5 Carolina Panthers with most to gain from a positive 2022 draft
By Dean Jones
Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE
Losing Haason Reddick was a blow overall to the Carolina Panthers. But especially to Brian Burns ahead of a crucial fourth season for the defensive end.
Having another prolific pass-rushing option flying off the opposite edge was something Burns hasn’t had during his time in a starting role. Something that benefitted the former first-round pick en route to nine sacks and a debut Pro Bowl appearance.
Letting Reddick test the free-agent market might be a mistake in the long run. Although much will depend on how Carolina plans to replicate some outstanding production in 2022 and beyond.
Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes are likely to have bigger roles. But the Panthers need to find themselves another gifted edge defender from the college ranks at some stage during the draft.
This will be difficult without any Day 2 capital. Fortunately for Carolina, this is a deep class for defensive ends and general manager Scott Fitterer is renowned for identifying talent in the mid-to-late rounds that can come in and make their presence felt immediately.
Burns – who will get his fifth-year option picked up before the deadline – will need this in pursuit of a true breakout campaign next season. One that could add a significant amount of dollars to his demands when the time comes.