GREENSBORO, N.C. — The pick is in! The Carolina Panthers have selected Charlotte native and NC State's Ikem ''Ickey'' Ekwonu in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was the 6th overall pick.
The Panthers hope to add some stability to their offensive line by drafting Ekwonu. He was the first offensive player taken off the board. "I was surprised that all three tackles were there. This was the best-case scenario for us," GM Scott Fitterer said. "I can't say a couple of days ago we would have ever thought this would happen. We were pleasantly surprised as it went."
The Panthers haven't used a first-rounder on a tackle since taking Jeff Otah 19th overall in 2008, according to the Panthers.
They're excited to get him inside Bank of America Stadium.
"This was about getting an impact player and we feel like Ikey is an impact player," Panthers Head Coach Matt Rhule said.
Ekwonu is excited to be with the Panthers! "I just told them I can play anywhere they need me to play," he said.
He also showed he's ready to go by taking to Twitter! He tweeted, "I'm ready."
The Panthers were the sixth pick of the night during the first round.
Ekwonu describes his game as versatile, violent, and physical. He is not only a great fit for the team on the field but also off of it.
Ekwonu is from Charlotte.
"It's just crazy," said Ekwonu. Obviously, I grew up in Charlotte, played football throughout the years, stayed home went to NC State, so I've been in North Carolina my whole life. The fact that every step of my football journey I've been in North Carolina, I feel like that says something. I'm just excited for this next opportunity."
Round 1 NFL Draft - First 10 picks
1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Travon Walker, LB, Georgia
2. Detroit Lions - Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Lions
3. Houston Texans - Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
4. New York Jets - Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
5. New York Giants - Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
6 Carolina Panthers - Ikem ''Ickey'' Ekwonu, NCSU
7. New York Giants (from Chicago Bears) - Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
8. Atlanta Falcons - Drake London, WR, USC
9. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos) - Charles Cross, LT, Mississippi State
10. New York Jets (from Seattle) - Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio St.