Carolina Panthers Draft Profile: Derrick Brown is exactly what they need

In this 2020 NFL Draft profile for the Carolina Panthers, we look at the strengths, weaknesses, and video highlights of defensive tackle Derrick Brown of Auburn.

As the Carolina Panthers prepare for the 2020 NFL Draft, they have their sights set on bolstering their defense. It’s no secret that they have several areas of need on defense with their defensive line being the positional group that should be a top priority to address. They need a special kind of talent that will solidify their defensive line for many years to come. Enter defensive tackle Derrick Brown out of Auburn.

With the No. 7 overall pick in this year’s draft, if Brown is still available when the Panthers are on the clock, it’s a no-brainer decision for general manager Marty Hurney to make. Brown is a 6-4, 326lbs behemoth that specializes in stopping the run and making sure the opposition knows he’s on the field hunting.

If the Panthers are able to land Brown, he’d be an instant starter for the team and develop nicely over his first few years in the pros. Considering they were abysmal in stopping the run over the last few years, this would immediately fix that significantly. Brown is a true workhorse of an athlete and a classic overachiever that makes the most out of every opportunity on the gridiron.

Derrick Brown would be a perfect fit for the Carolina Panthers

More from Cat Crave

Not only would Brown be a household name in due time, but he’d be a perfect fit for a team that is desperately looking for more production out of their defensive line. In his four-year collegiate career, Brown has totaled 12.5 sacks, 170 tackles, and five forced fumbles. Imagine the kind of impact he’d have bringing similar numbers to the Panthers’ defense?

STRENGTHS

Watching film on Brown tells an incredible story of what he brings to the table. He’s all about speed and adjusting in the heat of the moment to make plays. Good luck to any opposing running backs as Brown has a knack for turning plays into negative ones behind the line of scrimmage consistently.

Brown’s techniques are fantastic as a run-stopper as he might not get many sacks early on in his career but will shut down opposing rushing threats with ease and precision. Not only does he have future Pro Bowler written all over him but he has all the attributes needed to be a future leader in the locker room. He will be a team captain in the making until it’s his time to shine and lead this defense under his command.

WEAKNESSES

Once Brown has his sights on where to rush against opposing offensive lineman, he can misjudge where a play is headed and get completely put out of defensive coverage. Besides that, Brown doesn’t do so well when put into defensive plays as a pass rusher as it’s an area of opportunity for him. It will likely take him two to three years of working on honing his craft in this area if he’s to be the real deal.

Brown is a very smart defensive player but can sometimes overthink even the most basic of things. Once he’s able to practice mental patience when it comes to using his unique skill-set, it will be a weakness as this aspect is key to being an all-around great defensive tackle. Timing is everything as he could get tired early on by burning too much energy due to overthinking and not be effective as needed later on in close football games.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Trending. Complete 7 Round Panthers Mock Draft. light

PANTHERS PREDICTION

Brown will end up as a member of the Panthers as if he’s available when they’re on the clock, they need to draft him and not even think twice about it. After training camp and preseason action is under his belt, expect to see Brown start on defense for the Panthers and put up an impressive rookie season immediately upon arrival.

Home/Panthers Draft