NFL Draft 2022: Grading the Panthers’ No. 6 pick of Ikem Ekwonu

The Carolina Panthers select North Carolina State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu with the sixth pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. 

When the Philadelphia Eagles selected Donovan McNabb in the 1999 NFL Draft, Eagles fans met it with a chorus of boos. Despite not being the popular pick, McNabb was the right pick for the Eagles. When North Carolina State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu was selected, there was little fanfare.

It was the right pick, however. The Panthers had a plethora of needs coming into the draft. One of those needs was a tackle, and Ekwonu was the best tackle in this draft. When you talk about an absolute road grater with a nasty disposition, you talk about this young man.

Ekwonu is a devastating blocker that plays, as Jerry Glanville used to say “to the echo of the whistle.” There is some development needed as it concerns the pass blocking, but he’s an elite athlete who can continue to develop as a pass blocker.

Picking the tackle and not going quarterback means the Panthers might consider acquiring Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.

How Ikem Ekwonu fits in Carolina

Running back, Christian McCaffery is going to love running behind Ekwonu. There is not a better finisher than the former Wolfpack tackle. Ekwonu has so much room to get better but still could be an impact player as a rookie.

For Ekwonu to be an All-Pro offensive tackle for a decade or more, everything is there. He’s physically gifted with remarkable feet and leverage. Carolina got themselves a good one here.

Grade: A