With the 67th pick of RD3 in the 2022 NFL draft the New York Giants select OG Josh Ezeudu out of the University of North Carolina. With so many other highly touted offensive linemen and other positional prospects still on the board, Giants GM Joe Schoen made a head-scratching move with the addition of Ezeudu. Ezeudu has played mostly guard at North Carolina with a little tackle sprinkled in, but he will more than likely compete for a roster spot as a guard.
What are the Giants getting in Josh Ezeudu
Ezeudu allowed 32 pressures in 1.079 pass-blocking snaps at North Carolina with a 98.2 pass-blocking efficiency rating and only 2 sacks allowed in 28 starts. According to the many scouting reports I’ve read on Ezeudu, he has above-average movement skills with impressive explosiveness off the snap. Ezeudu also possesses good lateral quickness and excels in a zone running scheme. Needs to work on hand placement and establish better leverage at the point of attack. Ezeudu was one of the team’s captains which indicates solid leadership and is very feisty and plays to the whistle with a little mean streak sprinkled in.
Long Term Expectations
Ezeudu will complete at left guard against Max Garcia and Shane Lemieux, which is his more natural position and most frequently played at North Carolina. At this point, Ezeudu has the versatility on his side over Lemieux and another advantage is Joe Schoen drafted him and not Lemieux. Ezeudu could secure a starting spot in 2022, but does need to work on a few areas in training camp. The verdict on Ezeudu is still to be determined and having a solid training camp could seal the deal for him.
Final Thoughts
As climatic as Day 1 was for the Giants with the selections of Thibodeaux and Neal, which resulted in a grade of A+ in my opinion. Day 2 was the complete opposite with three selections of prospects that all seemed to be reaches and not BPA (best player available) and I gave a grade C+.
Round 2 pick WR Wan’Dale Robinson is a gadget offensive weapon who had over 100 receptions and over 1300 receiving yards in 2021. In round 3 OG Josh Ezeudu and CB Cordelle Flott heard their name called by the Giants. There will be many points of view on the selections by Joe Schoen on day 2 and initially, all three picks seem to be a reach. I will trust Joe Schoen’s assessments and who he decides to add to the roster.