Carolina Panthers 53-man roster prediction after 2022 minicamp
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers’ defensive line
- Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, Matt Ioannidis, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes, Amare Barno, Phil Hoskins, Bravvion Roy, Daviyon Nixon.
Much like the situation at the linebacker spot, it would be a surprise if the Carolina Panthers held firm regarding their defensive line options in the coming weeks. Carlos Dunlap recently visited the organization but left without a deal, which means the team is still looking to find some extra pass-rushers that can make a difference straight away.
As stated previously, there will be no Haason Reddick causing havoc this year after he left for the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. This puts the onus squarely on Brian Burns to increase his dominance and enter the elite discussion along the way.
Burns is capable of this, but he’ll need assistance from elsewhere. That might come from Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes, who stand to benefit most from Reddick’s departure and the Panthers releasing Morgan Fox with one year remaining on his deal.
This is also a big campaign for defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who’ll have a third partner in as many seasons after the Panthers acquired Matt Ioannidis following his release from the Washington Commanders. However, the Auburn product has to raise his game to a Pro Bowl level in 2022 for this defensive front to thrive.
Phil Hoskins, Bravvion Roy, and Daviyon Nixon should get reps if they progress as expected this summer. Amare Barno is a development project with high upside after Carolina selected him in the sixth round earlier this year.