With the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine starting this week, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of work to do this month after finishing 2021 with the league’s worst record for the second consecutive time. Most expect them to bolster their offensive line for the sake of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was far from perfect last year but didn’t receive a lot of help from his line.
In the end, some think the Jags will re-sign left tackle Cam Robinson, whether it’s with the franchise tag or an extension. Others have been sending the Jags a new tackle on the blindside in their mocks with the No. 1 overall pick, which would give the team a cheaper long-term solution to help Lawrence.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. falls in the latter category and slotted the Jags a new blindside protector in his latest mock draft. However, it wasn’t Alabama’s Evan Neal, who seems to be the consensus pick for most, but instead N.C. State’s Ikem Ekwonu, who some believe is the best tackle in the draft. (Subscription needed to see full draft)
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Ultimately, I lean toward Jacksonville getting protection for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who struggled as a rookie. This could go the other way if the organization brings back Cam Robinson in free agency, but Ekwonu — who is a hot name among NFL teams — would be an immediate upgrade. If the Jags can protect Lawrence with Ekwonu on the left side and Walker Little on the right, they can begin to turn around the offense.
When popping in the tape of Ekwonu, one could understand why scouts and draft analysts would have him down as their OT1. He’s tenacious, powerful, and despite being under 6-foot-5 (6-foot-4, 320 pounds), he extends well when making contact with defenders.
Ekwonu also offers versatility to the mix, too, and has played guard during his time with the Wolfpack. That’s clear when looking a the power he generates while run blocking from his current position on the blindside, and for a Jags team that endured many injuries on the offensive line, that’s huge.
If the Jags don’t retain Robinson, Ekwonu (or Neal) certainly looks capable of starting on the blindside Day 1 in his place. The Jags also have Walker Little, a Round 2 selection from last April, who started in three games at left tackle and held his own on the blindside, too. He figures to be a part of the Jags’ future somewhere as a starting offensive lineman and could make a great partner for Ekwonu (or Neal) in terms of a tandem on the outside.
