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NFL round one mock draft: Miami Dolphins go offensive line

By Pablo Rosero

Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by Miami Dolphins as the number six overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by Miami Dolphins as the number six overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tackle Ikem Ekwonu (79) warms up prior to a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tackle Ikem Ekwonu (79) warms up prior to a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

5. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT. NC State. IkemEkwonu. 31

Of all the teams picking in the top-five, the Giants seem the most clueless. Yes, more clueless than the Jaguars whose head coach didn’t even last the entire calendar year.

The Giants stated they would retain both head coach Joe Judge and quarterback Daniel Jones for the 2022 season and it seems general manager David Gettleman is staying put as well. So with Gettleman staying, nothing makes more sense than drafting offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu with their first top-ten pick in the draft.

Ekwonu is not just an offensive tackle, but during his time at NC State he’s played all over the offensive line. While Giants fans would just be happy to replace Nate Soldier, Ekwonu does provide some versatility that could be vital.

Providing Jones protection to be able to hit Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, and Sterling Shepard should be at the top of the team’s wishlist, but more importantly, being able to give Saquon Barkley running lanes to go out and be the explosive player he’s supposed to be. However, there is some chatter that Barkley could be playing his last few weeks with the G-men.

Not only is Ekwonu their first top-ten pick, but he’s the right one to fill their biggest hole on the roster.

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