Carolina Panthers: 3 reasons why Derrick Brown was the right pick
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers got their man when they took defensive tackle Derrick Brown with the No. 7 pick, and he was the right choice.
More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Carolina Panthers chose Auburn’s stud defensive tackle, Derrick Brown, with the seventh overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. This had nothing to do with the player’s supreme ability, but everything related to the fact Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons was still on the board.
After hearing what general manager Marty Hurney and head coach Matt Rhule had to say about Brown following their pick, it is clear this is a player they earmarked for a long period in the lead-up to the Draft. While Simmons would have represented an enticing and unsuspected option. The decision-makers were right in sticking to their original plan and going with a player who could become a Pro Bowler in no time at all.
Rhule stated his intention to build the defense from the inside out. So it made a ton of sense to take someone like Brown. He will now look to make an instant impact in a new 4-3 scheme that will see the first-round pick line up next to returning veteran Kawann Short.
This comes with a scary amount of upside and is something that can give all areas of the defense a huge lift heading into 2020. Brown is a difference-maker who was regarded by many experts to be a steal even at No. 7.
If the Panthers can add some pieces to their second level and back end of their defense over the next couple of days, there is a real chance they can surprise more than a few when competitive action gets back underway.
Brown was the right selection, and here are three reasons why.