NFL Draft 2022: Final 32-pick Round 1 mock with trades

NFL Draft Pick No. 12: Baltimore Ravens – Ikem Ekwonu, Offensive Tackle, N.C. State

TRADE! The Baltimore Ravens haven’t done a very good job in protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson, and only his mobility has prevented him from being one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the NFL. Ronnie Stanley will return and help bolster the offensive line, but the Ravens still need to upgrade across from him.

Here, they give up some resources to move up two spots from No. 14 and grab Ikem Ekwonu, a talented tackle who could potentially go as high as the top five.

For Ekwonu, only the presence of a talent like Evan Neal prevents him from being the top tackle in the draft class. He had an exceptional season for the Wolfpack in 2021, and catapulted as a potential top-10 pick.

Ekwonu is a mauler, and equally proficient at both run and pass blocking. He’s very powerful and knows how to generate leverage at the point of contact. While he sometimes has problems trying to latch on too quickly and getting overbalanced, these are very few and far between and he has the power and quickness to recover.

Ekwonu also has versatility to move inside to guard, where he started his collegiate career at NC State and could potentially start his NFL career before taking his place at tackle.

Ekwonu slides a little in this mock, but don’t be shocked if he’s taken a lot higher than this.