Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu makes strides since rookie year

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu drew raves from offensive line coach Dave Campen with his progress since the 2022 season, Ekwonu’s first in the NFL.

During last month’s minicamp, Carolina Panthers offensive line coach James Campen praised Ikem Ekwonu’s steady progression since his rookie season.

“He is so far ahead of where he was last year,” Campen said. “That’s a testament to him.”

And a relief to Panthers fans, who have been waiting for Carolina to develop an offensive line that rivals the cohesive units that lined up a decade ago.

Effective offensive lines are often anchored by efficient left tackles. Since Jordan Gross retired in 2014, the Panthers have been searching for the Hall of Honor inductee’s replacement.
Campen is confident they found it in Ekwonu, the former Providence Day School standout and 2022 No. 1 draft pick out of North Carolina State.

“He’d done work in the offseason before coming back,” Campen said. “He’s setting on the line. He’s fluid.”

As a starter, Ekwonu suffered growing pains. He surrendered three sacks in his first two games, before yielding just three more over his final 15 outings. During one 10-game stretch, Ekwonu blanked his opposing pass rushers.

NFL.com listed Ekwonu on its 2023 list of “Guaranteed Risers.”

Speaking with reporters during June minicamp, Ekwonu said he embraces his role as the blindside protector of rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the 2023 first-overall draft pick.

“Yeah, Bryce has been great,” he said. “He’s been developing really fast, taking command of that huddle early. Just definitely excited to see his development more and more. Excited to see him grow. …

“Definitely very impressive.”

Extra work during NFL’s downtime

With about five weeks off between mandatory minicamp and the start of training camp in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Ekwonu went to work during the break.

Joining teammate Cade Mays, Ekwonu attended the OL Masterminds in Frisco, Texas. The event, hosted by former coach Duke Mayweather and Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson, was attended by more than 275 NFL offensive linemen.

During the recent three-day event, Ekwonu absorbed information on his unique position. He learned about effective film study and game-planning practices. He also gained first-hand knowledge of healthy nutrition and training habits.

Ekwonu’s extended given name is Ikenefuna, which translates into “my effort will not be in vain.”

Ekwonu started all 17 games for the Panthers last season, improving throughout. By the end, he allowed only 27 quarterback pressures, the fewest among rookie tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.

NFL.com also listed Ekwonu as the NFL’s No. 13-ranked first-year player.

Among the skills Ekwonu worked on during the offseason were in-game concentration and pass-protecting consistency. He will also continue to work on limiting the penalties he took as a rookie.

“Boy, he’s really grown,” Campen said. “I tell you and I know he wouldn’t mind me saying this, but the big thing is they were really run-oriented and jump-setting at N.C. State and teaching him how to vertical pass set at this level, he struggled for a few weeks. We got to about the middle of training camp and he started to figure things out.

“He’s way ahead of where he was last year.”

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