Matt Rhule names former NC State lineman Ikem Ekwonu as Panthers' starting left tackle

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule announced on Tuesday that first-round draft pick Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu is officially moving into the starting left tackle role. The No. 6 overall pick out of NC State was mostly with the second team until Tuesday, including on Saturday during the Panthers’ first preseason game.

Rhule told reporters he wanted to see Ekwonu in game action before naming him as the starting LT. On Saturday, versus the Commanders, the offensive lineman got that shot, entering the game in the second series and playing through the second quarter.

Ekwonu moves into starting role following first preseason game

Following the game, Ekwonu discussed the experience and his development during training camp.

“It was great,” Ekwonu said, via Panthers.com. “Definitely an opportunity to learn and apply what I’ve learned at practice. Definitely felt good being out there for the first time in that Carolina Panther blue.

“I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress, definitely in regards of my pass-protection,” Ewkonu said of his rookie camp. “But really just technique all across the board, run and pass, making sure I get the technique right, learn as much as I can from the veterans about the inner nuances of playing in the league. I definitely feel like I’ve learned a lot.

“Right now, my physicality is the biggest part of my game, but the technique is definitely rising up there. Can’t put a percentage on it, but I know I’m getting better each and every day.”

Ekwonu is now moving into one of the most critical roles on the offense for the 2022 season. However, he still doesn’t know which quarterback he’ll protect full-time. The Panthers are still sorting out a close quarterback competition between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. Carolina announced Mayfield as the starter in the first game heading into Saturday. He went on a 13-play, 54-yard drive that spanned nearly six minutes to open the game.