ESPN 1st Round Pick Preseason Reviews(LT only Edition)

[kungfoodude]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34442049/2022-nfl-rookie-updates-preseason-notes-impressions-stats-all-32-first-round-draft-picks

 

 6. Carolina Panthers

Ikem Ekwonu, OT

How he has fared so far: There will be growing pains. You saw that in the second preseason game when he gave up consecutive sacks in the first quarter. You also see flashes of why he was the sixth overall pick with his run blocking and ability to pancake defenders. Making him the starting tackle comes with risks, but long term it was the right move. "When the ball is snapped, Ickey can block out the sun,'' offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo said. -- David Newton

 7. New York Giants (via CHI)

Evan Neal, OT

How he has fared so far: The one thing that stands out about Neal this summer is his sheer size. He's massive even when standing next to other big offensive linemen. He makes right guard Mark Glowinski (6-4, 310) appear small. "I am a big dude," said Neal, who is listed at 6-foot-7, 350 pounds. "I'm pretty sure that most people that see me have that same reaction." This has been evident in the run game, where Neal has thrived. He has had his ups and downs (especially in one-on-one drills) this summer as a pass-blocker. That could take time and lead to some growing pains as a rookie. -- Jordan Raanan

 9. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Charles Cross, OT

How he has fared so far: Cross has taken virtually all the first-team reps at left tackle and has looked every bit the O-line cornerstone the Seahawks have hoped he'll be -- even with a big blemish on his summer résumé. Cross was flagged for four false starts and a hold in the first three quarters of Seattle's second preseason game. Before that, he'd drawn strong reviews from players and coaches. His transition from a pass-heavy college scheme -- in which he didn't play from a three-point stance -- hasn't been a noticeable issue.

"He's a really solid rookie," Seahawks defensive lineman Shelby Harris said. "Big, strong, physical hands, good feet ... a good pass-protector, strong, good bend, athletic, really everything. He has all the physical traits you want in an offensive tackle." -- Brady Henderson

19. New Orleans Saints (via PHI)

Trevor Penning, OT

How he has fared so far: It has been an up-and-down camp for Penning, who has made more waves nationally for igniting some training camp fights than his play to date. Penning hasn't done enough to this point to unseat veteran James Hurst at the left tackle position, but the Saints are pleased with his progress and like the edge he displays -- as long as it doesn't actually cross the line. -- Katherine Terrell

[TheCasillas]

Lol. Everyone gets praise and critique except Neal. “He is big” is basically the analysis. Hahah 

[cmichd08]

I think Cross and Ekwonu were the two best LT's in this years draft, but we could've had anyone of them and not disappointed in our pick,

[MechaZain]

bust amirite

[cmichd08]

6 minutes ago, TheCasillas said:

Lol. Everyone gets praise and critique except Neal. “He is big” is basically the analysis. Hahah 

Would you been disappointed if we had chosen Neal instead of Ekwonu?

[SmokinwithWilly]

Just now, cmichd08 said:

Would you been disappointed if we had chosen Neal instead of Ekwonu?

I would have. I prefer a mean streak that you just can't teach and Ikky definitely has that. 

[Mr. Scot]

Neal was one of those guys that gave me a feeling something was just...off the more I looked at him. I liked Cross though.

Didn't think as much about Ekwonu pre-draft because I believed there was no way in hell he'd drop to us.

[hepcat]

9 minutes ago, cmichd08 said:

I think Cross and Ekwonu were the two best LT's in this years draft, but we could've had anyone of them and not disappointed in our pick,

It was a no brained with him being from Charlotte and an NC kid all around. Home run decision. Best pick of the Rhule era. He’s gonna be a great player. 

[TheCasillas]

14 minutes ago, cmichd08 said:

Would you been disappointed if we had chosen Neal instead of Ekwonu?

Depends on if we traded back or not. If we just took him At 6, I’d question the decision.

[Chaos]

Lol the Saints got an easily triggered hot head.  You love to see it.  

[Mr. Scot]

27 minutes ago, Chaos said:

Lol the Saints got an easily triggered hot head.  You love to see it.  

Anyone else remember Kyle Turley?

[Waldo]

1 hour ago, SmokinwithWilly said:

I would have. I prefer a mean streak that you just can't teach and Ikky definitely has that. 

And 30 lbs lighter on those knees...

[Waldo]

1 minute ago, Pakmeng said:

Fairly useless analysis. Space filler

Self actualizing today?

[shaqattaq]

1 hour ago, TheCasillas said:

Lol. Everyone gets praise and critique except Neal. “He is big” is basically the analysis. Hahah 

Don't the Giants (no pun intended) have Neal playing RT?