Carolina Panthers linked with Emil Ekiyor Jr.
- Offensive Guard | Alabama
- No. 6 overall (Pro Football Network)
The Carolina Panthers struck it lucky in Las Vegas when Ikem Ekwonu fell out of the top five and into their laps. A gift that those in power were right not to overlook given what the North Carolina State product could bring to the left tackle position.
Ekwonu has the potential to finally fill a gaping hole for the Panthers. One that’s become a constant source of frustration ever since Jordan Gross decided to hang up his cleats eight seasons ago.
However, a recent 2023 mock draft from Pro Football Network has the Panthers addressing their offensive line once again in the form of Emil Ekiyor Jr., a physically imposing figure at Alabama that has completely dominated everything in his path so far.
"“After grabbing their left tackle of the future at the top of Round 1 in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers grab their guard of the next decade in Emil Ekiyor Jr. The big man from Alabama stands tall, has a great anchor, and some of the best balance we’ve seen from an interior lineman in some time. Ekiyor does it all — and does it all incredibly well.”"
Carolina has been reluctant to address the guard positions this early in the draft since Matt Rhule became head coach. However, Ekiyor has enough in his arsenal to suggest that he is more than worthy of consideration here.
Providing Ekiyor makes the necessary improvements in 2022, it’s hard to envisage a situation where he won’t be one of the hottest commodities during the next evaluation process.