From PFF
OG, Alabama Crimson Tide
Emil Ekiyor Jr. is a redshirt interior offensive lineman that has experience playing in more than 40 career games for the Crimson Tide. Ekiyor has been a key piece for many offensive units that have been highly productive, showing to be a reliable and effective interior offensive lineman. Ekiyor has a thick, sturdy base that serves as the base of power for him to be an effective and impactful offensive lineman.
In the run game, Ekiyor shows to have a quick first step that combined with his body mass can generate power and displace defensive linemen. Ekiyor plays with a physical temperament that looks to finish defenders in the run game. Ekiyor also has the lateral agility and quickness to reach-block defenders and seal them off. Ekiyor also showcases the ability to climb to second-level defenders and make effective blocks, creating lanes for ball carriers.
In pass protection, Ekiyor shows to have good short-area quickness in how he effectively passes off twists and stunts to stop penetrating defenders. Ekiyor can also handle power rushers by using the power in his lower half to anchor down and minimize the number of knock back defenders can cause. Ekiyor also shows the willingness to engage in hand combat with defenders, throwing initial and counter punches to defeat them.
Ekiyor’s deficiencies as a player stem from his aggressive nature in that he becomes over-aggressive. In the run game, Ekiyor will get too far extended over his feet, making him lose balance and making him easily sheddable at times. In pass protection, Ekiyor will become over-eager to engage in contact and he will shoot his hands too quickly which results in him overextending causing balance issues.
Overall, Ekiyor is an experienced offensive lineman with the combination of physical tools and temperament that should make him a starter early in his NFL career if he works on the finer details of his game.
I LOVE this pickup!