The Athletic has a New NFL Draft Projected #1 Pick…

Get read folks. It’s January, meaning we have month after month of mock draft glory. But this time, we have something new.

Could Ickey go #1?

The Athletic released their latest mock draft and, for the first time across the media landscape, State’s Ekwonu was the first pick to the Jaguars. We’ve seen him float from second to 21st, but now that the draft order has solidified, the places he could actually go should shrink.

And it’s been known, Jacksonville is interested in the LT.

While The Athletic’s top draft expert, Dane Brugler , says there is no clear cut top O-Line prospect, he had these words for Ekwonu;

“A three-year starter at NC State, Ekwonu has impressive movements for his size and generates extraordinary explosion at contact,” Brugler said. “He lacks refinement and is guilty of over-setting, but he is nimble, powerful and should get better and better as his technique and awareness mature. Ekwonu’s tape shows a tackle who can also play guard, not the other way around.”

The last part is where Ekwonu doubles up his draft worth. This isn’t a guy that plays only center. Or was a great guard in college and *maybe* could move to tackle down the road. He can be either the best blindside blocker in the draft or be pushed inside for more support.

Regardless, WPN should hear a familiar face early on Day One.