Did we pick the correct LT?

[AU-panther]

Doesn't matter at this point, but for all of the armchair GMs, did we pick the correct LT?

By most accounts Ekwonu was regarded at the best run blocker, Cross the best pass blocker, and Neal was the most athletically gifted.

Ekwonu seemed to be the top tackle on most boards, although I did see Cross on some, namely PFF.

You could make an argument for Ekwonu based on the fact his floor might be higher in that worst case he is a great guard.  You could make an argument for Cross based on the fact pass blocking is the most important aspect of tackle play in today's NFL.  You could make an argument for Neal based on the shear potential.

Chances are, all three of these guys won't turn out great, would you have picked a different one?

Also the fact that James Campen is on our staff now does make me feel better about the pick

 

 

 

[Jaxel]

I would say Neal was the considered the best all around, but it was ikem's athleticism and potential that made him OT1

[TheProcess]

Yes we made the correct pick. His footwork, balance, and hand usage is really really good

[mrcompletely11]

3 minutes ago, TheProcess said:

Yes we made the correct pick. His footwork, balance, and hand usage is really really good

His aggression is going to be fun to have on the line

[SmokinwithWilly]

10 minutes ago, TheProcess said:

Yes we made the correct pick. His footwork, balance, and hand usage is really really good

Agreed. His footwork is exceptional. 

[Shocker]

I am not about hindsight but it has crossed my mind…

Evan Neal + Sam Howell >  Ickey + Matt Corral

But would say it is very debatable 

Edited April 30, 2022 by Shocker

[WarPanthers89]

Absolutely yes. I wished Cross or Neal would fall to us, I never dreamed Ickey would be available as I knew he would be the first offensive player off the board. I still cannot believe 5 defensive players were taken ahead of us.

[Shotgun]

I would have been happy with any one of them. All are great prospects.

[Cdparr7]

He was the best pick I believe. I do have some concerns about his pass blocking sometimes, and he pushes his weight forward making his footwork get sloppy but that can be coached.

[Waldo]

I think so. Ichey and Neal were close. I have heard multiple times it is easier to teach pass blocking than run blocking. If that is at all true then we absolutely did.

I have seen nothing to indicate Ichey can't be the day 1 starter at LT and a really good one sooner than later. Rhule wanted a run first team last year, I expect him to get it this year behind a much improved line that can actually push in the run game.

[Captroop]

Neal is a different kind of human. 350lbs and 6'7". He's a giant. But 320 lbs and runs a sub-5 40? Ickey, with some refinement is the ideal specimen to block the Edge rushers that are currently the pass rushing threat of the NFL. I have every confidence we picked the correct LT. 

[Dave Gettleman's Shorts]

time will tel but you couldnt go wrong with any of those three. all three are capable of being franchise LT

[rayzor]

Yes. We run the ball more so sure, why not? Plus, he's got lots of room for growth and has shown incredible capability for improvement in all facets. 

And it's not like he sucked at pass-pro. He did well and got better every year.

[JawnyBlaze]

Absolutely yes. Ickey was my favorite of all of them, the least chance of busting or washing out for weight issues or whatever else. Smart guy too, that matters.