s top priority during the 2022 NFL Draft, starting with Ikem Ekwonu. Out of NC State, he has everything a team looks for in a franchise offensive tackle.

Ekwonu is a smart player who can win nearly any battle. With the Giants in desperate need of help along the offensive line, there is no reason to believe that Ekwonu wouldn’t be a perfect fit.

The Giants have already solidified their left tackle spot with Andrew Thomas, but their right tackle spot is up for grabs. With the addition of Ekwonu, Thomas could potentially be shifted to right tackle and he could move into the left tackle, the position that he is believed to be the best fit for in the NFL.

Regardless of where the team would put Ekwonu along the offensive line, he would bring immediate help that they desperately need. He has proven himself to be an elite prospect. He also fills a role that the Giants have needed to address for some time now. Here are three reasons why the Giants should Ikem Ekwonu in the NFL Draft

3). Potentially the 2022 NFL Draft’s top tackle

There is a case to be made that Ikem Ekwonu is the best tackle in this year’s draft. Ekwonu has steadily risen up draft boards in recent months. He has even surpassed Alabama’s Evan Neal according to some people.

There is also a belief that he could be drafted as high as number one overall. During his time at NC State, Ekwonu was an imposing force along the offensive line. He was elite at the left tackle position, allowing just 33 pressures while playing in 1,332 pass-blocking downs. He also allowed just 10 sacks and was one of the most well-rounded blockers in the country.

Ekwonu has also done a great job of playing smart. He was penalized just 10 times throughout his entire career. During his three seasons as a starter, Ekwonu never finished with an offensive grade of less than 80.0 according to PFF. He posted the highest of his career in 2021, finishing with a grade of 91.6.

If the Giants can lock down a duo of Ekwonu and Thomas, they will be set at the tackle position for the foreseeable future. Doing this will not only help them now but will also help them in the future. Giving them foundational pieces along the line will allow the rest of the offense to flourish.