Realistic career expectations for every Panthers 2022 draft pick

Amare Barno – Carolina Panthers DE/OLB

When Carolina Panthers fans were envisioning taking a pass-rusher in the draft to help replace the loss of Haason Reddick, a sixth-round pick wasn’t exactly in mind.

Carolina opted to pass on an edge defender during its first three picks. But might have actually found a steal in Amaré Barno.

Barno, a South Carolina native, showed his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and totaled 10 sacks and 21.5 tackles for a loss in 21 games over the past two years with the Virginia Tech Hokies.

It’s not often that a sixth-rounder seems like a lock to make the 53-man roster. With the Panthers’ need for pass-rush depth, Barno might have too much potential to place on the practice squad.

Barno also has the flexibility to play defensive end and linebacker, making him more of a valuable asset. He might be slender and not as big as some edge rushers, but Brian Burns was also viewed as that when he was drafted by Carolina just a few years ago.

In today’s game, Barno could be lethal if he puts the work in.

Realistic career expectation: Solid role player in 2-3 years.