Grading the Panthers' 2022 Draft Class
With the 2023 NFL Draft just around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to evaluate how each of the Panthers' six draft selections from the 2022 NFL Draft performed during their first year in the league.
Let's waste no time and dive right in.
LT Ikem Ekwonu (RD 1 , PK 6)
Ekwonu struggled a bit out of the gates, but that was expected. Offensive linemen usually have the toughest transition to the NFL and it didn't help that he had to go up against Myles Garrett in Week 1. He improved as the season went on, dominating in the run game and evolving as a pass protector. Ekwonu wasn't perfect, but he had about as good of a year as you would have hoped for him to have.
Grade: A
QB Matt Corral (RD 3, PK 94)
You have to feel for Matt Corral. He suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury in the preseason loss to New England and is still making his way back. The way the season went with the injuries to Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and P.J. Walker, he would have had his chance. Now, he may never take a single regular season snap with the Panthers. Why? Well, there is a new coaching staff in the building and they haven't seen what he can do. Plus, the Panthers are drafting a QB at No. 1 in addition to bringing in a veteran Andy Dalton. Because of the situation, I can't give him a grade.
Grade: N/A
LB Brandon Smith (RD 4, PK 120)
Hard to really grade Smith, who like the rest of the class, played minimal snaps outside of special teams. I love the speed and athleticism he offers at the position which allowed him to make a few plays in the run game. He's got some work to do in pass coverage.
Grade: C
DE Amaré Barno (RD 6, PK 189)
Maybe I'm being too generous with my grade here for Barno, but I loved what I saw in the 51 defensive snaps that he did take part in. Very active, long, athletic, defensive end with great bend. He has to add some more moves to his arsenal but learning from Brian Burns should help. He could push for more playing time next fall.
Grade: B+
OL Cade Mays (RD 6, PK 199)
Should I have put fullback next to his name instead of OL? I'm still amazed at how well Mays played at fullback in place of the injured Giovanni Ricci. It shows how athletic and versatile he really is. He has the ability to play all five spots on the offensive line, so it's not all that surprising to see him move around as well as he did and pave the way for D'Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard. With the starting unit staying healthy for the majority of the season, Mays had very few opportunities to play his normal position. That said, he was effective in his role.
Grade: A
CB Kalon Barnes (RD 7, PK 242)
Barnes always seemed like a long shot to make the roster. He had blazing speed but didn't have the pass coverage skills nor the special teams impact to beat out the likes of a Keith Taylor Jr. or Stantley Thomas-Oliver III. Barnes was cut in late August and picked up by the Minnesota Vikings, where he played in two games.
Grade: F
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter:
Facebook - @PanthersOnSI
Twitter - @AllPanthers_ and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.
