4 big hits for Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer this offseason
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers rebuilt the OL
After rash moves to improve the offensive line in 2021, the Carolina Panthers were keen not to make the same mistakes again. Those in power also prioritized putting a long-term plan in place across the protection for the first time in a while.
To say this was welcome would be understating things. The Panthers got themselves two productive veterans in Austin Corbett and Bradley Bozeman during free agency, which should provide a significant upgrade on the interior providing both acclimatize well to different surroundings.
The ongoing complications at the left tackle spot had gone on long enough. Carolina hasn’t had a stable blindside presence since the days of Jordan Gross and when Ikem Ekwonu fell out of the top five, it was an opportunity they simply couldn’t pass up.
Ekwonu was the top player on Carolina’s board and Scott Fitterer stated that almost every scenario the Panthers went through pre-draft resulted in the North Carolina State product going elsewhere.
There will be some bumps in the road over his rookie campaign. But this is a player who cares deeply about the organization and can emerge as a foundational piece in no time at all.
With Brady Christensen expected to start in Year 2 and Taylor Moton remaining ultra-consistent, hopes are high that Carolina’s offensive line can finally start producing the goods in 2022.