More so than most positions, the Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections at offensive tackle largely consist of first-round picks. That’s not surprising considering how difficult it is to find humans who weigh more than 300 pounds and have the athleticism, dexterity and mental acumen to play such a difficult position. Those who offer even the smallest flashes of those traits shoot up draft boards.
The 2022 NFL Draft features three tackle prospects who have separated themselves as early Round 1 selections: Mississippi State’s Charles Cross, North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu and Alabama’s Evan Neal. These three have traits that make them tantalizing prospects, as well as blemishes that give pause before crowning any as the clear top player.
According to The Athletic’s consensus big board, Cross is the draft analysis community’s third-ranked tackle, as some question his run blocking ability coming out of a pass-heavy Air Raid system. But he’s my favorite prospect in this group. I’ll explain why in a breakdown of all three below, but let’s first look at their measurables to see how each player passes the test for what teams want at left tackle, which is the best-case landing spot for all three.
| Category | Cross | Ekwonu | Neal |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Height/Weight
|
6'4 3/4" / 307
|
6'4" / 310
|
6'7 1/2" / 337
|
|
10 3/4" / 34 1/2"
|
10 1/4" / 34"
|
10 1/8" / 34"
|
|
|
Shuttle/3 Cone
|
4.61 / 7.88
|
4.73 / 7.82
|
|
|
Broad/Vertical
|
9'4" / 26"
|
9'0" / 29"
|
Neal elected not to test, but Cross and Ekwonu tested quite well. They each finished above the 94th percentile in the 40-yard dash. Cross’ short shuttle also placed in the 75th percentile among offensive linemen, his broad jump in the 91st.
All three prospects pass the 34-inch arm threshold, and though Ekwonu is on the shorter side for offensive tackles at merely 6-foot-4, he still has the same arm length as the 6-7 Neal.
Those numbers should help teams feel easy about Cross and Ekwonu as NFL-level athletes. It of course would have been interesting (and beneficial for this exercise) if Neal tested, too. But in a draft lacking consensus at every position, I don’t think any team is fazed by one more mystery box thrown into the equation.
With film evaluation, we can help piece together things like how Neal’s athleticism holds up and how Cross is in the run game, plus other strengths and weaknesses each of these prospects brings to the table entering the NFL.
Charles Cross, No. 67, Mississippi State
Strengths: Pass protection, athleticism
Cross’ polish as a pass protector is the first thing that stands out, and not just because he has plenty of reps to show it off in Mike Leach’s traditional Air Raid offense. What’s impressive is how Cross operates in Leach’s offense, consistently playing under control with quick eyes and calm feet and hands.
Not only is he a very good athlete who plays with proper footwork, but his awareness lets him maximize his quickness and length. Take this example versus an Alabama blitz and pass rush game. Cross’ alarm bells start going off when No. 47 starts to twist with the blitzing No. 8.
Cross is able to adjust in a timely manner, bend and get his hands into a good position to nullify the blitzer.
Despite declaring for the draft as just a redshirt sophomore, Cross plays with advanced footwork and hand placement. He uses his length and flashes hints of polish during this other play versus Alabama, in which Cross resets his hand placement after the defender swipes his initial set.
Using his very good length really helps Cross get into good positions as a pass protector. He already shows an understanding for having a plan already, and it helps paint an optimistic picture for his ability to contribute early at the next level.
And for one last example of the type of athlete Cross is: Compare his first step and base on the left side to his fellow Mississippi State teammates.
Weakness: Inexperience in run game, bulk
Leach’s offense giveth for pass game repetitions but taketh for run game repetitions. Cross shows aptitude when asked to block in the run game, but it remains a question mark until proven otherwise because of his Air Raid experience.
And though Cross has length, he doesn’t have the preferred weight. He also lacks ideal play strength. He doesn’t have the pure frame or mass like the other top tackles, exhibited in the fact he has the longest arms of the three but shortest wingspan. Cross instead wins with technique and quickness, showing good eyes and tight hands, but he can end up being more of a shielder than mover.
Overall, I am high on Cross and think he has the upside to be a Pro Bowl-level left tackle. His advanced play with his hands and footwork, along with some very good traits as an athlete, make him an intriguing prospect at the top of the draft — and (SPOILER) the one who I think has the best chance at sticking on the left side.
Ikem Ekwonu, No. 79, North Carolina State
Strengths: Athleticism, explosiveness, run blocking
Ekwonu’s main calling card is how dynamic he is in the run game. He is a very good athlete who can consistently reach defensive linemen on the backside of run plays and is comfortable pulling and operating in space.
Here is an example of Ekwonu on the backside of a zone run play. His job is to cut off the defensive lineman aligned as a 3 technique (outside shoulder of the offensive guard). This task requires a good deal of athleticism from offensive tackles, as they have to gain depth and stay balanced while also having the strength to drive the defender. Ekwonu does just that.
Notice how Ekwonu manages to get his head across the defender, gaining leverage and hindering the defender’s chance to make a play on the run.
The hole opens for the running back to cut up the field thanks to Ekwonu sealing the backside and finishing strong downfield.
Ekwonu is not only a fluid mover but also a powerful player. Much like a weightlifter doing a power clean, he is able to sink and move defenders off of their spot, gaining and regaining leverage like a sumo wrestler and lifting defenders off the ground. He is not afraid to leave a mark with his blocking and wants to set the tone each and every play. His overall aggression and competitiveness is palpable. Watching him track defenders on the second level is a treat.
Weakness: Overall technique
As powerful and athletic as Ekwonu is, he is still a work in progress as far as technique and polish go — especially as a pass protector. He will at times overset outwards toward the pass rusher and lose leverage and/or leave himself vulnerable to inside moves. His killer instinct can also lead to plays in which he ends up off-balance after lunging at defenders.
Below are two plays versus projected first-round pick Jermaine Johnson from Florida State. Both times, Ekwonu ends up with his head down and his entire body out of position.
On this pass set, Ekwonu oversets a tad too wide …
… and ends up lunging with his head out over the front of his feet, leaving him off-balance versus Johnson’s spin move.
Johnson takes advantage on his way to the quarterback.
And in the run game, Ekwonu will at times pay the price for being too eager to deliver a blow to the defender. But he improved in this facet as the 2021 season went along.
Overall, Ekwonu’s inconsistent technique is the main reason for criticism. The glass-half-full analysis is that he has the athleticism to overcome the not-so-perfect footwork and hand placement, and that working on hands is a far easier fix than not having the foot speed or bend to win as a blocker in the first place.
If the light bulb never ends up turning on for Ekwonu at left tackle in the NFL, he could still be a potentially dynamic offensive guard or right tackle. His deficiencies wouldn’t be as costly at either spot.
Evan Neal, No. 73, Alabama
Strengths: Size, positional versatility
Neal comes with the Alabama pedigree and an incredible frame. Though he chose to not do any of the athletic testing leading up to the draft, Neal carries his weight well, which is weird to say about a guy who tips the scales around 350 pounds at times.
Neal plays in a calm manner and uses his large frame to his advantage in the run game, moving defenders into a different realm.
And as a pass protector, Neal dares defenders to try to loop around him or bull rush into his large frame. Neal has enough athleticism and get-off to handle one-on-ones with talented pass rushers, including Georgia’s Travon Walker, the possible No. 1 pick. With the heavy hands to strike, Neal stops Walker dead in his tracks.
Neal played several positions during his career at Alabama, with extended starting experience at left guard and right tackle on very successful teams. Being able to slot in at several spots along the line of scrimmage — with actual experience in high-pressure situations, as opposed to just theoretical fit — adds a few points to whatever your assessment of Neal is.
Weaknesses: Sustain, top-end athleticism, upside
Though I think Neal moves quite well for his size, I hesitate to say he is anything more than a firmly good athlete. Not very good. Not great. Not excellent. Just good.
He plays under control, but he will too often end up on the ground or chasing his defender at the end of plays, an indicator of balance and foot quickness — or lack thereof.
A bit too often, Neal’s lack of high-end quickness shows up against speed rushers who are able to cross him over.
He also ends up looking top-heavy at the end of run plays.
Neal more than deserves a shot to stick at left tackle in the NFL, but I think right tackle ends up being his final landing spot. His all-around game allows him to stay on the outside with adequate athleticism to hold up against most pass rushers.
(Top photo of Charles Cross: Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Charles Cross, Ikem Ekwonu or Evan Neal? Pros and cons of top OTs in 2022 NFL Draft - The Athletic
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