Grading every pick from an impressive Panthers 2022 NFL Draft class

Amare Barno – Carolina Panthers DE/OLB

• No. 189 overall selection

Adding to the pass-rushing options was something the Carolina Panthers managed to accomplish on Day 3. The pick was Amare Barno – a physically gifted edge rusher that could have enormous upside with further coaching at the next level.

Barno blew up the evaluation process with exceptional numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine. His explosiveness, speed, and strength are traits Carolina values highly in their mid-to-late round college recruits, but the Virginia Tech product should be classed as a development project until further notice.

The prospect burst onto the scene in 2020 with 6.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Barno followed this up with 3.5 quarterback takedowns and 5.5 tackles for loss in 2021, which was something of a surprise considering the athletic attributes at his disposal.

Barno needs to bulk up and work on technique refinement upon arriving at the Panthers.  However, the team does have Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes to fill the void left by Haason Reddick, who left in free agency for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Draft Grade: B

Providing that Barno can put it all together, then the Panthers are going to have a potential game wrecker on their hands. The player can also become a valued special teams contributor before making his presence felt on the defensive rotation.