Ikem Ekwonu aims to boost first overall NFL Draft pick chances at combine
The buzz is building for former NC State football All-American left tackle Ikem Ekwonu.
Earlier this week, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., the most famous NFL Draft guru in the business, had Ekwonu going first overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars in his updated mock draft.
On Thursday, while meeting with reporters in Indianapolis for this week’s NFL Draft combine, Ekwonu confirmed he has had a meeting already with the Jaguars, and Ekwonu understands the possibility exists that he could join defensive end Mario Williams as NC State football players taken with the first pick.
Williams was chosen first overall in 2005 by the Houston Texans.
“I’ve worked really hard throughout all my years at NC State and throughout the offseason,” Ekwonu noted. “I wouldn’t be shocked if I went No. 1 overall. I feel like that is something I put the work in for it.
“I feel like when the time comes, I would deserve it.”
Ikem Ekwonu to New York?
The other popular destination point in mock drafts for Ekwonu is the fourth overall pick with the New York Jets. That’s another possibility that excites Ekwonu, but for more personal reasons.
“I have family in New York and in New Jersey,” he said. “So it’d be nice to spend some time with them and be closer to New York City and New Jersey. … Beautfiul area.”
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Meeting with teams is natural for Ekwonu. He noted that he has “never been shy.”
“I love talking football,” Ekwonu added. “I love talking about the game with coaches and learning.”
On Friday, Ekwonu will be one of the most highly anticipated combine participants going through workout. As of Thursday, Ekwonu was undecided if he was going to do the bench press reps at 225 pounds, but he was planning on doing all the other testing and drills.
One question that Ekwonu hears a lot: does he believe he is a left tackle or could he see himself sliding into a guard role at the next level?
“I’ve never been shy about bouncing inside and do the best thing for the team, but if you’re asking me, personally, I definitely see myself as a left tackle,” Ekwonu said. “I feel like I’m barely scratching the surface of my potential at left tackle, and I feel like with some work and some refinement in the my game, I can definitely be great at it.”
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