Why Panthers fans should be excited about Ikem ‘Ickey’ Ekwonu
Since Jordan Gross retired, the Carolina Panthers have had a massive hole at one of the most important positions in football. They fill that hole with the best offensive lineman in the 2022 NFL draft class.
Ekwonu is dominant in both the run and pass game, as a lockdown pass blocker with great bend, physicality, and technique. His run blocking is the most impressive portion of his game, possessing great leverage and immense strength, it was common to see him toss around defensive lineman like Popeye the Sailor Man. He will lock down that position for Carolina for the next decade.
Ekwonu will immediately start at the left tackle spot opposite Taylor Moton, and provide the Panthers with a fantastic pair of bookend tackles for whichever player plays quarterback for them next year and beyond.
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