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North Carolina State offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu was recently named a “dream target” for the New York Giants in the 2022 NFL draft. And as it turns out, that’s an opinion gaining considerable steam.
During a Friday conference call, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah shared similar sentiments as it relates to Ekwonu. He believes the 6-foot-4, 320-pounder would be a “slam dunk” pick for the Giants.
“They’re going to value physicality. [Joe Schoen is] big on that. Joe’s really big on character and makeup, competitive and toughness,” Jeremiah said. “I think Ekwonu would be a slam dunk if he got to them. I don’t know that he’s gonna get there, but if he did I think that would be one they’d probably just turn in the card.”
That’s an interesting 180 for Jeremiah, who just days ago argued that the Giants don’t need to use a first-round pick on an offensive linemen. His recent mock draft followed along those lines, with New York selecting Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker and USC wide receiver Drake London.
Jeremiah added that should Ekwonu and Evan Neal be off the board at No. 5, the Giants need to go in a different direction. He does not believe Charles Cross would be worthy of either of their two first-round picks.
“They have other areas they need to address with their team,” Jeremiah said. “It’s easy to say they need an offensive lineman, they’re taking an offensive lineman. But if it doesn’t fall that way I don’t know that they’re necessarily going to force it.”
Further, Jeremiah admits he sees Ekwonu potentially playing guard during his first season in the NFL. That begs the question: is he worthy of a top 10 pick?
That’s not to say Ekwonu couldn’t or wouldn’t play tackle, just that he may be more valuable inside early on.
“You don’t need five Tony Boselli’s, you just can’t have any tomato cans out there,” Jeremiah added.
The Giants are certainly tired of trotting out four tomato cans alongside Andrew Thomas. And at guard or tackle, Ekwonu would represent an upgrade over said tomato cans.
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