With the 2022 NFL Draft just hours away, it's becoming pretty clear to NFL fans who will be selected in the first round. Ikem Ekwonu is expected to be picked up within the first few selections.

The offensive tackle out of N.C. State is a top prospect in the 2022 draft class despite a lingering shoulder injury. What exactly is Ekwonu dealing with, and how could it affect his career in the NFL?

Former NFL team doctor David J. Chao tweeted crucial information regarding the prospects' injury just hours before the NFL Draft.

According to the article from Sports Injury Central, the shoulder strap Ekwonu wore during the end of the regular season “is typically used for players with shoulder instability concerns from a labral tear.”

However, as noted in the article, this isn't news to teams courting the promising offensive tackle. “All team doctors are aware of the extent of his shoulder issue and there have been no rumors of a failed physical.”

Fortunately for Ekwonu, many teams are allegedly interested in adding him to their roster ahead of the 2022-2023 season. In other words, it doesn't sound like Ekwonu's injury is going to impact his NFL career too much. Expect the offensive tackle to get picked up pretty early on Thursday night. The 2022 NFL Draft kicks off at 8 p.m. EST.