The Chicago Bears will be looking to build up the trenches this off-season. One player they could be looking into on the offensive line is Emil Ekiyor from Alabama. Should the Bears have interest, and when would they have to pull the trigger?
Chicago Bears Draft Profile: Emil Ekiyor
Emil Ekiyor was a notable four-star recruit who went to Alabama, but he redshirted his first year. By the end of his redshirt freshman season, he had some experience at left guard. Then, he started for the majority of 2020, and all of 2021, and 2022 seasons at right guard.
Emil Ekiyor Snaps by Positions:
2,623 snaps at right guard
114 snaps at left guard
5 snaps at center
While most of the experience Ekiyor has comes at right guard, it is nice to see that versatility Is an option, even at center. Emil Ekiyor went to the Senior Bowl, and they asked him to move into all three interior spots. You can argue his performance during that week may have raised his stock.
Ekiyor is short and stout and plays with a low base. It helps him win in leverage situations, and he relies on his anchor and his power often. In the run game, he can flash mobility, and he ran a primary zone-blocking scheme but he is at his best when he can plant his feet, and drive defenders back.
Some of the reasons Ekiyor relies on this is that he has to. His build is stout, but also short and squatty. He cannot move as quick as some others, and most of his troubles can come on inside moves, or situations where he has to redirect his feet and recover. His reach can also be hindered by his size. At times, he can miss his punch, causing an easy loss, but he can also lose to bigger defenders that get their hands inside his chest too easily.
At this point, he loses against power, which is a big question because that is his best weapon.
Should Chicago Bears have an interest in drafting Emil Ekiyor?
Most mock drafts and simulations see Emil Ekiyor sliding into day three. The questions about his physical profile are going to be picked apart at the NFL Combine, and if he answered questions, it will help his stock, but most likely will hurt things.
Still, this is a solid football player who plays with a nasty demeanor. The fact that he will come into the NFL with the willingness to play all three interior spots has to help his case. Still, that is the likely outcome for him, especially in year one. He should be viewed as a swing backup who can sub in behind each spot if needed, but you may not want him starting for a long time at any spot right now.