4 Carolina Panthers rookies with unrealistic expectations in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers rookies could be heading into the 2022 season with some unrealistic expectations on their shoulders?
Considering how little the Carolina Panthers had to play with during the 2022 NFL Draft, it was another impressive weekend of movement up and down the board from general manager Scott Fitterer. This allowed the organization to fill critical positions of need and also select some exciting athletic prospects, which only enhanced the front office figure’s reputation in league circles.
What comes next is out of Fitterer’s hands. The onus will be on Matt Rhule and a retooled coaching staff to ensure each player selected by the Panthers reaches or exceeds what’s expected in the short and long term.
New blood on the roster always comes with a huge sense of anticipation. Especially when it comes to a fanbase that has been deprived of legitimate success for so long.
On this subject, we picked out four Panthers rookies who could go into the 2022 season with some unrealistic expectations.
Player No. 1
player. 87. . DE/OLB. Carolina Panthers. AMARE BARNO. 1
Amare Barno – Carolina Panthers DE/OLB
If anyone is expecting Amare Barno to come in immediately and become a prominent part of the pass-rushing rotation, they might be out of luck. The sixth-round pick is seen as a work in progress, so the Carolina Panthers need to take their time with the Virginia Tech product before putting more on his plate.
Barno has the explosiveness and athleticism to perhaps become productive over time. However, he is a little light and will also need to refine his pass-rushing repertoire before any confidence can come on the field.
Adopting a wait-and-see approach where Barno is concerned would be wise. And hopefully, the likes of Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Marquis Haynes can compensate for the loss of Haason Reddick in free agency.