Carolina Panthers third-year offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu took a bit of a step backwards as a sophomore after a stellar rookie season. The conditions weren't favorable in 2023 and they impacted his effectiveness. The Panthers have gotten better in key areas this offseason and the circumstances should lead to a breakout year for Ekwonu.
The No. 6 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, Ekwonu hit the ground running. The Panthers finished the 2022 season a competitive 7-10. Ekwonu played more than 1,000 snaps as a rookie left tackle and was credited with allowing just 27 pressures and an acceptable 6.0 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Panthers hit the reset button entering 2023. Then general manager Scott Fitterer executed a blockbuster trade-up for No. 1 overall quarterback Bryce Young and hired an offensive-minded head coach in Frank Reich. The entire season was a complete disaster. The Panthers began the campaign at 0-6, and Reich was relieved of his duties 11 games (1-10) into his four-year contract.
Young struggled mightily and the Panthers finished the campaign with a league-worst record of 2-15. A turnstile offensive line allowed 65 sacks, the second-most of any unit in the NFL. At times, Ekwonu was part of the problem.
Ekwonu was credited with allowing 11 sacks, five more than he did as a rookie, third-most among all tackles in the league. His 44 pressures allowed was 15 more than his rookie season output of 27. Penalties were a recurring problem for Ekwonu. He was whistled for 12 infractions, third-most among all qualifying tackles.
The Panthers have gone to great lengths to improve the surroundings. Fitterer was fired earlier this offseason and replaced by Dan Morgan. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales has been appointed as new head coach. Canales oversaw an effective offense last season that received terrific play from left tackle Tristan Wirfs. Ekwonu will hope to follow a similar career path.
The left guard spot next to Ekwonu was a revolving door last season. Seven (!) different players earned snaps at the position and none of them were effective. Calvin Throckmorton, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala, Nash Jensen, Brady Christensen, Justin McCray, and Brett Toth combined to allow 101 pressures and 11.0 sacks.
Morgan understood that the left guard position required immediate attention. He signed free-agent guard Damien Lewis to a four-year contract worth $53 million. Lewis was outstanding for the Seattle Seahawks last season, forfeiting just 3.0 sacks and 29 pressures, which is considerably better results compared to what the Panthers got from their left guards throughout 2023.
Ekwonu no longer has to worry about the left guard executing his assignment, and that should lead to considerable growth for the third-year blindside protector. Furthermore, other upgrades have been secured across the offensive line. The new right guard is the excellent Robert Hunt, who inked a five-year, $100 million contract.
Ekwonu flashed high-level potential in spurts throughout his rookie campaign. The franchise did not place him in a favorable situation throughout 2023. Better surroundings at head coach and all over the offensive line should allow Ekwonu to recapture the form that made him one of the more ascending tackles in the league in 2022.
