Panthers draft tracker: Analyzing every pick Carolina makes on Day 3
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It’s been an interesting few days for the Carolina Panthers, who enter Day 3 of the NFL draft having largely gotten what they wanted.
They needed to fix the offensive line and got that on Day 1 with offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu. They needed a quarterback, and after having discussions with the Cleveland Browns regarding a trade for Baker Mayfield, decided to pivot and trade up to the third round to get former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral.
Corral was viewed by the Panthers’ staff as one of the top three quarterbacks in this class.
Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) begins at noon Saturday, and the Panthers have four remaining picks as of Saturday morning. Here is our Day 3 draft tracker:
Where do the Panthers pick?
The Panthers started the day with four picks including the No. 144 (fifth round), No. 149 (fifth), No. 199 (sixth) and No. 242 (seventh).
But before 1 p.m., they had traded up to No. 120 in a swap with the Washington Commanders.
The Panthers gave up the No. 144 pick, the No. 149 pick to get Washington’s No. 120 pick and No. 189.
What are the Panthers remaining needs?
Prior to the draft, Fitterer identified edge rusher as one of their top three biggest needs. Since then, the Panthers have addressed it.
The Panthers also need a punt/kick returner, another inside linebacker, and defensive coordinator Phil Snow has said he’d like to add a safety. Defensive tackle could use some depth, too. And long term, they could use a center.
Who have the Panthers picked?
Round 1 (No. 6): OT Ikem Ekwonu (N.C. State)
Round 3 (No. 94): QB Matt Corral (Ole Miss)
Round 4 (No. 120): LB Brandon Smith (Penn State)
Round 6 (No. 189): DE Amare Barno (Virginia Tech)
Round 6 (No. 199): OL Cade Mays (Tennessee)
Round 7 (No. 242): CB Kalon Barnes (Baylor)
Panthers draft picks Saturday
LB Brandon Smith (No. 120 Fourth Round)
The Panthers traded up to get Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith on Saturday. He played three seasons at Penn State. During his senior season, he had 81 tackles and two sacks.
Analysis: The Panthers needed help at linebacker after losing Haason Reddick and Jermaine Carter in free agency. They’ve added in free agency, but linebacker was their thinnest position even last season.
Smith provides depth. He will likely play special teams initially. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound linebacker ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.
“I’m definitely going to work my way up in being in the rotation,” Smith said Saturday. “I’m just eager to get in the building and make my mark.”
Smith said he considers himself more of an edge rusher, but can also play inside linebacker. He said he’s willing to play whatever role is given to him.
OLB Amare Barno (No. 189 Sixth Round)
The Panthers drafted outside linebacker Amare Barno in sixth round. Barno, who is 6-foot-5, 236 pounds, is from Blythewood, S.C. His parents currently live in Charlotte. He played three seasons at Virginia Tech where he was an edge rusher.
Analysis: The Panthers added another edge rusher to their roster. Barno had 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during the 2021 season.
But his best season was his sophomore year when he finished third in the FBS with 16 tackles for loss in 2020. Barno was a solid player for the Hokies.
He has some speed too. He ran a 4.36 at the NFL combine in the 40-yard dash last month, which was the fastest of all defensive linemen in the draft.
He also has experience playing some middle linebacker.
OL Cade Mays (No. 199 Sixth Round)
The Panthers drafted former Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays with the 199th in the sixth round. He has played all over the offensive line.
Analysis: Mays has played all over the offensive line during his college career. And the Panthers staff loves versatility.
Mays, who is from Knoxville, started his college career at Georgia before finishing at Tennessee. He was second-team All-SEC. His addition adds depth for the Panthers, who have a new look offensive line.
“I play the game the right way. I’m going to give the organization everything I got,” he said. “I play hard. I try to play it physical.”
“Wherever they need me, I’ll be willing to play.”
Mays said he met fellow offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu on a flight to the NFL combine. They happened to be sitting next to each other.
“It was a tight squeeze. We were both on the exit row,” he said.
CB Kalon Barnes
The Panthers used their final pick on the fastest player in the NFL draft.
With the 242nd pick in the NFL draft, the Panthers took former Baylor cornerback Kalon “Boogie” Barnes. Panthers coach Matt Rhule recruited Barnes to Baylor when he was head coach there.
Analysis: The Panthers didn’t necessarily need a cornerback, but they fell in love with Barnes’ attributes. He’s he blazing speed.
He ran a 4.23 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, which was the second fastest in NFL history.
“He’s a track athlete, who plays corner at 6-foot,” Rhule said. “At the end of the day we were going back and forth between two players and Scott made the decision at the end of the draft to really go with traits.”
“He’s smart. He’s competitive. But he’s 4.28.”
Barnes said he’s working on becoming a complete cornerback and not just relying on his speed.
This story was originally published April 30, 2022 at 11:15 AM with the headline "Panthers draft tracker: Analyzing every pick Carolina makes on Day 3."
