The Carolina Panthers were hopeful that they would have at least one of the 2022 NFL draft’s top big men who plays on the offensive line available to them on Thursday night. They had a trio of them there, so they definitely got their guy.
With the sixth pick, the Panthers selected North Carolina State University offensive lineman Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu to effectively protect the quarterback’s blindside since the retirement of Jordan Gross. It has been like a revolving door, with the Panthers starting 16 different players at that position over the past eight years. Ekwona will be looked at as the long-term solution at left tackle.
Draft Wire analyst Natalie Miller believes that Ekwonu can be the answer, describing the 6-foot-4, 310 pound Junior as a potential pillar on the offensive line.
“Ekwonu will be highly valued as a versatile offensive lineman with elite traits who can play multiple positions effectively,” Miller writes. “His length, athleticism, and character will be coveted by teams at the top of the draft, as the very coachable tackle can be molded into a franchise cornerstone and blindside protector for the next decade or more.”
He might not be a household name as of yet, but Ekwonu is considered to be one of the most fierce and highly respected OT’s in the class. He has the size to play either offensive tackle or guard at the NFL level. Ekwonu is slightly shorter than some of the other prospects at the position, however, he presents menacing a presence both on the interior and on the island. He has the length to be disruptive, with 34 inch arms and an 84 ½ inch wingspan along with 10 ¼ inch hands.
Even though he started his freshman campaign at left guard, Ekwonu made the transition to tackle. He led the program with 37 pancakes, recording seven in games against Louisville and Georgia State.
He continued to show his dominance in the 2020 season. As a result, he earned second-team All-ACC recognition at both guard and OT spots. He made the switch to left tackle permanent during the 2021 college season. Ekwonu helped ensure that the NC State offensive line allowed fewer sacks per game than they had during the previous campaign.
At the NFL Combine, Ekwonu set one of the fastest O-line times in the 40-yard dash, with a 4.93 second attempt. During on field drills, he looked fluid in his movements, and light on his feet.
Ekwonu will help anchor an overhauled starting offensive front for the Panthers that should also include Brady Christensen, Bradley Bozeman, Austin Corbett and Taylor Moton.
