The Indianapolis Colts had plenty of value with their 12 selections in the 2023 NFL draft, but one of the biggest steals may have come in the form of undrafted guard Emil Ekiyor.
The Alabama product, who was a three-year starter at right guard, is expected to sign with the Colts as an undrafted free agent after surprisingly passing through all seven rounds without being selected. He was named a First-Team All-SEC player in 2022.
Alabama guard Emil Ekiyor is signing with the Colts as an undrafted free agent, per source. @TomPelissero first.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) April 29, 2023
The Colts didn’t draft a guard prospect despite having 12 selections, which was a record high during Chris Ballard’s tenure. They did draft two offensive tackle prospects in BYU’s Blake Freeland and Northern Michigan’s Jake Witt, but neither is ready to start right away.
Ekiyor was projected to be a mid-round pick by several analysts. Here’s what Dane Brugler of The Athletic said about the Alabama product in his draft guide:
A three-year starter at Alabama, Ekiyor was a staple at right guard in former offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s balanced offense. After an uneven junior season, he put above-average play on his 2022 tape (zero penalties) and separated himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the SEC. As both a run blocker and pass protector, Ekiyor quickly establishes leverage with his low pads and upward blows, driving his feet through engagement with his stubborn hands. Though he plays with outstanding awareness and finish, he will get himself in trouble when he overextends, and savvy NFL defensive tackles will use his impatience against him. Overall, Ekiyor finds himself in compromised positions when his punch hands get off-schedule, but he moves well with the processing and core strength to be effective in multiple schemes. He has NFL starter talent with guard-center versatility.
As it currently stands, Will Fries and Danny Pinter will be competing for the starting right guard role. The Colts could still add a veteran in free agency, but Ekiyor should find himself right in the thick of that competition.
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