NC State offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu is one of the top contenders to go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft on Thursday night.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the top pick, and selecting an offensive lineman to help protect Trevor Lawrence would certainly make a lot of sense.

CBS Sports’ latest mock draft — released on Monday morning — has Ekwonu going to Jacksonville in the top spot. Here’s some analysis from CBS’ Ryan Wilson:

“Who knows what the Jaguars have planned here — Trent Baalke last week said the team is eyeing four players — but offensive tackle makes the most sense when it comes to keeping Trevor Lawrence upright.”

Ekwonu was one of the most dependable offensive tackles in all of college football over the past two seasons. He earned 3rd team All ACC honors in 2020 and was a 1st team All-ACC selection in 2021. He was also a unanimous 1st team All-American last season.

He will be the first NC State player to go in the first round since Garrett Bradbury went 18th overall in 2019. The last NC State player to go No. 1 overall was Mario Williams in 2006.

The NFL Draft begins on Thursday night.