The Carolina Panthers made several changes to their offense this offseason, focusing on improving every aspect except for the tackle position. With Taylor Moton holding down the right side, the team is banking on former first-round pick Ikem Ekwonu to enhance his pass protection skills after struggling early in his career. Ekwonu acknowledged that he didn’t utilize available resources well last season and has been pushing himself to seek help and improve. He admitted that last year was humbling and he’s determined to make significant strides moving forward.
Ekwonu excelled as a run blocker in 2023 but struggled significantly in pass protection, conceding numerous sacks, QB hits, and hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. However, the new coaching team led by Dave Canales, Joe Gilbert, and Harold Goodwin, is optimistic about Ekwonu’s potential and believes he can enhance his performance in a suitable system. The team’s decision to invest heavily in upgrading the interior line without adding experienced competition indicates their confidence in Ekwonu, a former first-round selection.
The third-year tackle has been fully engaged in team meetings to address his mistakes. He has been analyzing game film from last year to identify inconsistencies and areas for improvement. Despite struggling in some aspects last season, he is determined to work on his weaknesses and make progress. The Panthers drafted him with the expectation that he would develop into a strong pass protector, and the new offensive system should offer him a better chance at success this year. While he faced challenges in the past, having supportive teammates has helped him stay positive and focused on his improvement.
