OT Ricky Lee maturing in backup role with the Panthers

JEFF HAWKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Carolina Panthers tackle Ricky Lee, who played college football at North Carolina A&T State and North Carolina Central, has moved up to second on the depth chart behind Ickey Ekwonu at left tackle. Lee is versatile enough to to play right tackle, too.

Halfway through a training camp practice, the Carolina Panthers’ coaches ordered the players to remove their shoulder pads, partly to focus more on fundamentals.

Ricky Lee maintained his intensity.

Anchoring the second-team offensive line, Lee, a former North Carolina A&T standout, concentrated on leverage and control over onrushing linebacker Luiji Vilain. The second-year tackle kept balance as he reached out to deny Vilain’s approach at disrupting quarterback Jack Plummer’s pass.

Lee jogged back to the sideline, waiting for his next rep.

Coach Dave Canales said Lee continues to mature into a long-term project for the rebuilding franchise.

Starting the Panthers’ preseason opener last week at the New England Patriots, Lee played both tackle positions and participated in 100 percent of the offensive plays. In the rain and with a struggling unit that lacked big plays (sound familiar?), Lee earned a 65.0 grade, the offense’s third-highest score, according to Pro Football Focus.

“He really had a fantastic preseason game,” Canales said Sunday. “I loved seeing him out there. He looked like he settled into the game. He’s got a lot to improve, but he definitely took the right step in the right direction.”

Lee walks around the new practice facility behind Bank of America Stadium more confidently than he did last year as an undrafted free agent following rookie minicamp. Then, he felt pressure just fitting in. Now, he believes he belongs on the Panthers’ 53-man roster.

“Last year I was more uptight, just trying to make the team,” Lee said. “I have settled in a little bit more, but at the same time I know I gotta come in and work each and every day.”

Lee played in six games last season, lining up for 24 special-teams snaps. Twice he dressed but didn’t play and nine times he was listed as inactive, including seven of the final eight games.

Lee is growing confident – and about his place on the depth chart. Entering Saturday’s game against the New York Jets, the Panthers listed him as the primary backup to Ikem Ekwonu.

When asked if any of the members of the starting offensive line would play, Lee smiled and shrugged. He probably hopes not, anticipating a chance to partake in all the plays, like he did during the 17-3 loss to the Patriots.

“It was an experience,” Lee said. “Just boosted my confidence, being able to play both sides and seeing that on film.
“It was fun.”

What’s fun to Canales is witnessing Lee emerge as a dependable backup. He has, at times, handled himself against prime pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney during training camp.

“He’s been battling at camp,” Canales said.

And dancing, too.

Near the end of Sunday’s practice, Plummer hit wide receiver David Moore on a long touchdown pass. The entire second unit ran downfield and into the end zone and mauled Moore. Lee got down with a jig.

Of the 13 undrafted free agents the Panthers signed in 2023, only two, outside linebacker Eku Leota and Lee, remain. Back then, Lee had yet to participate in offseason training activities, let alone mandatory minicamp and training camp. This summer, the 24-year-old recognizes how much he has matured since then.

“There has been a lot of growth,” Lee said. “I’m trying to be disciplined, each and every day, believing and trusting in my technique and myself.”

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