4 elite traits Ikem Ekwonu brings to the Carolina Panthers
By Dean Jones
Ikem Ekwonu brings dominant run blocking
Much has been made about new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s intention to implement a downhill running attack next season. Something that head coach Matt Rhule attempted last time around to no avail.
The return of Christian McCaffrey and D’Onta Foreman signing from the Tennessee Titans in free agency should help McAdoo’s objectives. However, the addition of Ikem Ekwonu will be a complete game-changer in this particular area of play.
Ekwonu is a mauler on running downs, creating holes quickly and possessing exceptional agility to make a difference at the second level. This is unlikely to change in the NFL despite the competition getting much tougher.
If Ekwonu can make his presence felt right out of the gate and develop his pass protection under the experienced eye of offensive line coach James Campen, this is a Pro Bowler in the making.
Nobody will be happier about this pick than McCaffrey, who is looking to put a frustrating two-year period behind him and remind people why he was an All-Pro in 2019.
There is an urgency to Ekwonu’s game that’s hard not to love. He is rarely a bystander and always looks to assist whenever he can – which is nothing but good news for the Carolina Panthers.