With the no. 6 in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers have selected NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu. Ekwonu's NFL career has officially begun.
The NC State product has about as interesting a background as any prospect in this year's NFL Draft, as Ekwonu's father played college basketball while his mother was a track athlete. The 6-4, 320-pound lineman ran track and wrestled in high school, emerging as a top recruit.
Ekwonu was named the starting left tackle for the Wolfpack as a freshman, then also made starts at left guard. It's his versatility, coupled with his elite run-blocking skills, that made him such an enticing NFL Draft prospect.
In 2021, Ekwonu earned an 80+ overall grade in each of his team's first six contests. The fact that he developed a bit of a mean streak during his time with the Wolfpack should only serve to make him more of a force on the Panthers' offensive line.
Having been compared to the likes of Dallas Cowboys guard Zach Martin, there's clear Pro Bowl and All-Pro upside with Ekwonu at whatever position he plays for the Panthers.
This was a clear obvious need for Carolina. They have been shifting lineman around and trying to find stability at the position for years. There was some thought that the Panthers would take Malik Willis with the sixth overall pick. There is an obvious need at quarterback as well. But clearly Carolina is trying to build a line before finding the future quarterback.
Congratulations to Ekownu and his family are in order as he takes the next step into the NFL.
Follow Us
Subscribe