Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave Take Center Stage at OSU Pro Day Ahead of 2022 NFL Draft
Mar 23, 2022
Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson, right, celebrates his touchdown against Michigan State with teammate Chris Olave during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Two of the top receivers in the 2022 NFL draft class were on display at Ohio State's pro day Wednesday as Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson looked to impress team personnel.
The receivers ran routes and caught passes from Buckeyes teammate C.J. Stroud, who is expected to be one of the top quarterback prospects in 2023:
C.J. Stroud to Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson for one more day at Ohio State’s pro day. pic.twitter.com/wQdlp5xtIX
Ohio State has its usual massive turnout of NFL folks for pro day today. Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera among the head coaches in a crowd that also includes GMs and a bunch of OL and WR coaches.
The Washington Commanders could be looking for another reliable receiver alongside Terry McLaurin to help out quarterback Carson Wentz in his first season with the team.
Olave is considered the second-best receiver and 10th-best player at any position in the 2022 class by Bleacher Report's Scouting Department. The 6'0" wideout had a knack for getting to the end zone, leading Ohio State with 13 receiving touchdowns this season while totaling 32 scores over the past three years.
Wilson came through for the Buckeyes in 2021 as well, totaling 70 catches for 1,058 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, adding one rushing touchdown during his breakout year. The 6'0" player is listed No. 21 overall and the sixth-best receiver by the B/R Scouting Department.
Both Olave and Wilson could be taken in the first round next month with plenty of teams looking to add talent at the position.
Commanders Rumors: Washington Doing Due Diligence on Malik Willis After Wentz Trade
Mar 22, 2022
MOBILE, ALABAMA - DECEMBER 18: Malik Willis #7 of the Liberty Flames throws the the ball during the LendingTree Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders were
reportedly doing their "due diligence" on Liberty quarterback
Malik Willis while attending the Flames' pro day on Tuesday.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network
reported the update on Willis, one of the top QB prospects in the 2022 draft, during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show:
"The Washington Commanders are here doing their due diligence.. I dunno if they'll take a QB but they're doing all their research" ~@RapSheet#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/Qh2O7EiqEl
The Commanders previously acquired
quarterback Carson Wentz in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts.
It's unlikely Washington would have
made the deal for Wentz unless it viewed him as a surefire starter to
open the 2022 campaign.
That said, the Commanders can get out
of his four-year, $128 million contract, which is scheduled to run
through 2024, next offseason without leaving any dead cap space. So
if he fails to assert himself as their new franchise quarterback, it
could be a short tenure in the nation's capital.
His uncertain long-term status is
probably why the team's front office is at least taking a look at the
draft's top signal-callers.
Willis possesses the most upside of any
quarterback in the class. He spent his first two college seasons as a
reserve at Auburn before transferring to Liberty for a chance to
start.
He completed 62.4 percent of his throws
for 5,107 yards with 47 touchdowns and 18 interceptions across 23
appearances for the Flames. He added 1,835 rushing yards and 27
scores on the ground.
While those numbers come with the
caveat they were compiled against lower-level competition than he
would have faced with Auburn in the SEC, they still represent the
type of dual-threat playmaking ability that's built for the modern
NFL.
Willis has the arm strength to
hit any window on the field, but the key questions have surrounded
whether he's accurate enough to thrive at the next level.
He explained at the NFL Scouting
Combine in early March his misses in college were mostly related to
his footwork.
"That's where some of the flaws in
my game come from, maybe some inaccuracies," Willis told
reporters. "It's just from footwork. It's not from just being
inaccurate."
If Willis works through those issues
and starts hitting receivers in stride on intermediate and deep
throws, he's got all the other tools to become a Pro Bowl quarterback.
A year on the sideline to continue
those progressions while also learning about NFL defenses, which
represents a steep learning curve from what he faced in college,
wouldn't be a bad thing. Landing with a team like Washington could
work over the long haul.
That said, the Commanders have a chance
to seriously compete in the NFC this season if Wentz provides
stability under center, so using the No. 11 overall pick on a
prospect who could make an instant impact seems more likely.
Mel Kiper 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Pickett to Saints, Willis to Steelers, Corral to Lions
Mar 22, 2022
Quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) goes through passing drills during Pittsburgh's football pro day , Monday, March 21, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
In his latest 2022 NFL mock draft, ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. projected three quarterbacks to come off the board.
Kiper believes Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett will be the first quarterback selected by the New Orleans Saints at No. 18, followed by Liberty's Malik Willis to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 20 and Ole Miss' Matt Corral to the Detroit Lions at No. 32.
The Saints, Steelers and Lions all have stopgap options at quarterback who aren't guaranteed to be in the picture beyond next season.
So far this offseason, the Saints have re-signed Jameis Winston after striking out in their pursuit of Deshaun Watson, and the Steelers have signed Mitchell Trubisky as the presumptive replacement for the retired Ben Roethlisberger.
Meanwhile, the Lions appear ready to enter the 2022 campaign with Jared Goff as their starter once again.
The 2022 NFL draft isn't considered a strong class for quarterbacks, especially when compared to last year when five quarterbacks came off the board in the first round, including each of the first three picks.
If Kiper's mock comes to fruition and no quarterback is taken until 18th overall, it will mark the latest the first quarterback is taken since 2000 when the New York Jets selected Chad Pennington with the No. 18 overall pick.
There is a lot to like about Pickett, especially the production he put up last season at Pitt when he threw for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns and seven interceptions, but there is some reason for concern as well.
Pickett's hand measured just 8½ inches at the NFL Scouting Combine, which would give him the smallest hand size of any NFL quarterback, although it did increase to 8⅝ inches at his pro day this week after doing hand stretches.
Even so, Pickett would have the smallest hands of any notable starting or backup quarterback in the league, which could make him susceptible to fumbles.
Going to New Orleans could be an ideal landing spot, though, as Pickett would play around half his games in a dome and not have to worry about inclement weather too often.
Willis may be the most talented quarterback in the draft, but he played against a low level of competition at Liberty and didn't put up great numbers last season.
In 2021, Willis completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 2,857 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He did add a lot with his legs, though, rushing for 878 yards and 13 scores.
Willis feels like a quarterback in need of some time to develop, and he would likely have that luxury in Pittsburgh since he could sit behind Trubisky and possibly even Mason Rudolph for at least a season.
Corral is a dual threat like Willis, throwing for 3,349 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions while also rushing for 614 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
He injured his ankle in the Sugar Bowl, and there was some concern that it would be a serious issue, but Corral is expected to be good to go for Mississippi's pro day on Wednesday.
The Lions could undoubtedly use an upgrade over Goff, and since they have two first-round picks, they may be willing to take a chance on their highest-rated quarterback when the No. 32 overall selection rolls around.
The first round of the 2022 NFL draft will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 28.
Logan Bruss NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for Wisconsin IOL
Mar 10, 2022
PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 06: Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Logan Bruss (60) during the college football game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Wisconsin Badgers on November 6, 2021 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'5"
WEIGHT: 309
HAND: 10 3/4"
ARM: 33 1/8"
WINGSPAN: 6'7 3/4"
40-YARD DASH: 5.32
3-CONE: 7.57
SHUTTLE: 4.55
VERTICAL: 31"
BROAD: 9'4"
POSITIVES
— Stoutly built with good girth and thickness throughout his core and lower half.
— Can brace and anchor quickly with good stopping power, weight distribution and contact balance to stay centered on blocks.
— Plays with a strong, wide base with snap in his hips and hands to hit, lift and drive defenders off their spot to create initial displacement.
— Efficiently times the snap and opens his hips out of his stance to get on track for pulls and backside cut-offs with an effective rip/run technique to seal off pursuit angles.
— Impressive body control and understanding of leverage; resets his hips and hands underneath blocks to stay attached and sustain.
— Uses independent hands in pass protection with the dexterity and grip strength to strike, refit and stay attached to shifty rushers.
NEGATIVES
— Limited foot quickness and range at tackle causes him to open his hips early and struggle to consistently protect the corner against wide rushing angles.
— Middling change of direction and suddenness leaves him vulnerable to losing across his face if his angles and landmarks aren't on point.
— Looks to have below-average length that lets longer defenders initiate contact, stack and press him off of blocks.
2021 STATISTICS
- 10 starts at right tackle.
- Second-team All-Big 10 selection.
NOTES
— Former 3-star offensive line recruit out of Kimberly High School in Kimberly, Wisconsin. Also played basketball and lettered three years in track, including all-conference in the discus.
— Missed three games in 2021 (Army, Illinois, Arizona State) with foot and neck issues.
— Made 35 career starts, with 26 at right tackle, six at right guard and three as a blocking tight end.
OVERALL
Bruss is a three-year starter in Wisconsin's pro-style, multiple-run scheme with 35 career starts primarily at right tackle and a half-dozen starts inside at right guard. He has a wide-bodied frame with adequate arm length.
Bruss plays with a wide, strong base and syncs his hips and hands to hit, lift and displace defenders off their spot at the point of attack on combo, down and angle-drive blocks. He times the snap well and gets out of his stance efficiently to be a capable puller and zone run-blocker with a rip/run technique to cut off backside. His average length allows longer defenders to initiate first contact, stack and create space off blocks, but he does a nice job staying under control, refitting and covering them up long enough to create cutback lanes off his back.
As a pass protector, Bruss struggles to protect the corner against skilled rushers aligned at wide rushing angles due to marginal foot quickness and range. But he shows refined body control and dexterity to win the hand-fighting battle in tighter quarters, smoothly pass off stunts and the anchor to set a firm pocket.
Overall, Bruss fits best at guard in the NFL with the base, body control, strength and technique to become a quality backup inside. He should also offer the ability to play right tackle in a pinch.
GRADE: 6.5 (Potential Role Player - Late 4th/Early 5th Round)
Amare Barno NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for Virginia Tech EDGE
Mar 10, 2022
BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 09: Amare Barno #11 of the Virginia Tech Hokies lines up against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half of the game at Lane Stadium on October 9, 2021 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'4 5/8"
WEIGHT: 246
HAND: 9"
ARM: 34"
WINGSPAN: 6'8 5/8"
40-YARD DASH: 4.36
3-CONE: DNP
SHUTTLE: 4.45
VERTICAL: 37"
BROAD: 10'11"
POSITIVES
— Long frame. Good wingspan that helps him engage first.
— Decent initial engagement. Generally does well to keep blockers out of his frame.
— Above-average leg drive and energy. Keeps churning.
— Heady player. Always has eyes on the QB and does well to see the backfield as a run defender.
— Plays with a good, balanced base. Helps him stay upright despite middling strength.
NEGATIVES
— Too skinny. Needs to fill out his frame with at least another 10 pounds, if not more.
— Below-average play strength. Struggles to pop with engages, anchor can waver.
— Middling hip flexibility. Struggles to get low and explode out into blockers.
— Poor snap get-off. Rarely comes off the ball with any real juice.
— Below-average bend. Struggles to widen himself out and run the corner.
— Needs to develop pass-rushing moves. Has no clear fastball, let alone changeups.
2021 STATISTICS
10 G, 35 TOT, 5.5 TFL, 3.5 SK, 1 PD, 1 FF
NOTES
— 3-star JUCO recruit in 2019.
— Two-year starter.
— 2020 All-ACC honorable mention.
OVERALL
Amare Barno has the length of an NFL edge, but he will need more than that to stick around.
Barno's build comes with clear strengths and weaknesses. At 6'4 5/8", he sports a lean frame with great length in his upper body. Those long arms often allow him to get in the first punch when engaging with opposing linemen.
However, Barno's long legs make him a long and clunky strider, making it difficult for him to get low and bend around the edge. His legs too often get out of control, which prevents him from turning the corner effectively. Additionally, Barno only packs 246 pounds into that frame, leaving him far too skinny to be an every-down player in the NFL right now.
In run defense, Barno's skill set is a clash between fundamentals and ability. He sees plays unfold well and is quick to trigger on his assignment. Moreover, Barno uses his length effectively to make the first move and plays with a square base under him. He also plays with a ton of energy and surprising leg drive, giving him some ability to make plays late in the down.
With that being said, Barno does not have the explosiveness or quickness to be a playmaker. Likewise, his play strength is often lacking. Even when he does all the right things technique-wise, bigger and better blockers clear him out of the way.
Barno's pass-rushing repertoire is more limited right now. He does not have a clear athletic trait to lean on. His get-off is uninspiring and his bend is below-average, in part because he is an awkward strider. At this stage, Barno also lacks a reliable pass-rushing approach. He too often defaults to trying to leg-drive his way through for hustle sacks, showing off precious few moves or counter-moves.
Barno's passable run-defense savvy and enticing length will be enough to get him rostered, but it's tough to get excited over his ceiling considering his weight and athletic limitations.
SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 20: Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa (95) looks on during a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on November 20, 2021 at Notre Dame Stadium, in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'2 1/4"
WEIGHT: 270
HAND: 9 5/8"
ARM: 32 5/8"
WINGSPAN: 6'6 7/8"
40-YARD DASH: 4.81
3-CONE: DNP
SHUTTLE: DNP
VERTICAL: 29"
BROAD: 9'7"
POSITIVES
— Comfortable mover. Gains ground effectively in space and when coming off blocks.
— Above-average hand usage, particularly versus the run. Constantly fighting to regain the advantage.
— Plays with his eyes up and responds well to the kinds of blocks he is facing.
— Positional flexibility. Played snaps on the edge, as a base end and as a 3-technique. Even played standing up at times.
— Functional anchor in run defense. Does well to maintain his gap and leverage.
NEGATIVES
— Tweener build. Height and weight is that of an edge, but he packs a lot of weight in the stomach and looks much bigger than his listed weight.
— Below-average bend. Will not be someone who threatens to turn the corner.
— Hands are crafty, but not powerful. Lacks the strength to knock blocks back consistently.
— Power and leg drive rarely show up, especially when attacking blockers head-on.
2021 STATISTICS
11 G, 26 TOT, 6.5 TFL, 2.5 SK, 1 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF
NOTES
— 3-star recruit in 2017.
— Three-year starter.
— 2020 second-team All-ACC.
— 2021 team captain.
OVERALL
Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa's skill set is a unique amalgamation of NFL traits in a body type that may not have a true positional home.
Tagovailoa-Amosa was listed at 6'2½" and 268 pounds, but he packs most of his weight in his abdomen and lower body. His overall body type appears larger than it is listed and makes him look more like an interior linemen than an edge player.
Athletically, Tagovailoa-Amosa runs into the same problem. His snap get-off is average at best, and he does not have the flexibility of a legit pass-rusher off the edge. He rarely shows the ability to get low and drive through contact or widen his body out to run the arc around a tackle. He does not quite have the power in his upper body to be a consistent bull-rusher, either, leaving him in a sort of no-man's land as an edge.
However, Tagovailoa-Amosa is a crafty player with very good quicks and fluidity in space, especially for someone with his build. He changes directions comfortably, both at the line of scrimmage and when working in space, and covers a surprising amount of ground when freeing himself off blocks. Tagovailoa-Amosa does well to free himself from blocks consistently, too. He plays with proactive hands and decent length, allowing him to keep offensive linemen out of his frame and on the backfoot on many reps. That leaves Tagovailoa-Amosa to be mostly a technique and effort pass-rusher, but as a depth player, there is a role for guys like that.
Tagovailoa-Amosa is a sharp run defender as well. He sees blocks in well and rarely allows himself to be blindsided. Tagovailoa-Amosa uses his hands effectively in the run game, too, often fighting and scrapping for a window to free himself. Additionally, he sports a nice anchor. He may not fly off the ball and disrupt, but he understands how to play with leverage and hold his ground.
Tagovailoa-Amosa is very much a "just get him in the building and figure it out" kind of prospect. His anchor and fluidity in space are that of an NFL contributor, while his sharp fundamentals give him a path to competency right away. Tagovailoa-Amosa may be best fit as a strong-side end in a 4-3 defense, but it could take some time for him to really settle in somewhere.
Video: Amare Barno Runs 4.36 40 at Combine; Fastest Time for DL Since 2003
Mar 6, 2022
Virginia Tech defensive lineman Amaré Barno leaps during the broad jump at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Virginia Tech defensive lineman Amare Barno performed better than expected at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday, especially in the 40-yard dash.
Barno ran the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds, which is the fastest in combine history for a defensive lineman since 2003.
A DL running a 4.37u?!?!?!?@HokiesFB's Amaré Barno, are you kidding?
The 6'5", 246-pound lineman's 40-yard dash time should certainly help him rise on draft boards. However, he's not projected to be a first-round pick.
Barno transferred to Virginia Tech in 2020 out of Butler Community College and transitioned from outside linebacker to defensive end. During the 2021 season, he recorded 3.5 sacks, 35 tackles and 5.5 tackles for a loss in 10 games.
Barno's NFL combine profile lists him as a "average backup or special teamer."
The Rock Congratulates Jordan Davis After 4.78 40 Time at Combine: 'Holy S--t Fast'
Mar 5, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Georgia Bulldogs DL Jordan Davis (99) celebrates on the stage after the Alabama Crimson Tide versus the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship, on January 10, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis became the talk of the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday with his 40-yard dash.
After posting a 4.78-second time in the 40, Davis got a shoutout from The Rock on Twitter for his "holy s--t fast" speed:
4.8 40 is fast. 4.8 40 @ 341lbs is holy shit fast. Great run big man, can’t wait to see you wreak havoc!! 👏🏾👏🏾👊🏾@NFL@XFL2023https://t.co/L5FxOEjjL4
If it sounds like running that fast at 341 pounds is not normal, that's because it's not. Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus provided additional context for that run:
Per NFL Research, Davis measured in taller than Rob Gronkowski and heavier than Jason Peters and still posted a faster 40-yard time than Patrick Mahomes (4.80) and a better 10-yard split (1.68) than Jarvis Landry (1.73).
Davis put up terrific numbers in four seasons at Georgia as an interior defender. He had 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 41 college games.
B/R's NFL scouting department already had Davis ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the 2022 draft class.
Based on the athleticism and speed Davis put on display at the combine, he may not even last until the ninth pick when the draft begins April 28.
Kayvon Thibodeaux Wants to Be Drafted by Texans: I'm Jadeveon Clowney 2.0
Mar 4, 2022
EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 27: Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks rushes against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux isn't against following in Jadeveon Clowney's footsteps as an early draft pick at defensive end by the Houston Texans.
On Friday, Thibodeaux expressed excitement over potentially getting selected by the Texans in the 2022 NFL draft, saying: "I'd love to be in Houston. I'd love to play in that Lovie Smith system."
According to Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle, Thibodeaux also compared himself to a former Texans defensive end and No. 1 overall pick in Clowney, referring to himself as "Jadeveon 2.0."
The Texans have the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 draft, and there is a solid chance Thibodeaux will be available when they are on the clock.
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal and NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu are popular picks for the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 1 and the Detroit Lions at No. 2 in mock drafts. Other options in those top two spots include Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton.
Thibodeaux was once viewed as the likely No. 1 overall pick, and while that may no longer be the case, he is still a strong candidate to go in the top five.
Clowney and Thibodeaux are quite similar in that they were both viewed as future NFL stars since they were in high school.
Thibodeaux was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 2 overall player in the 2019 recruiting class, while Clowney was ranked No. 1 overall in the 2011 class.
Both Clowney and Thibodeaux showed flashes of greatness in college, although their statistical production may not have been as high as expected.
In three years at South Carolina, Clowney had 47 tackles for loss and 24 sacks, including just three sacks as a junior. Meanwhile, Thibodeaux had 35.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks in his three seasons at Oregon.
Despite Clowney's dip in production as a junior, he went No. 1 overall to Houston in 2014. He did some good things in his five years with the Texans, including earning three Pro Bowl selections, but he was often injured and never had more than 9.5 sacks in a season.
He has played for the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns over the past three seasons.
If the Texans or another team select Thibodeaux in the top five, they would likely want a bit more consistent production and durability out of him than Clowney has displayed, but as was the case with Clowney, it would be tough to pass on Thibodeaux's raw skill and ability.
That is especially true for a Texans team in need of help on the defensive front after tying for 27th in the NFL last season in sacks.
Potential Top NFL Draft Pick Ikem Ekwonu: 'I Wouldn't Be Shocked If I Went No. 1'
Mar 3, 2022
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Ikem Ekwonu #79 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack in action against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu
said Thursday he's met with the Jacksonville Jaguars and wouldn't be
surprised if he's selected with the first overall pick in the 2022
NFL draft.
Ekwonu's stock is soaring and he's
started to gain momentum as the potential top choice when the first
round takes place April 28. The recent buzz includes being projected
as the Jags' pick in the latest mock draft from ESPN draft guru Mel
Kiper Jr.
"I wouldn't be
shocked if I went No. 1 overall," Ekwonu told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. "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."
Although most years there's either a
consensus No. 1 selection or perhaps a two-prospect race for that
coveted distinction, this year's class features a more wide-open
feel.
Kiper noted there's at least four
players still in contention for the Jaguars' atop the draft: Ekwonu,
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal, Michigan defensive end Aidan
Hutchinson and Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Ekwonu possesses an impressive
combination of size (6'4'', 320 pounds), power, small-area quickness
and versatility. Along with time at the all-important left tackle
spot for the Wolfpack, he also spent time at guard.
The 2021 All-American will likely begin
his NFL career at left tackle, but the ability to shift inside limits
his bust potential if he's slow to progress in blocking the blind side.
Bleacher Report's Brandon Thorn
explained in his predraft scouting report that Ekwonu has "A+
physical traits," and while he'll "need to learn to harness his
aggressive nature," the outlook is highly promising.
"He has a special blend of size,
power and athletic ability to go along with a tenacious, nasty
demeanor as a finisher," Thorn wrote.
The North Carolina native confirmed Thursday he's
ready to handle the spotlight that comes with being the No. 1 pick if
that's how things play out.
"I wouldn't say pressure, but
there's always expectations," Ekwonu said. "But with my
work ethic ... ask any coach: I definitely put the work in. I do
everything I can every day to fulfill those expectations."
Upgrading the protection around
quarterback Trevor Lawrence, last year's first overall selection, is
definitely on Jacksonville's to-do list to open the offseason.
Whether the Jaguars go with an offensive
tackle or an edge-rusher at No. 1 could depend on if they're able to make a splash at either of those positions in free agency or
via trade before the draft.
Ekwonu sounds ready for the challenge
if the Jaguars call his name.
