Quite a few league experts have already earmarked Ikem Ekwonu as a breakout candidate for the upcoming campaign. But have any of them guaranteed it?
Well, at least one has—NFL.com contributing columnist Adam Schein.
Schein recently named 10 players he believes will definitely be on the rise in 2023. In at No. 9 is last year’s No. 6:
Ekwonu looked like a rookie early last season, but the No. 6 overall pick progressed over the course of Year 1, going one 10-game stretch without giving up a sack. He has the tenacity and tools to become a star on the blind side, especially with new leadership guiding his way.
I love the Panthers’ new coaching staff. Frank Reich is a gem. Overall, the offensive staff is experienced and filled with high-character teachers. This is not only a godsend to rookie QB Bryce Young, but also to the man tasked with protecting the No. 1 overall pick. Ekwonu has the makeup and tutelage to emerge as one of the elite tackles in the game right now.
The young hog molly did go through a rough start to his NFL career, having allowed three sacks in his first two games. But it was a brief bump, as Ekwonu was charged with three sacks over the next 15 outings to close out his rookie year.
Perhaps more impressively, Ekwonu played in each of the team’s 1,016 offensive snaps. That complete body of work earned him a solid 65.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus—a number that should, based on Schein’s bold affirmation, be on the rise in 2023.
