5 potential alphas the Carolina Panthers could draft in 2022

(Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports) Malik Willis
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports) Malik Willis /
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(Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports) Ikem Ekwonu /

Carolina Panthers could draft Ikem Ekwonu

  • Offensive Line | North Carolina State

Everything about Ikem Ekwonu screams alpha.

He is composed, ruthless, and has an aura that strikes fear into almost everyone the offensive lineman comes up against.

The Carolina Panthers are in desperate need of a long-term left tackle. Brady Christensen locking up the position cannot be dismissed, but the coaching staff – Matt Rhule in particular – seems reluctant to tie him with blindside responsibilities for the foreseeable future after a frustrating rookie campaign from a usage standpoint.

Carolina won’t get a better chance to finally select a successor to Jordan Gross at No. 6 providing any of the top three are still on the board. Ekwonu could be a top-five selection, without question, but he might also fall if there is a run on edge rushers in the first few picks.

Ekwonu is a solid pass protector who thrives in run blocking. There is controlled violence to his game that’s hard not to love and once he gets further coaching, this is a prospect with Pro Bowl or better capabilities on the edge.

This would also be a popular pick with Ekwonu emanating from North Carolina State, where his highlights were extraordinary. The Panthers would have a tough job passing on the prospect if he did make it that far down the pecking order, which is something to obviously keep a close eye on.