Ikem Ekwonu is a left tackle/guard from N.C. State who is rising up draft boards. CBS' most recent mock has the Jaguars selecting him with their first pick (3rd overall) after Thibodeaux and Neal are taken at 1 and 2. This guy's tape is fun to watch due to the ferocity at which he plays the position. He is also extremely athletic and has been compared to Alijah Vera-Tucker who is having a great rookie season for the Jets. Some analysts indicate Ekwonu may be better at guard, but the same was said about Vera-Tucker.

The more I think about it, the offensive line needs to be a top priority for the Jaguars along with wide receiver. Trevor Lawrence needs to remain healthy and finding a reliable left tackle who can protect his blind-side is critical. Despite the improvement shown by Cam Robinson this season, is he worth a long-term deal considering his overall track record (especially injuries). Even if they franchise him again, the Jaguars will still need to find a long-term solution at this position. Hopefully Little will factor into this decision once he improves his technique issues and the 2 year rust has totally worn off. Even if this happens, the Jaguars will need another tackle to replace Taylor. 

After watching the Jaguars this season, it is obvious that it will take at least two years for them to be seriously competitive. There are just too many needs. I'm not saying that I'd necessarily take Ekwonu (or Neal -if he grades out that high), but it must be considered. An ideal scenerio would be to trade back a few spots and pick up an additional high pick to help meet another need like receiver. Sometimes the least "sexy" draft picks turn out the best. Ekwonu would certainly not get our fans buzzing on draft day like a receiver who runs a forty in under 4.4 or a pass rusher who had 12 sacks in his last collegiate season. 

The Jaguars were extremely fortunate to be in position to draft a potential "generational quarterback." They now need to do what most successful franchises have done in the past and that is to build from the "inside-out." Address the offensive line and pass rush in the next draft and take the best available wide receiver in free agency (Godwin looked great last night). This may not be the popular view, but I believe it would be the best approach going forward.

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