Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers OL
While it’s right to focus on Ikem Ekwonu primarily taking reps with the second string, the performances of Brady Christensen with increased responsibilities should be acknowledged. The former third-round selection is aiming to secure a starting job right out of the gate in 2022 after some positional mismanagement throughout his rookie campaign, but whether that’s as a left tackle or on the interior remains undecided, according to head coach Matt Rhule.
Christensen has clearly taken on a lot from his rookie experiences, even if it was a frustrating first year overall through no fault of his own. The BYU product has handled blindside duties well and come up with plenty of solid reps against Brian Burns, who is widely regarded among the league’s most explosive edge rushers.
In truth, it doesn’t matter where Christensen operates. What’s important is the Carolina Panthers getting the second-year-pro more heavily involved given his exceptional athleticism and improving technique.
It would be a surprise if Ekwonu wasn’t the team’s starting left tackle in Week 1. Especially considering the Panthers aren’t giving the No. 6 overall selection much time at the left guard position in camp.
This has nothing to do with Christensen, obviously. All he can do is continue performing at a high level and hope that’s enough to get starting reps as anticipated.