INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 03: Ickey Ekwonu #OL12 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images
Offensive Line and Running Backs
Today's press conferences featured the top offensive line and running back prospects including two players that are currently in the running for the first overall pick: Alabama OT Evan Neal and North Carolina State OT Ickey Ekwonu. Both players met with the media as they continue to make their case to be first overall but it was Ekwonu's charisma that stole the show.
OT Ickey Ekwonu will workout at the Combine, with the exception of lifting, where OT Evan Neal will wait until Alabama's Pro Day. The Broncos won't have a chance to draft either of those OTs but a guy that has been rocketing up draft boards will definitely be in range. Northern Iowa OT Trevor Penning put on a show at the Senior Bowl last month, cementing his placement as a late Day 1 to early Day 2 pick. A good performance at the Combine and he should be a lock for the 1st round.
Other notable OTs that showed impressive poise during media day included Central Michigan's Bernard Raimann, Ohio State's Nick Petit-Frere and Memphis' Dylan Parham though he has versatility to play multiple positions along the offensive line. As far as interior offensive line, there are two names that jump out and are expected to go in the 1st round on April 28th. Iowa OG/C Tyler Linderbaum and Boston College OG/C Zion Johnson. Both are impressive athletes that offer elite ability and versatility. If either slips out of the 1st round, the Broncos should be very aggressive to acquire one of the these impressive prospects.
The Running Backs closed out the day and though there aren't any expected to be drafted in the 1st round, there is plenty of talent available starting in the 2nd round. The group will be lead by Michigan State's Kenny Walker III who, at one point last season, was in the conversation for a Heisman Award. Walker had 1,636 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns last year for the Spartans but was limited in the passing game so he'll need to make teams believe he's capable of more in order to be drafted as a 3-down RB.
News and notes:
Measurements and times are starting come in at the 2022 NFL Combine and Kenny Pickett's record small 8.5 inch hands are certainly the buzz. While not guaranteeing a lack of success, it certainly makes his margin for error in gripping a football tiny. Small hands can lead to poor grip and more fumbles. Pickett had 26 fumbles in college.
Desmond Ridder ran an unofficial 4.5 40 yard dash time. With Malik Willis opting to wait to run til his pro day, Ridder was easily the fastest QB. Ridder is considered the 4th or 5th best QB in the class.
WR Chris Olave ran a blazing 4.26 unofficial 40 then watches as Tyquan Thornton ran a 4.21 at 6'2" 181 pounds. Fast group of WRs.
Around the league teams are shopping players. The Giants continue to shop Saquon Barkley with reports that he could be had for as little as a 4th rounder. Texans aggressively shopping OT Laremy Tunsil as well.