How much playing time will sixth-round pick Amare Barno managed to accumulate for the Carolina Panthers during the 2022 season?
It was an intriguing set of draft picks by the Carolina Panthers in 2022. The two biggest needs were addressed with their opening selections, leaving the front office free to return to their successful method of finding prospects with high athletic attributes that they could potentially mold into valuable NFL contributors next season and into the future.
Of course, this is often a gamble that doesn’t pay off. But for all Matt Rhule’s problems during his time as head coach, one cannot fault his draft methods based on the previous three years that have been further enhanced by the presence of general manager Scott Fitterer.
Another fine example of this came in the sixth-round when the Panthers selected Amare Barno, a gifted but extremely raw pass-rusher who comes in as a development project with significant upside.
Barno’s testing at the NFL Scouting Combine was absolutely off the charts for a man his size. It takes much more to thrive at the next level, obviously, but the Virginia Tech product has physical attributes that cannot be taught.
Explosiveness.
Quick-twitch speed.
And a high-end motor.
There are some concerns about Barno’s size once he comes up against formidable offensive linemen at the next level. So it would be wise for the player to spend considerable time in the weight room to add more muscle mass without compromising his overall speed.
Barno got the first taste of NFL life at Carolina’s rookie minicamp. The opening step towards what will hopefully become a smooth transition to the organization.
Amare Barno could be a core special teamer for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
Late round selections have more to overcome than most. But considering the Panthers are now without the services of Haason Reddick after he signed for the Philadelphia Eagles, there is a slight window of opportunity on the rotation providing everything goes according to plan in training camp.
What’s important for Barno is taking things one step at a time, learning from the team’s experienced coaching staff, and integrating well with his teammates. If he can do this and improve along the way, then it would be a surprise if the Panthers did not utilize him in some capacity next season.
Whether that’s putting his elite speed to good use on special teams or as part of the pass-rushing options later on in the season, there are multiple ways Carolina can go with Barno, who will benefit from any game-time experience generated throughout his rookie year.
After all, 6-foot-5 individuals who run a 4.36-second 40-yard dash don’t exactly grow on trees.
Much like the situation with Brandon Smith, there is just no telling what Barno might be capable of if he puts it all together. And he might end up being yet another late-round stud that can make his presence felt.
Expecting miracles right away would be unrealistic, in all honesty. However, the Panthers drafted Barno with the bigger picture in mind and they do have Brian Burns, Marquis Haynes, and Yetur Gross-Matos to lean on in the meantime.

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It will be interesting to see how Barno blossoms in Carolina. But in terms of playing time right out of the gate, becoming an integral special teamer might be the realistic objective.