Re-grading the Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL Draft class after Year No. 1
By Dean Jones
Amare Barno – Carolina Panthers DE
- No. 189 overall selection | Virginia Tech Hokies
One glaring failure for the Carolina Panthers last season was their lack of pass-rushing prowess opposite stud defensive end Brian Burns. Their decision to promote Yetur Gross-Matos in favor of extending Haason Reddick came back to bite them, with the omer Penn State star notching just 2.5 sacks and offering very little throughout the campaign.
Marquis Haynes Sr. once again flashed from a rotational role. But for some unbeknown reason, the Panthers are reluctant to hand him starting reps frequently despite Gross-Matos’ struggles.
Carolina’s depth also came to the fore on occasions. Something that made their decision to make Amare Barno a relative afterthought all the more bizarre.
Barno came in as a sixth-round selection that was deemed a development project until further notice. It took time for the player to adjust, but there were tremendous flashes of quality over the second half of 2022 when he finally earned reps.
Draft Grade: B-
Much like the situation with Cade Mays, it’s hard to evaluate Barno’s future starting hopes. However, the edge defender has more than enough explosiveness to become a key depth piece with additional development ahead of Year 2.