Is Ikem Ekwonu the answer to the Carolina Panthers’ prayers?
By Dean Jones
Could North Carolina State offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu be the answer to the Carolina Panthers’ prayers in the 2022 NFL Draft?
It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers need some substantial reinforcements on their offensive line this offseason. Relying on a patchwork unit was a major concern before 2021 got underway, which proved to be the case with inept protection for whoever was under center almost from start to finish.
Matt Rhule and Scott Fitterer conceded in their exit pressers that the Panthers must now make a significant investment in this critical area of the field. But with $28.3 million in salary-cap space available, they should consider building through the draft despite not having a Day 2 pick currently after trading for Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson.
There are a ton of intriguing linemen entering the NFL from the college ranks this year. Although Alabama‘s stud left tackle Evan Neal might be out of reach at No. 6 overall, there is another prospect that’s generating some serious buzz that shouldn’t go unnoticed by the Panthers.
Ikem Ekwonu came of age at North Carolina State in 2021, proving himself as a sure-fire first-round selection after displaying the sort of dominance normally associated with a premier protector at the next level.
Carolina has just one pick in the top-100 right now. If they don’t trade back then it’s absolutely vital they get the right guy and Ekwonu might be the answer to the team’s prayers providing everything checks out during the all-important evaluation process.
With this in mind, we put on the tape and produced a scouting report on Ekwonu and how he could potentially help the Panthers in 2022 and beyond.