2023 NFL Draft Profile: Alabama Offensive Lineman Emil Ekiyor Jr.

BamaCentral is taking a long look at each of the Crimson Tide's 15 football prospects who could hear their names called during the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City on April 27-29.

Author:
Christopher Walsh
Publish date:
Apr 4, 2023 3:05 PM EDT

In this story:

Alabama Crimson Tide

Emil Ekiyor Jr. was one of our favorite players on the 2020-22 Alabama football teams, as he was a three-year starter.

He wasn't the biggest of offensive linemen, but a versatile technician who emerged as a team leader.

Ekiyor can play at either guard spot and at center. He isn't going to run anyone over at the next level, but he also isn't going to get beat too often, either.

His father, Emil Ekiyor Sr., was a defensive end out of UCF who played in the National Football League, mostly for the Atlanta Falcons.

One of the more memorable quotes by Ekiyor during this final season was when asked about tucking in his shirt and why it was important.

“It just comes down to discipline," he said. "Doing something you might not necessarily want to do. Guys want to look cool with their shirt out but just tucking it in … they don’t want to do it but I’ve got to do it because it’s discipline.

"So when I’m out on the field, am I going to do the right thing? Like I’m tired as hell but I have to make this block. It’s like Coach Saban believes in the same mindset and we want to get the rest of the team to believe that, the reason the little things matter and why they’re so important.

"Tuck in the shirt in the weight room, on the field, everywhere. It’s the rules so you have to follow the rules in practice the same way it’s going to happen in the game.”

Alabama Offensive Lineman Emil Ekiyor Jr.

NFL Combine/Workout Details

Emil Ekiyor Jr. and Jahmyr Gibbs — Alabama Athletics

No. 55
Position: Interior offensive lineman
Height: 6025
Weight: 314
Hand: 0948
Arm: 3378
Wing: 8218
40: 5.35
DOB: 1/22/2000
Hometown: Indianapolis, Ind.
High School: Cathedral

Bench Press: 23

What's Being Said About Emil Ekiyor Jr.

Emil Ekiyor Jr., Alabama practice, December 22, 2020 — Alabama Athletics

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Guard prospect who plays with the calm and consistency expected from a three-year starter at Alabama. Ekiyor is shorter than teams might like, but he’s girthy and plays with excellent fundamentals from snap to whistle. He’s an adequate athlete suited for inside zone and gap scheme runs. Footwork and hand placement are helpful but he’s likely to have issues dealing with space-eaters and bull-rushers who can generate pocket push against him. Ultimately, Ekiyor is both smart and sound with how he plays the position and could have staying power as a future starter.

NFL Draft Bible: Agile right guard who has positional versatility to play all three positions on the interior. Ekiyor plays at a low pad level, allowing him to operate with a low center of gravity and win the leverage battle. Opponents are rarely able to get underneath him. He is capable of blocking on the move, showing the footwork required to pull and locating opponents reliably. In pass protection, he can mirror rushers using his foot speed and lateral agility. Ekiyor has pop in his hands, finishing smaller defenders. He recognizes and picks up blitzes from the second level. A lack of functional strength limits his game and given his frame is filled out, it will be difficult to add muscle. Ekiyor is unable to drive defensive linemen out of their gaps. He does not sustain leverage, as opponents are able to overpower him. In pass protection, Ekyior does not anchor consistently and frequently gets outreached by defenders, showing a lack of length. When rushers counter, he does not have the strength to shut them down. His pass sets need to be cleaned up as he looks uncomfortable moving backward.

BamaCentral Analysis

Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor Jr. (55) blocks Louisiana Monroe Warhawks linebacker Quae Drake (10) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. — Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Ekiyor would fit best in a team that relies heavily on a zone-blocking scheme, which covets agility and athleticism out of its linemen. He can pull very well, make solid blocks and get out in front of a ball carrier to help create a wall. A lot of times when a player does that he's either not comfortable or tries to do too much. Ekiyor stays poised and fulfills his assignment. He's a day-three selection, but is the kind of player who can bring immediate depth to a team and maybe play in the league longer than his father (six years).

Projection: Fifth round.