7 offensive tackles the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Jason Huber
Carolina Panthers could select Ikem Ekwonu (NC State)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 310 pounds
2021 Stats:
- 476 pass protection snaps
- 91.6 PFF Grade
- Started 12 games at left tackle
- Allowed 13 pressures
If the Carolina Panthers want a dominant offensive lineman that can move from the outside to the inside, Ikem Ekwonu is their guy.
The only problem is that the Carolina Panthers have to hope Ekwonu falls to No. 6 if that’s where they remain. He dominated during his time at NC State and could easily be the No. 1 pick of this draft depending on what position the Jacksonville Jaguars decide upon.
But just as the case is with Charles Cross, depending on the directions teams ahead of the Panthers go, Ekwonu might just fall a few spots.
Labeled as one of the most feared linemen in the ACC last year, the ability that Ekwonu has to run-block is unparalleled. The prospect has a great ability to move on the offensive line and can make life tough for runners and defensive linemen.
Not only is Ekwonu really good, but he brings a swagger and toughness that is dreamed about in offensive linemen. Some scouts have even described his game as “violent.”
Whoever gets their hands on Ekwonu will have the closest thing to a sure thing in this year’s draft. If it were the Panthers, they would likely solidify the left tackle spot for years to come.
It’s a long shot, obviously.
But nothing is impossible.