The Carolina Panthers selected the All-American tackle Ikem Ekwonu at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, which was the perfect choice.
There it is.
The Carolina Panthers needed a left tackle to fully solidify an offensive line that has been retooled this offseason. And they found their man in Ikem Ekwonu with the No. 6 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Charlotte-area native Ekwonu grew up a Panthers fan, and the selection adds some homegrown flavor to the Carolina roster. It is very likely the left tackle was going to play with pride and intensity wherever he went, but playing at home might add some fuel to that fire.
Ekwonu is 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, with 34-inch arms. His measurables are impressive, but the heavy offensive lineman somehow played bigger than his size.
He mowed people down on his way to becoming a unanimous All-American selection last season at North Carolina State. Ekwonu moves surprisingly quickly with his footwork and fluidity – making almost everyone he comes up against shake in fear.
The Panthers’ first night in the 2022 NFL Draft is done. And while trading back might have been an attractive option, staying put and drafting Ekwonu at 6th overall was smarter than passing up the chance to take the star tackle.
With this in mind, here are four reasons why drafting Ekwonu was the perfect move for Carolina to kick off their draft.