CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper preached patience last week when it came to breaking the losing cycle and building a consistent winner.

Over the weekend, the Panthers stayed true to that plan.

Instead of reaching for a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick, Carolina's big three decision-makers - Tepper, general manager Scott Fitterer and coach Matt Rhule - selected offensive tackle Ikem "Ickey" Ekwonu from North Carolina State, filling a less flashy but equally as important need when it comes to building sustained success.

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