With the third selection of the third round, No. 67 overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected offensive guard Joshua Ezeudu from North Carolina.
Ezeudu, a three-year starter for the Tar Heels who started 28 of 36 games, was primarily a left guard in UNC’s RPO-heavy offense, but also played extensive snaps at both tackle spots over his three seasons, as the 6-foot-4, 308-pounder was a tackle in high school before moving inside when he got to Chapel Hill.
Mel Kiper Jr.’s comment on ESPN’s coverage noted “he has to be more consistent but inside is where he can flourish,” and Ezeudu had an 83.0 run blocking grade last year, third among ACC guards, and a 77.8 overall grade (36th out of 622 ranked guards) per Pro Football Focus.
PFF only had Ezeudu as their No. 133 overall prospect, saying the pick may be a reach, but Ezeudu has the potential and traits to become a starting NFL offensive lineman” after a 2021 that was “his best season and his first truly above-average year despite three years of starting.”
Ezeudu joins tackle Evan Neal in the Giants’ draft class, and joins a crowded offensive line situation in New York that has Andrew Thomas at left tackle, Mark Glowinski and center Jon Feliciano at two spots inside, and a lot of competition at left guard and right tackle.
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