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.
Ikem Ekwonu scouting report
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 310 pounds
- Arm length: 34 inches
- 2021 PFF grade: 91.6
Ikem Ekwonu is a special dude. His film is absolutely flawless and whichever NFL team gets him is sure to have a productive offensive lineman for the next decade barring any significant injuries of any kind.
Ekwonu has it all. He is an exceptional athlete with the right attitude, which is matched by elite athleticism and footwork thrown in for good measure.
Another element of Ekwonu’s game that stands out is power. He is a dominant run blocker and is also agile enough to get out on the move and assist at the second level when the play calls for it.
The hand placement and technique are on point more often than not. Ekwonu also comes with an aggressive streak that mauls opposing defenders into the dirt with almost no remorse whatsoever.
If there was one slight flaw in Ekwonu’s game, it would be his technique in pass blocking, which needs to improve if the Carolina Panthers or another team wants to utilize the prospect as a left tackle permanently. Becoming more composed and relying less on his eye-catching brute force would also serve him well in the professional ranks.
However, these can be easily coached up. If Ekwonu brushes up these areas of his game, this is a supreme talent with Pro Bowl or better potential.
How would Ikem Ekwonu fit on the Carolina Panthers?
- Week 1 starting left tackle
Much will depend on how the Carolina Panthers see Ikem Ekwonu as a potential fit regarding his best position. But there is no doubt the offensive lineman would thrive as a left tackle at the next level if presented with the opportunity.
As stated previously, Ekwonu is a violent run blocker. Something the Panthers need as they prepare to implement a downhill running attack under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.
This would be the final piece of Carolina’s jigsaw across their protection in 2022. It still remains unlikely that Ekwonu falls out of the top five, but if teams start trading up for quarterbacks or the Detroit Lions end up taking someone like Malik Willis, then it shifts the landscape considerably.
If a team like the New York Giants goes with Evan Neal over Ekwonu, then the prospect might come into the equation. Risking the No. 6 selection on a signal-caller that might not work out is a risk, but those in power could also decide to finally find the franchise left tackle they’ve craved for some time now.
Ekwonu is also no stranger to the area having played his college football at North Carolina State. This should smooth his transition somewhat and also endear him to the team’s fanbase straight away.
There aren’t many sure things in the draft. But Ekwonu is as close as it gets and the Panthers would be a much better team if this was the pick.