2022 NFL Scouting Combine: Ikem Ekwonu, Zion Johnson among offensive line winners on Day 2

The offensive linemen have completed their work in Indianapolis. As is standard practice, CBSSports.com examined some of the winners and losers from Friday night. The aftermath could have Jacksonville reconsidering its options at No. 1 overall. Why is explained below:

Winners

Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State: Ekwonu measured in at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds. His arms measured 34 inches, which is well above the generally accepted threshold. His athleticism tested off the charts and it began with a 4.93 seconds 40-yard dash. The most impressive part of the night was when the N.C. State product took to the field for drills. His feet were barely touching the ground as he quickly pitter-pattered through coaching.

Coming into the NFL combine, Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal was a heavy betting favorite to be taken No. 1 overall by the Jaguars. Ekwonu’s performance, saddled by Neal’s absence, could leave the door open for a shift in thinking.

Zion Johnson, Boston College: Johnson showed a lot of strength by pumping out 32 repetitions on the bench press. His power does not come at the expense of foot quickness, however. Similar to Ekwonu, Johnson was showing an ability to create power without planting during on-field drills. He has separated himself as one of the top interior offensive linemen.

Cam Jurgens, Nebraska: By the time you’re reading this, you have probably already searched for his small and now likely bustling beef jerky business. His performance on the field certainly served as an endorsement of the product. A former tight end that converted to center, Jurgens showed off his athleticism with a 4.92 seconds 40-yard dash in addition to locking out 25 repetitions of 225-pounds on the bench press. He was quick and fluid through drills. 

Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa: Penning was one of three offensive linemen to finish with the second-best 40-yard dash time (4.89 seconds). He also led the group with a 7.25 seconds 3-cone drill. Noted for playing with a mean streak, Penning came across well in interviews and urged that his aggression is channeled onto the field. There are moments where he needs to harness that on the field but teams are going to love that fiery spirit.

Zach Tom, Wake Forest: The fifth and final spot came down to a handful of players, including Tom. Memphis interior offensive lineman Dylan Parham, Central Michigan offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann and Chattanooga interior offensive lineman Cole Strange were the others under consideration. To this point, Tom has gotten less publicity than the others so I decided in his favor. In addition to a 4.94 second 40-yard dash, the Wake Forest product was explosive in the broad and vertical jump. He showed light feet through drills. His performance is going to lead some decision makers to go back and watch more of his game play. 

Losers

Kenyon Green, Texas A&M: While most of the perceived top offensive line prospects excelled in on-field drills, Green struggled a bit. He had issues with his footing and showed heavier feet. His 5.24 seconds 40-yard dash was middle of the pack and his 20 repetitions on the bench press were the second-fewest. Vertical and broad jump testing were average to below average as well.

Max Mitchell, Louisiana: Known for his ability to work in space and athleticism, Mitchell’s 5.32 seconds 40-yard dash time was one of the five worst among offensive linemen. Mitchell was average to below average in explosive testing also. His 3-cone drill was one of the six worst. 

Evan Neal, Alabama: It is a similar conversation that was had on Thursday night with Ole Miss’ Matt Corral and the quarterbacks. Corral was sidelined with an injury while the other top prospects performed well. The same was true Friday night when Ekwonu, Cross, Penning and Johnson were tearing the night up while Neal watched on the side. It is not to say Neal is any less gifted than he was at the start of the day Friday, but others made a strong claim in his absence.