3 toughest matchups for Derrick Brown in 2020
By Dean Jones
What are the toughest matchups awaiting Derrick Brown during his rookie year with the Carolina Panthers?
The Carolina Panthers are expecting big things from Derrick Brown in 2020. The first-round pick comes into the NFL with a big reputation and the player will get the chance to show what he is capable of from day one.
Brown is an imposing defensive tackle that has a rare ability to make plays despite being double-teamed. His presence on the interior not only brings individual production. But he also makes others around him better.
With head coach Matt Rhule moving the Carolina Panthers back to a 4-3 defense, the proposition of Brown alongside veteran Kawann Short is a mouth-watering one. If the duo performs to expectations it is going to vastly improve their run defense. And it will also provide more opportunities to the impressive-looking group of pass-rushers on the roster.
The former Auburn standout will have a big bullseye on his back entering the season. This is normally the case with all top-tier draft picks and it will be interesting to see how Brown copes with this sort of attention at the next level.
There is nothing to suggest Brown cannot thrive in a professional environment. He has all the tools one is looking for in a defensive tackle. And he is also a hard worker that can improve even further with more experience.
It is going to be a baptism of fire for Brown and other rookies on the Panthers’ roster in 2020. Expectations for a winning campaign appear low, so it will be essential they take positives from whatever outing regardless of the result.
Brown is expected to line up at the left defensive tackle spot, which will bring some tough-looking matchups. Here are three players set to come up against the Panthers’ first-rounder with the potential to be the most difficult.