Baker Mayfield vs Sam Darnold has been dominating media headlines, but the real battle going on in Spartanburg, SC is between Brady Christensen and Ikem Ekwonu for the starting left tackle spot.
There has been a void at left tackle since Jordan Gross’s retirement in 2014. Since then Carolina has failed numerous times trying to address the position.
But with all the noise coming out of training camp, this may be year that finally changes.
Christensen vs Ekwonu
The Panthers starting left tackle position is up for grabs, and second year player Brady Christensen and rookie Ikem Ekwonu are making it hard for Matt Rhule to name the starter.
Ekwonu was the first offensive linemen to be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. One would think that Ekwonu would have the edge over Christensen, but that hasn’t been the case.
Rhule has made it known that Ekwonu still has a lot to learn and would have to “earn” the starting spot.
“He has a long way to go,” Rhule told reporters. “He’ll get there but every day he’s gotta work.”
Many Panther fans were confused when they heard the news, as Ekwonu was the sixth pick of the draft. Also it doesn’t help that Evan Neal(Giants) and Charles Cross(Seahawks), who were drafted behind Ekwonu, are working with the first team of their respected ball clubs.
But some Panthers fans are not surprised by the reports. In college, Christensen played left tackle, but due to injuries and the lack of commitment and faith from Rhule(primarily cause of arm length), Christensen saw in game reps and starts everywhere outside of center.
In camp Christensen is listed ahead of Ekwonu and is getting reps in with the first team.
Christensen is heading into his second year in the NFL, and his career is looking very promising. In a article by ESPN, they had Christensen as one of their players prime to have a breakout year.
Panthers O-line Outlook 2022
The Panthers offensive line was underwhelming to watch in 2021. There was constant injuries and just overall inconsistences from all over. This offseason Scott Fitterer addressed the offensive line issues and made solid moves. He signed guard Austin Corbett and center Bradley Bozeman, and of course drafted Ikem Ekwonu.
This unit has a real chance of doing something special, especially in the run game if Christian McCaffery can remain out of street clothes on Sundays.
Matt Rhule will have a hard time naming the starter at left tackle. And with the emergence of Christensen, it would not be surprising if Ekwonu is starting on the right side of Christensen at guard come week one against Cleveland.
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