Bengals bolster pass protection in early 4-round mock draft

Round 3: Pick 93 – Emil Ekiyor, OG (Alabama)

Staying on the offensive line, the stripes select Emil Ekiyor in the third round with the 93rd pick. Cincinnati possibly found their starting left guard going forward with Quinton Spain’s high level of play six games into the year. Jackson Carman’s future at right guard is up in the air right now, if he struggles down the stretch another guard will be needed.

Ekiyor is your prototypical guard at 6’3″, 324 pounds with tremendous power. Pro Football Network highlighted Ekiyor’s biggest weakness, his athleticism,

"Ekiyor’s mobility is far from elite, but he has some redeeming athletic traits, nonetheless. Ekiyor has exceptional balance when leaning past his center of gravity, and he also has some definite lateral mobility and closing burst in the trenches. He transfers his weight well when side-stepping, and his high-effort style helps to maximize his athletic traits in action."

The Crimson Tide product is still a good guard prospect considering his production at the college level and his strength. When he locks onto a defender, that opposing player is basically taken out of the play. That is exactly what you want in an offensive guard. This makes him a good run blocker and his pass blocking is solid. His raw power and nastiness are seen quickly when looking at his tape.

Once again, his ability as an athlete is in question. Ekiyor being a pulling blocker may not work too well at the next level. This could be possibly solved if he cut some weight off his frame.

Overall, Ekiyor would be a solid option for the Bengals in the third round to address a possible need at right guard or add guard depth.