3 major observations from the Carolina Panthers picking Ikem Ekwonu
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers did the smart thing
For all the talk of reaching for a quarterback at No. 6 overall, there was a growing sense late in proceedings that just wasn’t going to be the case.
How the Carolina Panthers solve this particular problem has yet to be determined. But the organization can now be safe in the knowledge they have a stud left tackle that can potentially fill another problem position long-term providing there are no complications on the health front.
Ikem Ekwonu might not be a sexy pick.
Certainly not to the level someone like Malik Willis would have been.
But make no mistake, this was the right call to make.
Ekwonu brings something that the Panthers sorely missed last season. Aggressiveness, ruthless mentality, and elite production.
Adding to the protection has been a top priority for Carolina this offseason. Putting Ekwonu on an offensive line that also includes Bradley Bozeman, Austin Corbett, and Taylor Moton has the scope to shift the landscape and provide whoever is under center with every chance of succeeding.
The Panthers have been criticized for not doing things correctly since Matt Rhule took over as head coach. Thankfully, they did not waste a golden opportunity after everything fell right.