Carolina Panthers Draft: Brown, Burns and Short will thrive in 2020
By Dean Jones
The arrival of Auburn standout Derrick Brown gives the Carolina Panthers one of the most impressive looking defensive lines in the NFL.
The Carolina Panthers now boast a formidable defensive line that can cause significant problems in 2020.
Their selection of Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown with the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft bolstered a front that also includes Kawann Short and Brian Burns. This has the potential to be one of the most destructive in the NFL and can give Carolina’s fanbase real cause for encouragement.
Brown has everything you are looking for in a defensive lineman. He is strong, agile, and thrives against the run or on passing downs., The newest Panther is versatile enough to play anywhere on the defensive line. Which is something that could be utilized frequently by coordinator Eric Washington.
His development is going to receive a considerable boost from Short, who is returning to full health after season-ending shoulder surgery. The player will not only take away some attention from Brown on the line of scrimmage. But the veteran can also provide additional guidance and advice to the rookie on how to make a successful transition to the pros.
Burns arrived in Carolina as their first-round selection in 2019 and made a tremendous impression during his first year with the franchise. He recorded 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles, and one forced fumble as a rookie. It would be a massive surprise if he did not take another giant leap forward next season.
This trio has the potential to wreak havoc on opposing offenses and it gives the Panthers a solid defensive foundation from which to build. More will be needed at the second level at linebacker, in addition to cornerback and safety. But this is something Carolina’s front office is sure to address with their seven remaining Draft picks.
The presence of Brown, Burns, and Short is going to do some serious damage. How the rest of the team performs remains to be seen. But it is hard to envisage a situation where their defensive line does not put up some lofty numbers throughout the next campaign.
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No offensive lineman is going to welcome coming up against the Panthers’ front from this point on. And that is something that gives Carolina renewed hope of success in 2020.