Alabama OL Emil Ekiyor signs UDFA deal following 2023 NFL Draft

Emil Ekiyor is the latest Alabama offensive lineman to find his way to an NFL roster, with the interior guard signing up as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts. For someone who has been so consistent for the Crimson Tide over the years, Ekiyor will be hoping it translates to the next level.

While Alabama is known for playing offensive linemen at multiple different positions, Ekiyor spent all of his time in Tuscaloosa on the interior. Right guard was his main position, playing there during his junior and senior years. In fact, Ekiyor earned first-team All-SEC honors during the 2022 season.

There might not be a more experienced lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft class than Ekiyor, who didn’t come off the board. He spent five seasons at Alabama and got consistent playing time in them all. Ekiyor appeared in 53 total games and really became a staple up front to protect multiple different quarterbacks.

Jalen Hurts, Mac Jones, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young all had No. 55 out there blocking for them at one point.

Ekiyor played high school football at Indianapolis (IN) Cathedral, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 118 overall recruit in the 2018 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Emil Ekiyor

When given a player comparison, Ekiyor was likened to current Chicago Bears offensive lineman and NFL veteran Nate Davis by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. Zierlein also gave his scouting report on Ekiyor, talking about the positives and negatives of the soon-to-be NFL rookie.

Ekiyor projects as a future starter according to the scout, having positive things to say about both his mental and physical traits. While the ideal height to play on the interior is not there, the athleticism makes up for it in a big way.

“Guard prospect who plays with the calm and consistency expected from a three-year starter at Alabama,” Zierlein said. “Ekiyor is shorter than teams might like, but he’s girthy and plays with excellent fundamentals from snap to whistle. He’s an adequate athlete suited for inside zone and gap scheme runs.

“Footwork and hand placement are helpful but he’s likely to have issues dealing with space-eaters and bull-rushers who can generate pocket push against him. Ultimately, Ekiyor is both smart and sound with how he plays the position and could have staying power as a future starter.”