It’s clear—from numerous outlets, analysts and prediction posts—that Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is thought to be on the rise in 2023. But will he rise all the way up to all-star status?
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently surveyed the league for 20 players who could be primed to make their first Pro Bowl this upcoming season. Ekwonu, as a major piece in a growing core, makes Benjamin’s list of 20 candidates:
“Ickey” proved up to the task as the Panthers’ top draft pick in 2022, standing firm for a slew of middling QBs. Now, with Bryce Young as his signal-caller, Ekwonu’s poised to headline an offense on the rise in a very winnable NFC South.
The 2022 sixth overall pick, who played in every offensive snap for Carolina, had himself a solid rookie campaign. After relinquishing three sacks between his first pair of starts—two of which coming courtesy of Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett—he was charged with just three more over his final 15 outings.
Now, Ekwonu has an actual franchise quarterback to protect. So we’ll see if he’s up to the test and up to the Pro Bowl nod come next winter.
