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NFL Draft 2022: Carolina Panthers select Ikem Ekwonu No.6 overall

By Sravan Gannavarapu

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 2: Tackle Ikem "Ickey" Ekwonu #79 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack blocks Defensive Tackle Joshua Paschal #4 of the University of Kentucky Wildcats during the game at the 76th annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on January 2, 2021 in Jacksonvile, Florida. The Wildcats defeated the Wolfpack 23 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 2: Tackle Ikem "Ickey" Ekwonu #79 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack blocks Defensive Tackle Joshua Paschal #4 of the University of Kentucky Wildcats during the game at the 76th annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on January 2, 2021 in Jacksonvile, Florida. The Wildcats defeated the Wolfpack 23 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers have not been the same since Super Bowl 50, and by drafting Ikem Ekwonu No.6 overall, they hope to get back on track. 

Seven years ago, it seemed like the Carolina Panthers were finally going to be among the more established and elite NFL franchises. A trip to Super Bowl 50 with a 15-1 record didn’t have the fairy tale ending that was coveted, and since then, the road has been distasteful and often strenuous.

The retirement of All-Pro and likely Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly, the Jerry Richardson saga that led to the dismissal of the owner, combined with Cam Newton’s predicaments, has only added to the frustration.

Furthermore, the current tenure of Matt Rhule hasn’t gone according to script, given how Rhule was heralded for helping turn around several college football programs before he arrived in Charlotte.

As such, the time is now for David Tepper’s troops to select a player that can help be the face of the team alongside players such as Christian McCaffrey and Brian Burns. By selecting Ikem Ekwonu out of NC State with the sixth overall pick, they hope that that is the case. There is some upside to this pick.

The Carolina Panthers address the offensive line by taking Ikem Ekwonu 6th overall in the draft.

As a freshman, Ickey Ekwonu started at left tackle during NC State’s final seven games. In 2020, he was a starter in all 12 games, sharing time at left tackle and left guard. Last season, he played strictly at left tackle, earning several accolades while also being named a finalist for the Outland Trophy.

His name, a topic of discussion, stems from his visual resemblance to former Cincinnati Bengals running back Ickey Woods. His best ability is how explosive he is off the snap and getting into a defender’s body.

Given how the NFL is often relying on quickness in addition to power from their offensive linemen, Woods fits the mold for most teams and should ascend to a starting role sooner than later.

Like all draft prospects, however, he is not perfect and will need to improve on timing and quicker anticipation to thrive in the NFL at left tackle as he did in college in Raleigh. Nonetheless, Ekwonu will thrive in Carolina and can give the Panthers a core building block to help Matt Rhule’s club.

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