Aside from Mario Addison, who emphatically proved he could be more than a pass rush specialist, Ron Rivera’s teams have always employed big, physical defensive ends.
Haynes, the fourth-round draft choice who set a program record with 32 sacks at Ole Miss, is not that type of player.
In fact, most projected him as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
But the Panthers believe Haynes – all 235 pounds of him – has a unique ability to pressure the quarterback.
“He’s got some intriguing tools and traits to work with,” defensive coordinator Eric Washington said during a conversation in his office last week.