The 2022 NFL Draft is in three days, and there is still no consensus on who the Jacksonville Jaguars will draft with the first overall selection.
After selecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence last season, this year’s mock drafts predict that the Jaguars will go defense.
Therefore, names like Aidan Hutchinson and Trevon Walker were predicted to have their name called first.
Walker also tops DraftKings’ betting odds for the number one pick in this year’s draft.
However, general manager Trent Baalke hasn’t set his decision in stone, meaning it could still change.
As ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller shared, they could make a stunning selection.
It's draft week, which means it's lying week, but there is a lot of chatter this morning about the Jaguars and Ikem Ekwonu.
Could be that they like him a lot and might not draft him…but the buzz is definitely out there that he is in play at No. 1 overall.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 25, 2022
Miller tweeted, “It’s draft week, which means it’s lying week, but there is a lot of chatter this morning about the Jaguars and Ikem Ekwonu. Could be that they like him a lot and might not draft him…but the buzz is definitely out there that he is in play at No. 1 overall.”
The offensive lineman from North Carolina State was a Unanimous All-American and First-Team All-ACC last year.
He also won the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the conference’s best blocker.
Drafting Ekwonu Makes Sense
Bringing in All-Pro offensive guard Brandon Scherff helps improve the protection around Lawrence.
Cam Robinson is also a solid option at left tackle.
However, getting Ekwonu should give Lawrence more time to find Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Marvin Jones Jr. downfield.
He can also switch between left tackle and left guard, depending on what the Jaguars need.
While Ekwonu is an exciting prospect, Jacksonville should elevate their pass rush to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Last season, the Jaguars finished 27th in sacks with 32.
If they want to become competitive, they must address that glaring need.
