2022 NFL Mock Draft: Lions surprise with No. 1 pick, Eagles take Treylon Burks
By Randy Gurzi
Whoever is the QB, he will need better protection in Carolina
OT. Ikem Ekwonu. 87. Scouting Report. NC State. 9. player. Pick Analysis
9. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Cam Newton, Sam Darnold, it doesn’t matter. No matter who the Carolina Panthers play at quarterback, they’re going to give their team a lot of hope early on, only to let them down in the end. It’s sad, but that’s the way it’s gone for them in 2021 and Matt Rhule has seemed as though he wants to keep trying with the veterans rather than go for a rookie.
That trend continues as they will either re-sign Newton, or pick up another free-agent, in order to push Darnold and use this pick on another major need — offensive tackle. Enter Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State. He asserted himself as one of the best linemen in the nation this season and will stay in North Carolina as a reward.
Pick Analysis. OT. Kenyon Green. 10. player. 58. Scouting Report. Texas AM
10. Washington Football Team: Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
As of late, Taylor Heinicke has been dealing again. It’s still not time to say he’s the future for the Washington Football Team, but he’s turning things around and if that remains the case, Ron Rivera might be inclined to give him another season under center.
In order to make sure they truly evaluate him, the Football Team improves his offensive line with the selection of Kenyon Green. What makes Green a fit in Washington is his ability to play either guard or tackle, which means they can plug him in wherever they feel they need to make a change — and he will perform just fine at either spot.