Depth chart projections for every Carolina Panthers 2022 draft pick

Amare Barno – Carolina Panthers DE/OLB

• Edge Defender (DE/OLB) No. 5

Finding pass-rushing help was almost a necessity for the Carolina Panthers during the draft. Haason Reddick’s departure in free agency was a blow, so it might have to be a collective effort from multiple squad members rather than relying on just one to fill the void.

Amare Barno is another prospect that comes with high physical traits. His time at Virginia Tech was littered with memorable moments that were often jaw-dropping – something the edge defender backed up with exceptional testing at the NFL Scouting Combine.

While Barno is a little undersized for an NFL rusher, the outstanding athletic components are things that cannot be taught. Again, this is a raw prospect that can develop over time, so it might be worth the Panthers acquiring another veteran capable of providing instant production with the league’s most salary-cap space available.

Barno has work to do, there’s no getting away from that. But much like the situation regarding Brandon Smith, there is just no telling what the player could be capable of once everything clicks into place.

Earning a roster spot will be the first attainable objective for Barno. Once he accomplishes this, then it’s a case of contributing on special teams and carving out a role for himself on the defensive rotation sooner rather than later.