Panthers 2022 draft scouting report: Ikem Ekwonu is the real deal
By Dean Jones
Could the Carolina Panthers look close to home at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft if offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu somehow falls out of the top five?
We are now just one month away from the 2022 NFL Draft and the Carolina Panthers have a landmark decision to make at No. 6 overall. There is a high chance they end up taking a top quarterback prospect despite the stigma surrounding this year’s class, but acquiring an elite left tackle is also something the organization will consider after a revolving door of underperforming veterans since Jordan Gross hung up his cleats nine years ago.
The Panthers deserve credit for bringing in Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett during free agency, two outstanding veterans that represent a substantial upgrade on anything Carolina put out on their interior last season. If they can find an elite blindside protector, then it could give them the best offensive line they’ve had for many years.
Going down the college route would be the best – and cheapest – option for the long term. And there is perhaps nobody better than Ikem Ekwonu entering the NFL this year.
The North Carolina State product is a ruthless individual that oozes class. He also has the versatility Carolina loves based on their recruitment since Matt Rhule became head coach.
There is a strong chance that Ekwonu is off the board by the time Carolina comes on the clock at No. 6. However, if he is there for the taking then a serious discussion needs to be had.
Without further ado, we put together an in-depth scouting report on Ekwonu and just what he could potentially bring to the Panthers.