Panthers draft: What is the one thing that defines Derrick Brown?

The Carolina Panthers draft team might have struck gold with the selection of Derrick Brown, but what is his defining statistic?

It was a dilemma that the Carolina Panthers draft team took some time deliberating. Stick to their guns or gamble on a prospect with an elite skill set?

That is what faced the Panthers draft group with the No. 7 overall pick after Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons bypassed the New York Giants at No. 4 and fell into their laps. In the end, they remained steadfast and selected former Auburn standout Derrick Brown.

This was swiftly followed by a fully guaranteed rookie deal for Brown worth $23.62 million over four years. If the player was looking for a further vote of confidence from the organization, his bank balance should tell him all he wants to know.

When one examines Brown’s game, it is clear just what sort of impact he can bring to Carolina’s defense. The Panthers draft was littered with exciting playmakers and the defensive tackle could be the best of the lot.

Doug Farrar of The Touchdown Wire holds Brown is high esteem and highlighted one particular statistic that sets the player apart from other college prospects entering the NFL this year.

"“25 That’s how many run stops Brown had for Auburn in 2019 on just 266 run defense… That’s how many run stops Brown had for Auburn in 2019 on just 266 run defense snaps. This is the primary reason the Panthers selected him with the seventh overall pick, as Carolina’s 2019 run defense was one of the NFL’s most porous, allowing a league-worst 5.2 yards per carry. Brown is also an excellent interior pass-rusher, but he’ll be asked to stop the run above all else.”"

While Brown is a formidable presence against the run. He will need a little more to his game if he is going to reach his ceiling in the pros. Luckily for the player and the Panthers, the tools he has to work with are substantial.