Buffalo Bills: 5 offensive linemen to target in the 2022 NFL Draft

G Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State

Measurables: 6-4, 320 lbs.

Ikem Ekwonu has come on this season as a draft prospect and has been dubbed “The most feared lineman in the ACC.” Ekwonu is the type of strong nasty guard that every team would like. He is powerful enough to handle the NFL opposition on day one, and his elite motor is a trait that makes him finish blocks nearly every play.

Ekwonu has played tackle and guard at North Carolina State, but he projects as a guard at the next level. His athleticism helps him maul defenders from the guard position, and he uses his quickness to get to the second level and throw powerful blocks on linebackers and safeties.

Where Ekwonu needs to improve is as a pass blocker and in the 2020 season, he allowed seven sacks and 25 pressures which are not great numbers. While Ekwonu has an extremely powerful base and punches as a guard, he struggles with the precision needed to be a successful pass blocker. Very experienced pass rushers will beat him in the battle for hand placement, often putting Ekwonu in a poor position to leverage his strength. On some occasions, his power is enough to keep pass rushers from getting to the quarterback, but he will have to refine his pass blocking fundamentals to excel at the next level.

Ekwonu could be on the Buffalo Bills’ radar because he can immediately come in and be one of the best-run blockers on the entire offensive line group. While he may leave a little to be desired as a pass protector, the Buffalo Bills will likely emphasize his improvement in that area during training camp and throughout the season.