What to expect from the Panthers final three draft picks in 2022

Amare Barno – Carolina Panthers DE/OLB

• No. 189 overall selection

The Carolina Panthers were in need of bolstering their depth chart from a pass-rushing standpoint at some stage during the 2022 NFL Draft. Losing Haason Reddick in free agency was a calculated risk and even though replicating 11 sacks from elsewhere will be difficult, it’s not entirely out of the question providing the likes of Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes make the necessary leaps forward.

Carolina will also look to blend Amare Barno into the rotation sooner rather than later. The former Virginia Tech standout comes into the organization as the No. 189 overall selection and with a ton of high-caliber athletic attributes that could see him become a valuable contributor over time.

Barno was the fastest edge rusher in this draft class. He blazed a trail at the NFL Scouting Combine and if this can be harnessed into game-day situations more often, the Panthers have a real player on their hands.

Shooting gaps in obvious pass-rushing situations is an area where Barno thrives. There is also a good opportunity for the player to assist on special teams before assuming a prominent spot on the rotation.

There are some things Barno needs to work on. He is raw and does get overawed by experienced offensive linemen on occasions, which does lead to frustrating production at times.

Carolina obviously took everything into account where Barno is concerned. The upside is high, but expecting miracles right away would be pushing things just a little.