The Baylor-to-Carolina train may have slowed down recently, but it sure hasn’t stopped. With their final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Panthers selected Baylor cornerback Kalon Barnes.
As has been the trend, Barnes stands out from the rest of the late-round draft picks thanks to his speed. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound defensive back ran a 4.23-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine—which rings in as the fastest for a defensive player since 2003. That’s also the second-fastest of any draft prospect behind John Ross, who finished his dash in 4.22 seconds.
In the seventh round, teams are looking for players with outstanding measurables who they can develop into quality backups. Barnes is just that. Panthers head coach Matt Rhule recruited Barnes to Baylor at wide receiver before he transitioned to cornerback, and now he’ll have the chance to work with him some more in the professional league.
With that, the Panthers are likely done for the day. They will end their draft with six new players: OT Ikem Ekwonu, QB Matt Corral, LB Brandon Smith, DE Amaré Barno, OL Cade Mays and Barnes.
