Ikem Ekwonu

Drafted in the first round of the 2022 Draft out of N.C. State, Ikem Ekwonu started all 17 games at left tackle and tied for the fewest pressures allowed (27) by qualified rookie tackles, according to PFF.

PRO CAREER

• Started all 17 games at left tackle and tied for the fewest pressures allowed (27) by qualified rookie tackles, according to PFF...…Part of an offensive line that helped Carolina rank fifth in rushing attempts (359), fourth in rushing yards (1,668), and 10th in yards per rush (4.65) in the final 12 weeks of the 2022 season…In that stretch, tied for the third-fewest sacks allowed (17), ranked 10th in sacks per passing attempt (5.8%), and were eighth in average time for a quarterback to throw (2.94 seconds).

GP/GS
Career (17/17): 2022 (17/17)

TRANSACTIONS
Selected in the first round (6th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2022 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE
Played three seasons at N.C. State, starting 31 games for the Wolfpack from 2019-21...Earned first team AP All-American honors and All-ACC first team accolades in 2021...Was a finalist for the Outland Trophy for college football's best offensive lineman...Earned a PFF grade of 93.8 in run-blocking in 2021, ranking second-best among qualified FBS offensive linemen...One of the seven "can't-miss-prospects" from Next Gen Stats in 2022 Draft...Allowed just three sacks in 2021 (PFF) and led the team in pancake blocks with 67...Garnered third team All-ACC honors in 2020...Earned PFF Freshman All-America honors in 2019.

PERSONAL
Full name is Ikemefuna (meaning "my effort will not be in vain") Patrick Ekwonu...Nickname is "Ickey"...Went to Providence Day High School in Charlotte, N.C...Twin brother, Osita, plays linebacker at Notre Dame.