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.
Brown’s influence on every down
Derrick Brown might not stuff the stat sheet like most prolific defensive lineman coming out of college. But underestimating his overall influence on the field would be a massive mistake.
The Auburn product was doubled-teamed on almost every down during his final year of college. While he was still able to make a significant impact, Brown also opened up space for others around him such as Marlon Davidson to come up with the necessary plays to help the team.
Any replication of this at the next level could see big things in the future for Brian Burns, Kawann Short, and Stephen Weatherly. The more attention Brow receives, the better their chances of becoming even more productive in 2020.
This is something general manager Marty Hurney is all too aware of and had this to say on the Panthers website regarding the matter.
"“So, this guy (Brown), he might not have the greatest stats in the world, but he helps other players make plays. You can’t double team everyone on the defensive line, you watch his tape and he was doubled a lot. He’s going to help our defensive lineman a lot, he’s going to help our linebackers and we thought he was a great fit for us.”"
Putting Brown in a position to be successful will be of paramount importance if the Panthers are to stand any chance of mounting an unlikely tilt at the NFC South crown next season. How others react with extra space is another intriguing element that must be taken advantage of.
Brown is a high character individual
Being a tremendous gifted college prospect is one thing. But how you conduct yourself on and off the field is another hugely influential factor in whether they can become a star in the NFL.
Derrick Brown has all the making of someone who is going to be a real asset across the board for the Carolina Panthers. He is an exceptional talent, of that there is no doubt. But he also displays a long-serving passion for the game. This can only be a good thing going forward.
It is evident that Brown left a lasting impression on Marty Hurney and Matt Rhule, both on film and during their meetings in person. Underneath the smiling exterior lies a hunger and determination that has the potential to turn the fortunes of the Panthers’ franchise around.
Brown has a real aura about him and the way he goes about his business. When you look at his calm outlook on life away from the field. It is hard to envisage someone that plays the game with such ruthless aggression.
Hurney outlined the significance of Brown’s presence when speaking to the Panthers website following the pick.
"“Really just his presence. You could tell his passion for the game, his serious approach. I think that when he left you just said, ‘What a great young man.’ You can see on tape what a great football player he is, but I think just his whole demeanor and his presence and his approach, he takes it seriously and you can tell it’s very important to him. More than one thing he said, it was just the feeling you got when he stood up and left. It was like, wow this is a really good kid.”"
This is only going to inspire those around him and it is clear Brown is going to do all he can to assist not only the team but also the community.
Brown’s leadership potential
Don’t let Derrick Brown’s quiet approach to life off the field fool you. He is a ruthless player that has a rare ability to inspire others around him on the field through his production.
He is not shy about voicing his opinions and motivates his teammates incredibly well. The only proof one needs regarding this matter are the high esteem to which Brown is held with former players and coaches alike.
Head coach Matt Rhule is a firm believer in this judging by their Senior Bowl encounter.
"“At the start of the Senior Bowl when I left that meeting with him, I’m not going to say I was emotional, but I was touched by who he was. His spirit comes through. Then you talk to the coaches, you talk to all the people at Auburn and they can’t talk enough about him. Even as he’s getting drafted, I’m getting text message after text message of people seeing the things that he’s done. He’s a military family, the service that he provides to other people. “There are people I know that I’ve worked with at Auburn, not even in football, but in sports information, there’s not enough people that can’t say enough about him and who he is. Make no mistake, he’s a great, great, great, great player. Joe Brady had to go against him last year and said he was the number one guy he had to game for all season in the SEC. But it’s also nice to have guys that love football and care about the community and care about being great people. I know there are lots of them in the draft, but Derrick Brown is definitely one of them.”"
Leadership is something the Carolina Panthers desperately need following a series of high-profile departures this offseason. The likes of Gerald McCoy, Cam Newton, and Luke Kuechly were renowned locker room leaders and others will need to step up and fill the void.
This is a responsibility that is sure to bring a little extra out of Brown. And an opportunity the prospect will undoubtedly relish once he acclimatizes to his new surroundings.