This past Thursday night, the Carolina Panthers invested one heck of an asset into North Carolina State University’s Ikem Ekwonu. That, however, doesn’t necessarily mean the 2022 NFL draft’s sixth overall pick is guaranteed the job many thought he was selected for.
Even with Ekwonu now in the fold, head coach Matt Rhule could still go a number of ways at the left tackle position—at least for the upcoming campaign. As the promising 21-year-old continues to develop his craft, possibly pushing him into the inside of the line come Week 1, Brady Christensen and Cameron Erving may remain options for the Panthers on the blindside.
But, these are all ifs here on May 4. And, according to Ellis L. Williams of The Charlotte Observer, there may be no ifs, ands or buts about who Carolina really wants to man that spot right away.
