2022 NFL Draft: Offensive line dominates top five in 2022 NFL Mock Draft
By Kyle Edmond
4. New York Jets: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
player. 30. OT. N.C. State. Ikem Ekwonu. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 4
As a rookie, Zach Wilson led the NFL in yards lost due to sacks, losing 370 over the course of the 2021 season, despite playing in just 13 games. That yardage piled up over 44 sacks, averaging 8.4 yards lost per sack. Wilson was also taken down on over 10% of his drop backs.
If the Jets want Wilson to have success as their quarterback, they need to keep him upright. Ranking fourth in sacks allowed isn’t exactly the best recipe. In a deep offensive line class, the New York Jets need to continue to improve that unit. They do so in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft.
Ikem Ekwonu could push his way into the conversation for the top pick with Neal if offensive line is the direction the Jags want to go. Heading into the 2021 season, The Athletic called Ekwonu “the most feared lineman in the ACC.” Listed at 6-foot-4 320, he has the ability to punish edge rushers for the duration of the game and would compliment Mekhi Becton well from the other side of the line.
With Becton, Ekwonu and Alijah Vera-Tucker, all first round selections over the last three seasons, the Jets offensive line should start showing better results in 2022 and beyond than they have recently.