There wasn’t much else the Carolina Panthers could’ve asked out of rookie Ikem Ekwonu in 2022. But should they have asked for another hog molly back last April?
ESPN’s David Newton seems to think so.
In the worldwide leader’s two-round redo of the 2022 NFL draft, Newton—with Carolina’s sixth overall pick—passes up Ekwonu for University of Tulsa product and Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyler Smith. He writes:
With quarterback Brock Purdy off the board here, it would have been easy to stick with Ekwonu. He had a solid season after a slow start and has shown the promise to be a long-term solution to a longtime issue. Smith, however, graded out slightly higher for the league’s ninth-ranked run offense and allowed seven sacks after being thrown into the position right before the season. Ekwonu allowed eight.”
Per Pro Football Focus, Ekwonu earned an overall offensive grade of 65.3 while Smith—the draft’s 24th overall selection—pulled in a 71.4. Both, additionally, were charged with six sacks apiece by the site.
Ickey wouldn’t drop too far in the ESPN redraft, falling into the laps of Ron Rivera and the Washington Commanders at the 11th spot of the first round.
