Heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, here is a live tracker for everything and anything involving the Carolina Panthers as they enter Day 1.
The 2020 NFL Draft is finally upon us! The Carolina Panthers will finally reveal what they’ve been working on for months now when it comes to what their plans are for Round 1. At this point in time, they have the No. 7 overall pick of this year’s draft. They could go a number of different ways here which can include trading up, trading down, or simply staying pat.
The Panthers will more than likely use their first-round pick on a defensive player. Someone that can address a major area of need and be a cornerstone on defense for years to come. The main positional groups that would tremendously benefit from a newly drafted first-round pick would be defensive line, linebacker, and cornerback. Double points if they draft someone who can bolster their run-stopping capabilities.
Tonight promises to be a great one and a historic event at that. For the first time in NFL history, this year’s draft will be held virtually. They’ll be some surprises and a heavy focus on showing players live as they get drafted reacting from their homes. The NFL sent personal cameras to many top prospects to feature their reactions the second they get drafted to the football world.
Carolina Panthers 2020 NFL Draft Live Tracker
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In this Panthers NFL Draft live tracker, Cat Crave will only post tweets/updates from official, verified, and real sources. Please don’t worry about anything fake being posted below in this live tracker. We also recommend updating this page often to get the latest.
PANTHERS DRAFT PICKS
Round 1 (No. 7) – Defensive tackle Derrick Brown
WHEN
The first round of the NFL Draft will take place tonight, Thursday, April 23. Rounds 2-3 will take place on Friday, April 24. Rounds 4-7 will take place on Saturday, April 25.
TIME
Tonight’s draft begins at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time. Friday begins at 7:00 P.M. Eastern Time and this year’s draft concludes on Saturday at 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time.
WATCH
The NFL Draft will be aired simultaneously across ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network each day.
LIVE STREAM
In case you don’t have the ability to watch tonight’s draft live as it happens, fuboTV has an incredible offer for first-time subscribers in which you’ll get a free 7-day trial. You’ll be able to watch each day of this year’s draft as this is a service that has sports, network shows, news, and movies on 100+ channels. fuboTV is currently available in the United States, Canada, and Spain. Packages and pricing differ per country.
Last Update: 4/24/2020 @ 12:11 A.M. Eastern Time
Takeaways from Panthers draft Day 1:
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) April 24, 2020
1. Rhule confirmed he'll play a 4-3 base defense.
2. First-round pick Derrick Brown and KK Short will start up front at DT.
3 Sounds like Brian Burns and Stephen Weatherly start at DE.
4. Brown a run stuffer who takes on multiple blockers.
You guys still awake in eastern time? (How is the first round still going, it's almost midnight 😬) Anyway, here's tonight's story from Hurney/Rhule's presser on why the #Panthers drafted DL Derrick Brownhttps://t.co/5pLaz1WS33
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) April 24, 2020
Derrick Brown says he's talked to Cam Newton a couple times when he came back to Auburn, but doesn't really know him.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
Derrick Brown says he can play anywhere across the front. Matt Rhule also pointed out that versatility.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
New Panthers DT Derrick Brown regarding his nickname "Baby Barrack" said he got it when he was the vice president of the student-athlete advisory committee at Auburn.He is from a military family and is said to have political aspirations, so the nickname... https://t.co/fqP8CaFmJj
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 24, 2020
Derrick Brown said he didn't have enough weights at home during these viral times, so he went to Home Depot, bought some buckets, filled them with sand, and those were his weights.
— Scott Fowler (@scott_fowler) April 24, 2020
Derrick Brown is trying to stay in shape any way he can during this time - he did not have access to weights for awhile so bought a bunch of big orange buckets from Home Depot and filled them with sand.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
Derrick Brown: "I couldn't be more excited to be a Carolina Panther in my life.” #Panthers
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) April 24, 2020
Brown says his pass-rush ability is already about “relentless effort”. In the NFL, he says he wants to continue to develop his tools and technique.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
Panthers first-round pick Derrick Brown: "Everyone says I'm a run-stuffer. But I do it all."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
Derrick Brown on the Zoom chat with local media. He’s such a big family guy, and says he’s so grateful to be able to fulfill this dream.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
Derrick Brown checking in from Buford, Ga. pic.twitter.com/pfcsTPHTXr
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
.@MrBeastYT welcomes @DerrickBrownAU5 to Carolina! pic.twitter.com/bH3HiKU2AT
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
SO excited for @DerrickBrownAU5!! His mom Martha, a @walmart associate, is ready to see him as a pro 🏈 Watch his journey: https://t.co/IxS9ruKVGv
— Walmart World (@WalmartWorld) April 24, 2020
One reason the Panthers liked DT Derrick Brown is he makes those around him on the defense better by eating up blocks. Asked how often he was double teamed last year, he said at the NFL Combine: "About every snap. Pass, run, it was a double-team frenzy... https://t.co/jd8CIIJhYV
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 24, 2020
Auburn DT Derrick Brown left quite an impression on Panthers coach Matt Rhule and general manager Marty Hurney at the Senior Bowl. it was almost emotional for Rhule. “He kept talking about his D-line coach and what his D-line coach meant to him,’’ he... https://t.co/qgGmJNYndL
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 24, 2020
Carolina Panthers Draft: Brown, Burns and Short will thrive in 2020
The arrival of Auburn standout Derrick Brown gives the Carolina Panthers one of the most impressive looking defensive lines in the NFL.
Dave and Nicole Tepper FaceTimed with Derrick Brown and his family, per team video...Tepper says he's been watching his highlights the last few days and jokes that after that, he didn't really want to watch anybody else. "Welcome to the family!"
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
When @DerrickBrownAU5 got the call 📱 pic.twitter.com/vBcAjIuppZ
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
Former Auburn DT Derrick Brown on ESPN when asked what the Panthers are getting in him: "They're getting a world-class guy off the field and they're going to get a dog on the field. I'm going to give everything I got on the field and I'm going to give... https://t.co/RrPQQiz8qF
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 24, 2020
Brown says he started crying when he answered the phone. He says he just let it flow. "It was just...unreal."
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
No. 7 pick Derrick Brown on @SiriusXMNFL : I can't wait to get to Charlotte and get to work.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
"It was unreal. There are no words for me to be able to describe tonight, seeing that phone ring."
Carolina Panthers Draft: Why they passed on Isaiah Simmons
The Carolina Panthers passed on Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons in favor of Derrick Brown, but why did they make such a move?
NFL scout on Derrick Brown: "Solid as a rock. Good pick."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
DERRICK BROWN!!!!!! 😬
— Donte Action Jackson (@_DJack01) April 24, 2020
While at LSU, Joe Brady said Derrick Brown was the toughest player to game plan against.https://t.co/gh1bSbRkyZ
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
Hurney says #Panthers were able to meet with Brown at the Senior Bowl, Combine, and then Hurney met with him at his Pro Day and each time, they felt even stronger about the connection with him.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) April 24, 2020
Panthers coach Matt Rhule says he will go with a base 4-3 defense a year after Carolina went to a 3-4 last season under Ron RIvera. That made getting Auburn DT Derrick Brown to play inside with Kawann Short key. Rhule said he was ‘'touched'' by who... https://t.co/zDUxhiS6Gb
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 24, 2020
Luke Kuechly and Steph Curry are now on the Draft Lounge 💪 https://t.co/pOEb0UwVic pic.twitter.com/SuvWtHmE6j
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
Rhule says Joe Brady told him Brown was the No.1 player they had to specifically scheme for in the SEC last season.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
Matt Rhule on Brown the person: After meeting him for the first time, I was touched by his spirit and just who he is, demeanor and presence. Says he got a little overwhelmed.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
More Rhule: Joe Brady told Panthers staff that Derrick Brown was toughest player he had to game plan for last season at LSU.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
Rhule mentions that OC Joe Brady said Brown was the No. 1 guy he had to plan for last year in the SEC. #Panthers
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) April 24, 2020
After meeting with Derrick Brown at the Senior Bowl, Matt Rhule said: "I was touched by who he was, his spirit comes through."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
Hurney on Derrick Brown: "He may not have the greatest stats in the world, but he makes other players make plays. ... You watch the tape he was doubled a lot."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
Hurney: “(Brown) was the guy who we thought fit us the best and was the best player for us as far s starting to put the pieces together on defense.” #Panthers
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) April 24, 2020
Matt Rhule says something that stuck out to the Panthers was hearing from all these coaches about how Brown is one of the “great practice players” - says, “that’s what we need during this time”, guys who are going to give that extra effort.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
Matt Rhule: "We knew how serious he was about this." ... mentions watching the Citrus Bowl this am, saw Brown during a goalline situation "playing as hard as he can."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
Carolina Panthers Draft: Grading the Derrick Brown pick
The Carolina Panthers got one of the best players in the NFL Draft in defensive tackle Derrick Brown, but what grade should the franchise get?
Panthers general manager Marty Hurney and coach Matt Rhule agreed they went with Derrick Brown over Isaiah Simmons because when building a defense you "start in the middle'' and up front. Hurney didn't think after the season Brown would be there. "He is... https://t.co/q76pJtOm9m
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 24, 2020
Yes, the Panthers has some calls at that 7-spot. They said they felt “very strongly” about taking Brown, though.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
Hurney says they got some calls before and during the draft, but the way things fell everyone "felt strong" about staying put.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
Hurney says he and Matt Rhule have talked about 20 times a day during quarantine. "We put a lot of resources in free agency on offense."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
Hurney was pretty surprised that Brown was available. Rhule says it’s about time they start getting in QBs faces from the interior, not just off the edge.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
Rhule cites Brown’s versatility: “Big men that can move like him are versatile.” Will be able to do a few things from inside
#Panthers HC Matt Rhule says Brown has versatility to play all along the defensive front.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) April 24, 2020
Marty Hurney says he didn't think Derrick Brown would be available at 7. Says they had Simmons rated high as well, but believes "it starts up front," and Brown will help KK Short, Brian Burns, et al.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
#Panthers GM Marty Hurney says team had Isaiah Simmons and Derrick Brown rated closely together, but chose Brown because both he and Rhule believe it’s best to build from the front.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) April 24, 2020
The Panthers liked Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons a lot at No. 7 and he was the best pure athlete on the board, but they felt he was a better fit for a veteran team because of his ability to play so many positions. So they went with Auburn DT Derrick Brown,... https://t.co/Wfu6yhMSgv
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 24, 2020
Shout out to the @Panthers, I’m ready! Gotta start learning that playbook in #Madden20
— Derrick Brown (@DerrickBrownAU5) April 24, 2020
Who trying to play with me? Leave your gamertag in a comment. #EAathlete pic.twitter.com/GUBfk8OIF6
Welcome @StephenCurry30 to talk the selection of Derrick Brown! https://t.co/pOEb0UwVic pic.twitter.com/F2c5YWSj0W
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
All emotion when Derrick Brown found out he was picked by the @Panthers. @DerrickBrownAU5 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Onadr4XL1M
— NFL (@NFL) April 24, 2020
Newest Panther in the Queen City‼️ pic.twitter.com/3c2sqp2r2j
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
Carolina Panthers Draft: Auburn DT Derrick Brown goes No. 7
The Carolina Panthers have a new presence of their defensive line interior with the arrival of Auburn's one-man wrecking machine Derrick Brown.
With the 7th pick... pic.twitter.com/m29RyNoDyZ
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
Derrick Brown to the #Panthers!
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 24, 2020
*Viewer discretion advised* You might see a dead body.
What makes him special- #AchoAnswers @DerrickBrownAU5 @JourdanRodrigue @DNewtonespn #NFLDraft2020 pic.twitter.com/H8YlZmLZ6d
Derrick Brown is the type of core guy Matt Rhule wants to build his defense around on and off the field and and up-front disruptor the Panthers need. I hope we see him used creatively - as more than a space-eater (as important as it is), while that will also be a HUGE role.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
Derrick Brown is going to Carolina... pic.twitter.com/BX0KztQXuk
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
Defense just heated up 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/v0SUuvjMZ9
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
The Panthers select Derrick Brown, DT, out of Auburn. Feeling was Isaiah Simmons was a better fit for an established team. Carolina is rebuilding.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 24, 2020
With the 7th overall pick, the Carolina Panthers select: Derrick Brown (@DerrickBrownAU5)#NFLDraft | #NFLDraft2020 pic.twitter.com/rqacDPVwzo
— FanSided (@FanSided) April 24, 2020
Panthers select Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn. He replaces at least one of the 5-6 defensive linemen the Panthers lost.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
Here we go!!#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/kq7GZ5jxey
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
The Panthers are selecting Derrick Brown with the 7th overall pick, per league source.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) April 24, 2020
If you're drafting for need you take Brown. If you're going for best available player you take Simmons IMO.
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) April 24, 2020
Isaiah Simmons seems like a Matt Rhule positionless player, which was mentioned in the pre-draft broadcast. Hmm.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 24, 2020
I believe the Panthers will take Derrick Brown here. They'll listen if an OT-needy team wants to trade up, but they won't drop back too far
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) April 24, 2020
The Carolina Panthers are taking Auburn DT Derrick Brown at No. 7, source said.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
We're on the clock 🙌#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/lKWkQnI06u
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
We are live in the Draft Lounge: Home Edition with Jake, Jordan, J-Stew and Kristen.
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
📺: Watch Live on NFLN/ESPN/ABC https://t.co/fF3WNo1ZJh
Simmons and Brown may both be on the board for the Panthers at No. 7 if QBs go the next 2 picks
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) April 24, 2020
The Panthers may really have quite the choice coming up here. Wow.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 24, 2020
Join us in supporting local charities like @SACarolinas in the #DraftAThon tonight 💙https://t.co/b74e4yTZBb
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
Tepper’s set-up featuring Cooper #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/owXEbbRZex
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
Soon…
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
📱 𝚁𝚒𝚗𝚐 📱𝚁𝚒𝚗𝚐 📱𝚁𝚒𝚗𝚐 pic.twitter.com/udbniljOWQ
The NFL draft has begun. The Panthers have eight picks, including No. 7 tonight. I don't expect them to trade down unless they get one of those can't-refuse offers, which isn't likely. I do expect them to stockpile defensive players, beginning in the... https://t.co/51W8zVin0v
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 24, 2020
Interesting note from Rhule, who says it might get interesting ahead of them. Says there haven’t been as many leaks about what movement could be because everyone has been working from home, the situation etc.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 23, 2020
Matt Rhule on the Panthers’ pre-draft livestream: “I’m ready to get this thing started...We have worked really hard, the scouts are working for a year. Tonight should be fun.” Emphasizing that the pick will be a good player and person.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 23, 2020
Coach Rhule coming up next on the Draft Lounge https://t.co/qxxDmd7iTF pic.twitter.com/IES3fV5ssS
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 23, 2020
From what I understand the Panthers won't select Tua even if he's there. https://t.co/qxV2vS9YJ1
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 23, 2020
Even the @CLTMayor has stopped by the Draft Lounge https://t.co/qxxDmd7iTF
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 23, 2020
You know we are close to the start of the #NFLDraft when @nflcommish wheels out all 32 #1 jerseys. These jerseys will be signed by the commish and put on https://t.co/zi7pzsspio as part of Draft-A-Thon. The 1st round picks will each be sent a personalized #1 jersey. pic.twitter.com/XscFhoLefe
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) April 23, 2020
We are now live in the Draft Lounge: Home Edition with Jake, Jordan, J-Stew and Kristen.
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 23, 2020
📺: Watch Live on NFLN/ESPN/ABC https://t.co/lfWrJNrNAv
We all know these are going to happen...
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 23, 2020
Who is yelling BINGO first?! pic.twitter.com/WrtxG6htlS
Everyone ready for the draft? Panthers' primary needs are DT and CB, making Auburn DT Derrick Brown, Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah and Florida CB C.J. Henderson logical choices. Concerning red flags on injury history of South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 23, 2020
What you order online vs. what arrives in the mail#NFLDraft | #NFLDraft2020 pic.twitter.com/0471B3PiXb
— FanSided (@FanSided) April 23, 2020
#DraftAThon starts at 7:30 PM to raise awareness and donations toward those in need!
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 23, 2020
Find out how you can join us ⤵️ https://t.co/b74e4yTZBb
NFL Draft 2019 vs. #NFLDraft2020 pic.twitter.com/08uIesGNfr
— FanSided (@FanSided) April 23, 2020
When you flexin to the living room tonight pic.twitter.com/M9fqF9H2xF
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 23, 2020
Isaiah Simmons could drop to become a legit draft stealhttps://t.co/tZ2EP423L2
— FanSided NFL (@FanSidedNFL) April 23, 2020
Want @Bojangles to deliver before the draft?
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 23, 2020
Use #BringMeBojangles for a chance to have supremes & a prize pack sent to YOUR HOUSE TONIGHT 🏡 pic.twitter.com/yCOzvFQjO4
Getting ready 🙌 pic.twitter.com/20IEZIqnnG
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 23, 2020
Lucille and I are ready for the draft tonight. Who's gonna join us (and a bunch of Panthers legends) in the Draft Lounge at 7:30? pic.twitter.com/4ozrnKd5El
— Kristen Balboni (@KristenBalboni) April 23, 2020