Depth chart projections for every Carolina Panthers 2022 draft pick

Kalon Barnes – Carolina Panthers CB

• Cornerback No. 6

Drafting a cornerback later in the draft was something the Carolina Panthers thought was worth the risk despite this positional group being one of the team’s strongest. Stephon Gilmore may have left in free agency, but the organization got an extension done with Donte Jackson and there is also the return to full health of former first-round selection Jaycee Horn to also consider in 2022.

Kalon Barnes is a previous favorite of Matt Rhule’s from their time together at Baylor. He ran this year’s fastest 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine and although the prospect is still learning the position, the athleticism is right where it needs to be for future progression.

Finding a role will be difficult for Barnes. One could argue there are seven corners on the roster ahead of him currently, even though that might change once the competition starts heating up in training camp.

Barnes might also be utilized in the return game thanks to his impressive ball skills and breakaway speed. Another thing to keep an eye on regarding the player, who will also benefit from working with Steve Wilks after he returned to Carolina this offseason.

Rhule likes surrounding himself with familiar faces he’s seen in the flesh. And where Barnes is concerned, nobody will know more about how to maximize his production.