Friday will mark an important day for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine process as the offensive linemen and running backs will take the field for workouts. The former unit is one that most would say is the top need for the team, which needs to upgrade the protection for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
As a result of their issues in the trenches, many draft analysts have the Jags going with an offensive tackle. Alabama’s Evan Neal, in particular, is the most popular pick, but another tackle candidate that is gaining steam to potentially go first overall is N.C. State’s Ikem Ekwonu.
When popping in the tape, there is a lot to be impressed with when observing Ekwonu’s power and tenacious mentality. He’s had little trouble moving defenders off the ball with the Wolfpack, and as a result, he gained a reputation as “the most feared lineman” in the Atlantic Coast Conference in the eyes of The Athletic.
The Jags could use such a prospect (just as they could with Neal) as new coach Doug Pederson will look to turn things around. That’s a key reason why they have wasted little time at the combine to get to know Ekwonu, as the team has met with them in the early stages of the event.
Former North Carolina Stayevoffrnsive tackle Ickey Ekwonu said he had a formal interview with the Jaguars two days ago. 'It definitely went well.' pic.twitter.com/VuXbM98D2m
— John Reid (@JohnReid64) March 3, 2022
According to John Reid of The Florida Times-Union, Ekwonu said the meeting “definitely went well” Thursday at his media availability session. The team also met with Neal, who also felt his interview went “great,” too.
Ekwonu also was asked about his confidence level of being the first overall pick, and unsurprisingly, he believes his abilities could make it come to fruition.
“I think I would be the third player in [NC] State history to go No. 1 overall,” Ekwonu said. “… I wouldn’t be shocked if I went No. 1 overall. I feel like that’s something I’ve put the work in for it. I feel like when that time comes, I wouldn’t be shocked by it.”
Ekwonu, who earned First-Team All Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 2021, has every right to believe he belongs in the conversation to be selected first overall. In 36 games played, he’s been able to garner grades of 80.5, 80.6, and 91.6, respectively, through Pro Football Focus in his three seasons with the Wolfpack. He’s also shown some versatility (like Neal) along the way and has taken 239 snaps at guard in addition to playing tackle.
The Jags and fans of the team will get to see what Ekwonu has to offer Friday as he will work out, but will avoid the bench press. If he can prove that his athleticism is at a similar level as Neal’s, it could make the conversation about the No. 1 overall pick even more interesting.
In this week’s episode of “Touchdown Jaguars!” we looked at the top needs for the Jags heading into the NFL Combine. Progressing forward, we will continue to put out weekly episodes, giving Jags Wire readers a new go-to podcast, which will discuss the latest in news, rumors, and more. To stay up to date, subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and also feel free to rate and comment.
