Ikem Ekwonu Listed on the 2023 NFL All-Breakout Team
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Before drafting their franchise quarterback, the Carolina Panthers drafted their franchise left tackle in 2022 by selecting NC State's Ikem Ekwonu. As many rookie linemen do, he struggled out of the gate with consistency but figured things out as the season went on.
Now, many expect Ekwonu to make a big jump in his sophomore season, including NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks, who recently placed the Panthers' tackle on his 2023 All-Breakout Team.
"Franchise left tackles are expected to dominate on the blind side from the first snap to the final whistle. Ekwonu showed flashes of brilliance as a 17-game starter in Year 1. From his ability to maul defenders as a run blocker to his anchor and mirror skills in pass protection, Ekwonu displayed the raw tools that made him the No. 6 overall pick in last year's draft. Now it's about providing consistent dominance. Given an entire offseason to refine and polish his technique under the watchful eye of offensive line guru James Campen, the 6-4 320-pounder could vie for individual honors with a leap from good to great in Year 2."
Speaking of James Campen, he spoke glowingly about Ekwonu's development in a recent press conference.
"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 NC 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 is so far ahead of where he was last year and it's a testament to him. He's done work in the offseason before coming back and being in this environment with phase one, phase two. He's setting on the line, he's fluid. He's asking for change-up things to do with his hands, so he's way ahead of where he was last year."
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