Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown keen to dispel pass-rush myth

First-round pick Derrick Brown is keen to dispel the notion he is not a pass-rushing threat during his rookie season with the Carolina Panthers.

Much has been made about Derrick Brown’s play on the field. The Carolina Panthers’ first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft has a real chip on his shoulder about what analysts said about him during the evaluation process.

The formidable defensive tackle out of Auburn may not have stuffed the stat sheet in college. But that should not detract from what an outstanding prospect he is.

Brown was double-teamed on almost every down and still managed to put up good numbers. He has a Pro Bowl ceiling and has the potential to wreak havoc alongside veteran Kawann Short in the Panthers’ new 4-3 base defense.

During a video conference, Brown was clearly a little frustrated with the way he has been portrayed.

"“Everyone wants to say I’m a run-stuffer — well, I do it all. You can go back and watch my tape. I had the most sacks. The league I played in was a lot compared to the NFL. It’s just one of those things where I think I’m a three-down player, and I’m not here to sit there and try to make everybody like me, but I’m here to do what I do.”"

The Panthers showed tremendous faith in Brown to use their No. 7 overall selection on him. This was especially evident when one considers they selected the interior lineman over do-it-all linebacker Isaiah Simmons after the Clemson standout fell out of the top five.

Brown is keen to repay the Panthers’ confidence with hard work

"“I think the next step is being able to put those tools in the bag. Being in shape, being in the highest playing level that you can be, giving my best effort going forward, and just adding more tools to the tool bag when it comes time for me to be able to perform.”"

The former Auburn product has received a glowing recommendation from head coach Matt Rhule, who highlighted the strong references that Brown received during their assessment of the player as a strong indication of what he can bring to the franchise.

"“One of the great things about him though is we knew how serious he was about this. There’s story after story. Coaches talk about he’s one of the greatest practice players they’ve ever seen. He’s a consensus top-10 pick. He goes to play in the bowl game — the Citrus Bowl, it’s not the playoffs. He’s playing against the University of Minnesota.”"

Whether Brown can become a fierce pass-rushing presence at the next level remains to be seen. Playing on a Panthers’ defensive front that is going to be one to watch in 2020 will do his chances no harm at all.