5 best pairings on the Carolina Panthers roster in 2022
By Dean Jones
Taylor Moton & Ikem Ekwonu – Carolina Panthers OTs
Isn’t this refreshing.
The Carolina Panthers have been craving a prolific tackle tandem for what seems like an age. This had nothing to do with the supreme consistency Taylor Moton has displayed since joining the team but rather the ongoing complications on the blindside that was once again evident in 2021.
Cam Erving’s production didn’t improve, which made the Panthers making him a top priority in free agency even more bizarre than it was at the time. Something had to be done and thankfully, fortune favored Carolina when all three premier offense tackles were there for the taking at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Ikem Ekwonu was the top prospect on their board and snapped up quickly. The North Carolina State product is a tone-setter that crushes against the run and thrives in pass protection, something that could give the Panthers a bookend tackle pairing at long last.
Moton’s production is not an issue. Even though there will be some growing pains for Ekwonu, it’s a massive shock if he doesn’t become a franchise-caliber individual with Pro Bowl or better upside.
Couple this with the additions of Austin Corbett and Bradley Bozeman on the interior, and it’s not hard to see why things are looking up for Carolina’s protection under the experienced guidance of offensive line coach James Campen.