How has Ikem Ekwonu transitioned to the Panthers this offseason?

How has rookie offensive lineman Ikem Ewkwonu transitioned to the Carolina Panthers after he was chosen No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft?

After a dream scenario over the first five selections, the Carolina Panthers had their pick of all three premier offensive tackles entering the NFL this year. As it turned out, the top prospect on their draft board – Ikem Ekwonu – was there for the taking and something those in power were wise not to pass up.

Ekwonu grew up in the stands at Bank of America Stadium following the Panthers and rose to stardom at North Carolina State to enhance his connection to the area. Not only this, but the player represents a tone-setting presence with Pro Bowl or better potential if everything goes well in the pros.

It might take some time, obviously. First-year left tackles do go through some growing pains more often than not, which might be the case with Ekwonu against some fierce competition on the Panthers’ schedule.

Carolina is getting a supreme difference-maker on running downs and should be right out of the gate. There are some slight improvements Ekwonu can make when it comes to pass protection, but having offensive line coach James Campen to guide him is sure to do wonders for his overall development.

The Panthers have taken their time with Ekwonu this offseason, with 2021 third-round selection Brady Christensen also getting significant reps on the blindside during recent offseason workouts and the team’s mandatory minicamp.

Ikem Ekwonu must make a big impression at Carolina Panthers’ 2022 training camp

Matt Rhule stated that he is still undecided about who will be the starting left tackle in training camp, highlighting some areas where Ekwonu must improve in order to take the position by the scruff of the neck in Spartanburg.

"“Most rookie guys that start on the offensive line play at like a ‘B-‘, ‘B’ level. We need him to play at like an ‘A-‘ level, ‘A’ level. So he not only has to fight to earn the job, and also play really well. So, again, I think for him it’s making sure he’s in shape, making sure his body weight’s where it needs to be, making sure that, ya know, he’s able to handle the rigors of camp.”"

This is something that Rhule was criticized for with Christensen last season. The head coach was reluctant to place him in a position where he thrived in college at BYU and although Ekwonu has the capabilities to be an All-Pro guard, that’s not why Carolina selected him so high.

It’s also worth remembering that we are still relatively early in the process. Camp will tell us plenty about what the Panthers’ plans truly are and the primary decision-makers also graded Christensen higher on the interior during their pre-draft evaluations last year.

A lot can change between now and when the Panthers take the field in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, who’ll probably be without quarterback Deshaun Watson for the contest. And as ESPN reporter David Newton said recently, Ekwonu has left a positive impression on coaches and teammates during his brief period with the team so far.

"“You can’t tell how well the 6-4, 320-pounder will perform until they put on the pads in training camp, but it’s hard to imagine he won’t be the starting left tackle for Game 1. While Ekwonu rotated with Brady Christensen as the starter during OTAs, he has received nothing but praise from the coaching staff and teammates. The Panthers picked him to be a long-term solution at a position that has been a long-term problem. So far, so good.”"

The Panthers made some substantial improvements to their offensive line this offseason. If Ekwonu can stamp his authority in camp and the likes of Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett also adjust well, then this has the makings of a solid unit when one considers Christensen’s potential and the supreme consistency of right tackle Taylor Moton.

Considering the expectations, it’s been a pretty smooth transition for Ekwonu. A man who was already familiar with what makes the organization and its loyal fanbase tick.

But what comes next once the team descends on the stifling heat in South Carolina will be more important.