Nothing is handed to you in the NFL, even if you’re an early first-round pick who plays a position your team has desperately needed to fill for almost a decade. And Ikem Ekwonu, who curiously (*wink*) fits that bill to a T, won’t be handed the Carolina Panthers’ starting left tackle spot.
On Friday, head coach Matt Rhule fielded questions following the team’s third and final day of mandatory minicamp. He was asked about what he needs to see out of this year’s sixth overall selection in earning blindside duties as rookie.
“Most rookie guys that start on the offensive line play at like a ‘B-‘, ‘B’ level. We need him to play at like an ‘A-‘ level, ‘A’ level,” Rhule responded. “So he not only has to fight to earn the job, and also play really well. So, again, I think for him it’s making sure he’s in shape, making sure his body weight’s where it needs to be, making sure that, ya know, he’s able to handle the rigors of camp.”
