2 min read • April 28, 2022
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Ikem Ekwonu, the North Carolina State left tackle, has shot up draft boards recently and is favored to be taken in the Top 3.
His ascent also caused the Pro Football Docs to notice a key difference in some of his recent game photos.
Prior to Oct. 30, Ekwonu did not wear a bulky harness on his right shoulder. Starting on Oct. 30 and for the rest of the season, he didn't play in a game without it.
While public information has not come out regarding the shoulder issue, the strap he wore for the end of the regular season is typically used for players with shoulder instability concerns from a labral tear, according to our Pro Football Docs, with decades of medical experience at the NFL Draft combine.
It's important to point out that this is not news to any teams looking to draft Ekwonu. All team doctors are aware of the extent of his shoulder issue and there have been no rumors of a failed physical.
He did not participate in the Senior Bowl and his team's Holiday Bowl appearance was cancelled because of COVID concerns, but he did not miss any time in the regular season with the injury.
He definitely can be drafted, play through the rookie season and then have surgery, if needed, but there is some risk. The good news for Ekwonu and teams looking to draft him is that the injury is to his inside shoulder.
If it was to the outside shoulder it would be a much bigger concern. Ekwonu also wears knee braces, but those are typical of college linemen and don't denote an injury.
Rodger Saffold famously played with a shoulder harness when the Raiders agreed to free agent contract, they failed him on the physical for that.
Jonah Williams in 2019 was drafted with a similar potential shoulder issue and had surgery before his rookie season. He did not play until the 2020 season.
Ekwonu has been put up against Evan Neal and this shoulder concern might be enough to sway teams in Neal's favor. The Pro Football Docs have detailed why Neal's rumored medical concerns essentially amount to nothing.
With the draft starting tonight, it will be interesting to see how the offensive linemen rankings shake out.
Ekwonu is currently +450, the second best odds, to be picked No. 1 overall, trailing just defensive end Travon Walker, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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