The Carolina Panthers addressed one of their biggest needs in the 2022 NFL draft Thursday night, selecting N.C. State offensive tackle Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu, a Charlotte native and one of the top players in this draft class.
Ekwonu, who some thought could go as high as No. 1, fell to the Panthers after a string of defensive players went within the first five picks. That’s what the Panthers were secretly hoping for, so they could get a highly rated player while still addressing a need.
Ekwonu is 6-foot-4, 320 pounds and has long been considered one of the top two tackles in this class, along with former Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal. He also has experience playing guard. The Panthers brought Ekwonu in for one of their top-30 prospect visits earlier this month.
