CONTENT

Post Draft Analysis
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ESPN Insider Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
NFL.COM Draft Analysis
CBS Sports Analysis
Pro Football Network Analysis

Erik Ezukanma 
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Texas Tech
Current Year: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6’1 7/8″
Weight: 209 pounds

POST DRAFT ANALYSIS

ESPN

• My take: Wide receiver isn't necessarily a position of need for the Dolphins, but you can never have too many. Ezukanma is a bigger receiver with enough speed to satisfy head coach Mike McDaniel. Special teams will be his fastest path to contribution as he refines his route tree and solves his issue of "focus drops." But if he has a strong camp and Preston Williams fails to impress, Ezukanma can leap into the rotation as a short-yardage receiver.

Pro Football Focus

• The 6-foot-2 wide receiver played a significant role in Texas Tech’s offense each of the past three seasons and steadily improved. His quality of play wasn’t quite good enough to land on PFF's big board. His experience has almost entirely been as an outside wide receiver, which is fine considering the majority of the Dolphins' wide receivers have significant experience in the slot. Ezukanma joins a crowded wide receiver room in Miami, as the team has added Tyreek Hill, Cedrick Wilson and Trent Sherfield this offseason to go along with Jaylen Waddle, Lynn Bowden Jr. and Preston Williams. It’s unlikely Ezukanma carves out a role in the offense this season. It’s likely one or more of the wide receivers mentioned will not make it to Week 1.

NBC Sports Edge

• After redshirting in 2018, Ezukanma (6'2/209) averaged over 700 receiving yards with 16 total touchdowns over his final three seasons at Tech including a 10-138-2 line as a rusher last year. Ezukanma ran a 4.54 forty at his Pro Day and matched his Combine vertical of 36.5 inches. He does not have the route running skills to be a consistent separator underneath and is not a burner, but he offers a big frame, good ball skills, and YAC ability that could allow him to carve out a role on the outside. Ezukanma will likely focus on special teams as a rookie with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Cedrick Wilson locked into three-wide sets followed by Preston Williams.

CBS Sportsline

• Good sized WR with flashes of YAC brilliance. Quality speed and tracks it well downfield. Not a route runner who'll separate with great regularity at the next level. Value feels right. Crowded WR room but more weapons for Tua is a good thing.

Walter Football

• It feels like the one thing the Dolphins didn't need was a receiver, so why spend a pick on one with so few selections. Erik Ezukanma is an intruging receiver with nice size, but where does he fit into the roster? Grade: C

Pre-Draft Analysis

Ezukanma has enough speed to threaten vertically and the body control to make back-shoulder catches. He does a good job of getting inside leverage on slants and using his frame to shield defenders from the ball. Ezukanma is a big target who flashes the ability to make tough, contested catches, but he's not a natural hands catcher and drops balls he should catch. -- Steve Muench

Player Bio

Ezukanma (pronounced ez-zoo-comma) signed with Tech's high-flying offense after earning MaxPreps Junior All-American status in 2017 with 20 receiving touchdowns at Timber Creek High School in Fort Worth. After he redshirted in 2018 (2-48-24.0 in two games), Ezukanma led the Red Raiders with 664 receiving yards (42 receptions, 15.8 per catch), starting six of 12 games played. The following year, he was the first Tech receiver to be named first-team All-Big 12 (led team with 46-748-16.3, six TDs) since Michael Crabtree in 2008. Ezukanma broke his arm during 2021 spring practices but returned to garner second-team all-conference accolades and lead the Red Raiders in receiving (48-706-14.7, four TDs; also 10-138-13.8, two TDs rushing). -- by Chad Reuter

Analysis

• Draft Projection - Round 4
• NFL Comparison - Donte Moncrief

Overview

Productive three-year starter with desired combination of size and foot quickness. Ezukanma has enough speed to get down the field and challenge coverage while displaying an innate sense for protecting and finishing contested catches underneath. The route tree has been limited by scheme, but he's not as polished with the routes he runs as he should be for his experience level. Size, ball skills and toughness work in his favor as a quality backup with some upside.

Strengths

• Big target and team captain.
• Led his team in receiving in all three seasons.
• Ability to widen release to avoid press punch.
• Foot quickness to snap off slants and hitches.
• Burst to pass and stack the cornerback downfield.
• Squares to throw and shifts body to protect the catch.
• High points catch with full extension and strong hands.
• Bodies up defenders during contested catches.
• Quick to grab it and go underneath.

Weaknesses

• Routes lack expected polish of a three-year starter.
• Needs to sell the drive phase of his route.
• Too upright into intermediate break points.
• Needs to play with better speed variance.
• Inconsistent route adjustments to traffic.
• Can be top-heavy rolling and drifting through route turns.
• Easy catches can turn into focus drops.

Sources Tell Us

• "He was a little beat up at the end of the season and he lost his starting quarterback so that helps explain how he dropped off." -- Scout for NFC team

CBS Sports

Rating: 72.27 (Chance to start)

Pro Comparison: Gary Jennings

Strengths:

Bigger bodied wideout with flashes of outstanding yards-after-the-catch and downfield, difficult-grab ability. Balance and moments of power after the catch. Three years of similar big-play production in college. 

Weaknesses:

More of a ball-tracking type than a leaper who'll rebound the football deep. Wasn't asked to run a variety of routes in college and not going to be a big-time separator at the NFL level although not totally stiff. Needs to get more physical at the line and during his routes. 

Accolades:

• 2021: All-Big 12 second team
• 16 scrimmage TDs past three seasons (T-most among Big 12 WRs)

Pro Football Network

Erik Ezukanma NFL Draft Profile

• Position: Wide Receiver
• School: Texas Tech
• Current Year: Redshirt Junior
• Height: 6’1 7/8″
• Weight: 209 pounds
• Wingspan: 78 1/4″
• Length: 33 1/2″
• Hand: 9 3/8″

Ezukanma’s Combine/pro day results

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.55
• Bench Press: 10
• Broad Jump: 10′ 6″
• Vertical Jump: 36.5″
• Three-Cone: 7.20
• Short Shuttle: 4.38

Scouting Report

• The wide receiver position, in particular, draws in more detail in evaluation. There isn’t just game tape to consider. There’s recruiting prestige, there’s level of competition, there’s production, age-adjusted production, and age. A bevy of cosmetic factors mix in with the tried-and-true traits evaluation. These factors do matter. But at the same time, they sometimes draw eyes away from prospects whose film warrants more attention.
• Why is this relevant for Ezukanma? The Texas Tech WR never broke 50 catches or 750 yards in a season. He doesn’t have the elite production profile that so many flock to at the top of the WR board. But on the tape, one could argue Ezukanma has just as much talent. In my opinion, he’s very much a worthy early-round prospect, even if he doesn’t go quite that high.

Athletic Profile

• Ezukanma has a stellar size/length/athleticism combination. With his traits, he can truly be a three-level threat at the next level. Ezukanma’s size is what stands out first. At 6’2″, 209 pounds, the Texas Tech WR has great range and density. He also has elite length, with arms that measured 33.5″ at the Combine.

• Beyond his size, Ezukanma is an impressive athlete, and by extension, a tremendous run-after-catch threat. The Texas Tech WR has great lateral agility and elusiveness for his size. Furthermore, he owns superb explosiveness both off the line and in open space. Ezukanma has the burst to create and elongate space after the catch. He also has enough deep speed to stack defensive backs.

• Going further with Ezukanma’s run-after-catch ability, one has to mention what might be one of his best traits — contact balance. Ezukanma has arguably elite contact balance for a receiver. His legs are always churning, and he can bounce off contact with his dense, well-balanced frame. He can swim through congestion, slip away from arm tackles, and his contact balance combined with his elusiveness makes for a dangerous mix.

NFL Draft Scouting Report Overview

• Ezukanma is a rare receiver with incredibly dynamic potential. He’s 6’2″, 209 pounds, with elite length and contact balance, great explosiveness and elusiveness, great hands, and impressive authoritative traits at the catch point. He’s a big receiver, but he plays even bigger in several phases.
• Moreover, while Ezukanma has room to refine his route running, he shows potential there. The Texas Tech WR flashes fast feet, smooth hip sinks, and amped-up lower body movements ahead of his breaks. There are deep comebacks on tape where Ezukanma decelerates quickly, chops his feet, and sinks his hips well for his size. If he can be more consistent there, he could complete his NFL Draft scouting report.
• Ezukanma seems like a mid-round pick off of buzz, but I would take him much earlier. He’s arguably a top-five WR for me in this class. In the NFL today, receivers don’t necessarily need to be elite route runners. A larger emphasis is being placed on coaches simply scheming playmakers open and getting them the ball. Ezukanma is electric with the ball in his hands and in the air. That voracity as a playmaker in all three ranges, combined with his elite physical makeup, grants him an astronomical ceiling.

Tony Pauline's Scouting Report

• Positives: Large possession receiver with reliable hands. Plays big football, uses his frame to shield away defenders, and takes a pounding yet holds onto the throw. Gets vertical, extends his hands, and snatches the ball out of the air. Adjusts to errant throws and comes away with difficult receptions. Displays solid short-area quickness and works routes.
• Negatives: Possesses a limited route tree and really isn’t quick in or out of breaks. Gets upright entering routes. Takes his eyes off the ball, which leads to drops. Lacks deep speed.
• Analysis: Ezukanma was a consistent three-year starter for Texas Tech and was the go-to receiver in the offense. He possesses nice size and reliable hands, but he has average speed. Ezukanma has enough ability to line up as a fourth receiver in a timing offense.

CONTENT

Post Draft Analysis
Youtube Highlights
ESPN Insider Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
NFL.COM Draft Analysis
Pro Football Focus Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
The 33rd Team (Ireland et al.) Analysis
Blue Chip Scouting

POST DRAFT ANALYSIS

CBS Sportsline

• Speed, speed, and more speed. A blur on the field. But very unpolished as a LB and not a coverage type yet. (Chris Trapasso)
• Tindall becomes the seventh player drafted off of Georgia's defense in the first three rounds. He doesn't have the production of some of his peers, but that's not what drew interest from the NFL; his athletic tools are his selling point. Despite not starting a game at Georgia, Tindall racked up 5.5 sacks from his linebacker spot in 2021 and showed exceptional closing speed and sure tackling ability. Tindall vaulted himself into Day 2 consideration after an impressive showing at the combine that was highlighted by a 4.47 40-yard dash and a 42-inch broad jump at 230 pounds. Though he's still rough around the edges in certain aspects, Tindall has the tools to develop into an impact player.

Walter Football

• Channing Tindall isn't much of a surprise with this pick. The Dolphins brought in so many linebackers for top-30 visits because they really needed help at the position. Tindall makes sense in this range as an athletic defender with nice upside. Grade: B

Sports Illustrated (SI)

• Tindall was a rotational defender for the Bulldogs with no starts in his Georgia career, but he is an explosive athlete (4.47 40-yard dash and 42” vertical jump). While he’s occasionally a step slow to diagnose, he covers ground in a hurry and delivers some big hits as a run defender. He is my 75th-ranked prospect. Grade: B

ESPN (Marcel Louis-Jacques)

• The Dolphins brought their entire corps of inside linebackers back this offseason, but it's still a thin group that could use a sideline-to-sideline defender. Enter: Channing Tindall. The former Bulldog is one of the fastest linebackers in this draft and should contribute quickly. Especially in a division that features one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL in the Bills' Josh Allen, it was critical for the Dolphins to add as much speed as possible to the middle of their defense.

ESPN (Mel Kiper)

• Pick I liked: For Miami's first pick in the draft (No. 102), it got a sideline-to-sideline linebacker in Channing Tindall, who I thought might go 50 picks before then. He never actually started a game at Georgia -- the Bulldogs were loaded -- but he flashed every time he played.

Pro Football Focus (PFF)

• Channing Tindall isn’t nearly as instinctual as his teammate Nakobe Dean, but man can the kid fly sideline to sideline. Blitz him consistently and never ask him to turn his back to the line of scrimmage, and Tindall is going to produce. This is a great fit in Miami. Grade: Good.

Bleacher Report

• Strengths: Runs like a deer, plays through blockers and ball-carriers despite smaller frame, special teams ace
• Weaknesses: Lacks natural instincts for position, gets lost in coverage, struggles to redirect when necessary
• Tindall doesn't need to be in the starting lineup to impact a game, though. His energy can be beneficial as a sub-package defender or on special teams, where he excelled during his time in Athens. The former Georgia linebacker isn’t likely to unseat either Jerome Baker or Elandon Roberts, but he may be able to contribute in some of the Miami Dolphins’ sub-packages. Tindall can make his mark early on special teams, as he did during his Bulldogs career.  As he gets more comfortable and takes advantage of his speed, he can probably push Roberts out of the lineup.
• Grade: C+

Pro Football Network (PFN)

• The Dolphins had to wait until the 102nd pick to make their first selection. But all things considered, they were able to acquire an exciting prospect at that point. At the 102nd pick, the Dolphins selected Georgia LB Channing Tindall. Tindall is one of the highest-upside linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft. There’s also a lot of projection that comes with him. Tindall has good size at 6’2”, 230 pounds, with arms near 33” long. He’s also an elite athlete with 4.47 speed and a 42” vertical. Tindall very much needs to hone his instincts. He wasn’t an every-down linebacker at Georgia, and when he had to read the play, he was inconsistent. But in a run-and-chase role, his explosiveness and tackling ability will provide value. In the meantime, he can develop on the operational side. Grade: B

Pre-Draft Analysis

Tindall is a sideline-to-sideline run-defender who chases with good effort and has outstanding speed and excellent stopping power. He is strong for his size, has longer arms and shows good pop taking on blockers. He has extensive special teams experience and the skill set to make an impact there in the NFL. He shows good instincts and closes well when he adds on late as a pass-rusher. -- Steve Muench

Post-Draft Analysis

The Dolphins' rush defense allowed two yards after contact per rush, which was the third-worst mark in the NFL last season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Tindall is a powerful striker who should push Elandon Roberts for a starting job as a rookie. -- Muench

Player Bio

USA Today included Tindall on its first-team All-American squad his senior year at Spring Valley High School in South Carolina, and he was also a National Defensive Player of the Year finalist. The four-star recruit couldn't break through the Bulldogs' depth chart to start in his first three seasons (2018: 17 tackles, three for loss with two sacks in 14 games; 2019: nine tackles, 1.5 sacks; 2020: 15 tackles, four for loss with three sacks in 10 games). Tindall did not start in 2021 but made his presence felt by ranking third on the national championship squad with 67 tackles, 7.5 for loss with 5.5 sacks in 15 appearances. -- by Chad Reuter

Analysis

• Draft Projection - Round 2-3
• NFL Comparison - Cody Barton

Overview

Inside linebacker who proved his toughness and dependability in Georgia's stop unit. Tindall played in a great scheme surrounded by NFL prospects, so projecting his pro potential is a little trickier. He has average size and instincts for work between the tackles, but the pursuit speed and tackling talent to run and hit from sideline to sideline. Play recognition versus the run and pass should improve with additional playing time. Tindall should be an early backup and instant four-phase special-teamer with the potential to eventually step into a starting role.

Strengths

• Became more decisive with diagnosis as the season progressed.
• Plays his role inside the scheme.
• Consistent to find his way to the football.
• Maintains a wide base and squared pads when attacking gaps.
• Sits down firm to maintain his fit.
• Delivers a leveraged blow to climbing blockers.
• Adequate sideline-to-sideline speed.
• No premature leaps as chase tackler.
• Widens and waits to snap hips into an open-field tackle.
• Four-phase special teams experience.

Weaknesses

• Played with talent up front giving him an unusually clean work environment.
• Loses sightlines on the play from the middle.
• Can attack the block quicker and deeper near the line.
• Runs himself into pursuit traffic at times.
• Fails to recognize misdirection in the passing game.
• Not great at squeezing targets from zone.

WHERE HE WINS

• Nose for the Ball
• Tindall wins hunting down ball carriers. He runs like the terminator, seemingly picking up speed with each step. He is the kind of player who can set a physical tone for a defense.

WHAT'S HIS ROLE

• Blitz-Heavy LB
• Georgia's scheme really played to Tindall's strengths, allowing him to blitz on about one-third of pass plays and having him spy on a good number more. He's a weakside linebacker in a blitzheavy defense.

WHERE HE CAN IMPROVE

• Zone Feel
• Tindall needs to improve his feel in zone coverage. He's a pure pursuit player at the moment with very little anticipation and playmaking ability in coverage. He's more straight-line speed than fluid athlete.

THE 33RD TEAM

BUILD
Channing Tindall has average height and weight for the linebacker position. He has a muscular frame that is slightly top heavy, with long arms and adequate thickness in his lower body. Missed 3 games in 2019 with an undisclosed injury.

MENTAL
Plays with a physical mentality and above the line toughness. Flashes adequate play recognition and overall instincts but can get fooled by misdirection and eye candy from the offense. Consistently adequate motor with flashes of above the line effort mixed in.

ATHLETICISM
Tindall sports above the line explosion and long speed which he uses to beat ball carriers to the edge and showcases sideline-to-sideline range. Average overall body control and can come in too hot on occasion. Runs upright and stiff when covering long distances and can struggle to sink hips when coming to balance. Adequate overall to change of direction ability. Above the line play strength when engaging opponents allows him to hold his ground at the point of attack.

TECHNICAL
Once his read has been made, he showcases outstanding closing speed to the ball from anywhere on the field. When engaging blockers, he shows above the line physicality but can struggle to disengage cleanly after his initial punch. Flashes adequate block shedding ability but needs more consistency. At the point of contact with ball carriers he displays adequate explosion through his hips and good tackling form with powerful takedowns. Takes above the line angles to the football and can be very aggressive in his pursuit due to his ability to close on the ball quickly. In coverage he displays the athletic traits to be a successful defender but was more commonly used in a QB spy or blitzing role to good effect. Tends to get flat footed at the top of his drops and lacks true route recognition ability. More comfortable with hook/curl responsibilities over the middle of the field than having the flats or carrying seams. Size mismatch when put up against tight ends but has the speed and physicality to get the job done if needed. His primary method of generating pressure while blitzing is using his speed to get by opponents before they have a chance to get hands on. Flashes good hand use and the ability to use his length to keep hands off. Will sometimes get caught in the chaos due to a mistimed punch and high pad level leading to blockers latching on while he tries to shoot the gap. Excels as a looping blitzer on stunts and at exploding through the hole to get to the QB quickly.

SUMMARY
Channing Tindall is a senior who appeared in 50 games of a possible 53 during his four seasons at Georgia, starting none of them. Saw limited action on defense while being a four-phase special teamer in his first three seasons on a deep Georgia roster. Broke into the LB rotation for his senior season and saw increased action as the season went on while still serving as a major special teams contributor. Finished the season as Georgia's third leading tackler in spite of his limited role for most of the season and was an AP 2nd Team All-SEC selection. Aligned almost exclusively in the box as a part of Georgia's hybrid defense and excelled in his assigned rotational role. Projects as a quality backup off ball linebacker that you can win with while he gets more game reps under his belt. Potential to develop into an average level starter with time to improve the mental aspects of his game. Will be an immediate impact special teams player due to his athletic ability and experience.

BLUE CHIP SCOUTING

Range: Excellent sideline to sideline range that allows him to track down ball carriers from behind. The Tennessee game showed his ability to track down the QB on the run on several occasions. 

Processing Speed: Processes rather quickly and can diagnose the play as it happens and react and adjust accordingly. Tindall also shows the ability to anticipate and read where blockers are coming from and evade.

Coverage Ability: Tindall is still developing in coverage and at times can seem lost in space as he’s dropping back, which can lead to lapses and blown coverages. Has the athleticism to develop into a coverage linebacker, but still doesn’t have the experience yet.

Motor/Effort: Tindall’s motor seemingly never stops running and always wants to be in on the tackle.

Tackling: Tindall is an excellent tackler. He shows great technique, understanding of angles, and his long arms to grapevine and wrap offensive players up and bring them to the ground smoothly. You won’t see Tindall missing very many tackles. 

Block Shedding: While he’s willing to engage blockers, Tindall can struggle to get off blocks and lacks the ability to stack and shed. The willingness is admirable, but he’s still showing that he’s got room for improvement that should come with more coaching and live reps.

Blitzing/Pass Rush: The Tennessee game showed Tindall’s strength as a rusher as he was often used as a QB spy and then hit the POA on a delayed blitz or chase down the QB once he’d bailed the pocket. Teams that use a delayed blitz tactic can maximize Tindall in this role.

Run Defense: Great tackler with solid field vision and pursuit angles, Tindall is a good run blocker when his defensive line is able to keep him clean. When engaged with blockers, he becomes less of a factor in the run game.

Toughness/Power @ POA: Admirable that Tindall willingly engages blockers and comes at them with power. While he may struggle to get off blocks entirely, he can clog lanes and even attract double teams so that one of his teammates can make the tackle.

Versatility: Tindall has shown in limited snaps that he can be serviceable in pass coverage even though it isn’t his strength. Also with his ability to survey the field as a QB spy and his work as a delayed blitzer, he could easily transition to being an ILB in a 3-man front in the pros where he won’t engage as many blockers.

Summary: Tindall had a phenomenal national title game and utilized the buzz from that game to declare for the draft, which is surprising because in his career with the Bulldogs, he was largely used as a rotational player. Ultimately, another year with Georgia could have boosted his stock and allowed him to put more film out there where he could show improvement in block shedding and pass coverage. His tackling will land him a place on special teams on Day 1 as he continues to grow as a player. Tindall is a developmental linebacker at this point with high upside because of his limited tape at Georgia.

Filed By: Mike Hrynyshyn, Area Scout