Evan Neal Considered Top Overall Prospect by…

NFL Draft – Could an offensive tackle be the top pick in the NFL draft? Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu have that much talent that could warrant the No. 1 overall selection come draft night. The 33rd Team ranked the top 10 offensive tackle prospects including their full scouting reports which were designed by the systems former front office executives implemented in their draft processes.

1) Evan Neal

Key measurables: 6071, 337lbs, 34” arms

Notable 2021 stats: 2 sacks, 5 hits allowed 

Best Trait: Pass Blocking 

Player Comp: Laremy Tunsil

Background:

Started all 37 games of his college career. Five-star prospect out of the state of Florida. Freshman All-American for the 2019 season. Consensus First Team All-American for the 2021 season along with being a semifinalist for the Outland trophy. Anchor on a dominant offensive line that helped win the 2020 National Championship. 

Projection:

Neal projects as starting left tackle in his rookie year with the potential to become a pro bowl caliber player. His unique combination of size, length and athleticism give him the tools to develop into a bookend left tackle in the NFL. His skill set would best work in a zone blocking run scheme which would allow him to use his play strength more effectively. Neal is an outstanding pass blocker who needs to work on his run blocking technique and leverage in order to get the most out of his physical traits.

Evan Neal Scouting Report

2) Ikem Ekwonu

Key measurables: 6040, 310lbs, 34” arms

Notable 2021 Stats: 3 sacks, 0 hits allowed

Best Trait: Run Blocking 

Player Comp: Rashawn Slater 

Background: 

PFF All-Freshman team in 2019, 2nd Team All-ACC in 2020, First Team All-ACC 2021. Parents were both excellent athletes. Twin brother is a LB at Notre Dame. 

Projection:

Ekwonu projects as a starting left tackle at the next level with position flexibility to play guard. He has high end athletic traits that are present in his agile feet and overall mobility. He is a tone setter for an offensive line in the run game with devastating finish on his blocks. Strong hand fighting, mobile feet and sturdy core strength are the bedrock of his pass blocking ability. Overall, Ekwonu is a slightly shorter, highly athletic OT who has the traits to excel in a zone blocking run scheme.

Ikem Ekwonu Scouting Report

3) Charles Cross

Key Measurables: 6050, 310lbs, 34 ½” arms

Notable 2021 Stats: 2 sacks, 0 hits allowed

Best trait: Pass Blocking 

Player Comp: Taylor Moton 

Background:

2-year starter at Mississippi State. First team All-SEC selection for 2021. Five-star prospect out of Mississippi. 

Projection:

Cross initially projects as a starting left tackle at the next level in primarily a zone blocking run scheme. His combination of length and athleticism on the edge gives him the tools to develop into a pro bowl caliber player. He will need to develop his anchor/core strength in order to become stouter against stronger defenders. Cross is overall an above the line athlete for the position and shows a lot of promising tools as a prospect.

Charles Cross Scouting Report