5 prospects with Matt Rhule links that the Panthers could draft in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could draft Kalon Barnes – CB
If the Carolina Panthers opt to bring in a cornerback during the draft, then it’s unlikely to be anywhere near the top of their priorities. Obviously, this could change depending on what transpires in free agency, but it would be a surprise if anything more than a development project was sought given the team’s recent investment at the position.
The Panthers had a lot of success with their lower-round selections in 2021. Matt Rhule likes surrounding himself with familiar faces for good or bad, which is likely to see Kalon Barnes enter their draft discussions at some stage.
Barnes is a fluid mover and flashes exceptional ball skills when presented with an opportunity. This could also assist an NFL team when it comes to the return game – an area where the Panthers struggled to find any sort of consistency during the recent campaign.
The prospect boasts a quick closing speed that should transition well to the next level. But his tackling wouldn’t be classed as stellar and Barnes has a tendency to get bullied in run support, too.
Improving his risk-taking should also help Barnes, who might be a Day 3 selection given how many things need work before he’s ready to accumulate meaningful snaps. Again, Rhule will know if the player is capable of this without any real evaluation, so Carolina could take a late-round flier on the corner providing other needs are addressed first.