(01-19-2022, 10:14 AM)Upper Wrote: I feel like we should have a thread to keep the 'expert' mock drafts updated. I'll start with Dane Brugler's awful mock 2.0 from the athletic this morning. 

https://theathletic.com/3075920/2022/01/...surprises/

[b]1. Jacksonville Jaguars — Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State[/b]
After numerous conversations with NFL scouts and league execs in preparation for this mock, there were two key takeaways that led me to Ekwonu here. First, there are several evaluators around the league who have Ekwonu ranked higher than Alabama’s Evan Neal and Mississippi State’s Charles Cross. Second, several evaluators agreed that in a draft class missing a no-brainer top prospect, they prefer the tackles over the pass rushers. I have no clue how the Jaguars feel, but Ekwonu at least belongs in this conversation.
A three-year starter at NC State, Ekwonu has impressive movements for his size and generates extraordinary explosion at contact. He lacks refinement and is guilty of over-setting, but he is nimble, powerful and should get better and better as his technique and awareness mature. Ekwonu’s tape shows a tackle who can also play guard, not the other way around. For more on Ekwonu, this deep dive from Bruce Feldman is a great read.


[b]SECOND ROUND[/b]
33. Jacksonville Jaguars — Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida111111