3 winners and 3 losers from the Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL Draft
By Jason Huber
Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE
Why is Brian Burns a loser after just getting his fifth-year option picked up?
Well, the Carolina Panthers didn’t draft a sure-fire edge-rusher, leaving Burns without another really good defensive end by his side.
After signing Haason Reddick last year, his strong play really helped elevate Burns’ game because of teams not being able to double-team him as much as they had in previous years.
Reddick and Burns made a strong two-headed monster on the defensive line and Carolina hasn’t really gotten a great replacement for Reddick as yet after he was permitted to test the free-agent market and sign for the Philadelphia Eagles.
As it stands right now, Yetur Gross-Matos is at the top of the depth chart to start at the defensive end spot on the right side. The Penn State prospect was a second-round pick just two years ago but he’s been hampered by injuries so far in his short career.
Carolina drafted Amare Barno in the sixth round. But he’s still a work in progress that might end up on the practice squad.
It’s possible that Barno turns out to be a great player and the Panthers made the right decision by not filling Reddick’s void earlier, but it’s just had to envision at this moment.
Burns is a great player but with the lack of Reddick, it’s possible his production takes a hit next year.