Ravens Mock Draft: 5 first-round targets for Baltimore
By Justin Fried
4. Ravens draft target: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
The Ravens opted against drafting an offensive lineman in the first round of this past year’s draft, instead searching for stop-gap options in free agency and hoping to land a value pick with Ben Cleveland in the third round.
The results have been mixed at best, and it seems clear that the team will need to make at least one more addition in the 2022 NFL Draft. Perhaps they could do so in the first round this time.
One player who could be of interest is NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu. Ekwonu is a versatile lineman having played both tackle and guard during his time with the Wolfpack.
He’s been dubbed “the most feared lineman in the ACC” and one look at his tape will show you why. At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Ekwonu is an absolute mauler in the run game who flashes both raw power and polished technique.
He’s a devastating finisher who would fit right in as a day-one starter in the Ravens’ run-heavy offense. Ekwonu does have room to grow as a pass protector and that will likely be a weak spot of his early in his career.
But if you’re looking for an old-fashioned road-grader, look no further than Ikem Ekwonu. The Ravens could slot him in at either left guard or right guard unless they feel he could play right tackle long-term.
His versatility gives them options and he’s someone they might consider.