Carolina Panthers No. 95: Can Derrick Brown win DROY in 2020?

Can Derrick Brown win Defensive Rookie of the Year during his first season with the Carolina Panthers?

The Carolina Panthers invested a lot in No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown. The former Auburn sensation is expected to become the anchor of their defensive front for the next decade. And there is little to suggest he is not more than ready to take on the challenge.

Brown didn’t exactly fill up the stat sheet in college. But that is only a fraction of his overall influence on the field. The Carolina Panthers had a real dilemma when Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons fell into their laps. However, they stuck to their original plan after the prospect wowed the decision-makers during the evaluation process.

Despite the lineman’s ability to dominant consistently, there doesn’t appear to be much buzz around Brown winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020. This might be down to the relative lack of expectations surrounding the Panthers. But it would be foolish to write off his chances given the fact he is going to play a significant part from day one.

Having veteran Kawann Short alongside him on the interior is going to do wonders for his initial transition. Having another space-eater alongside him should give Brown more room to operate than he had in college. And this has the scope to improve his numbers statistically.

This is a young defense that is going to go through some growing pains. Brown has the chance to emerge from 2020 as a beacon of hope for the Panthers. But being such a high-end draft pick will bring some extra attention his way from opposing offenses.

It is something he has become accustomed to throughout his playing career with the Tigers. And although the NFL is a completely different ball game, this experience should stand Brown in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead.

Can Derrick Brown with Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Carolina Panthers?

Nobody has really mentioned Derrick Brown’s name when discussions surrounding Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 take place. This sort of disrespect is something that will give the player a big chip on his shoulder heading into his first year as a professional.

This has the potential to be of great benefit to the Carolina Panthers. New head coach Matt Rhule wanted to build from the inside out. And the team will be counting on Brown to live up to his high ceiling.

He is a well-rounded individual that has a level head on his shoulders. The player has an exemplary character and has spent part of his offseason helping the community in such uncertain times.

This sort of leadership might not come with a strong vocal presence. But it does make Brown someone that other members of the roster can look to as someone who can drive them forward in the coming years.

If Brown lives up to his billing from the word go, then there is every chance he can win this award. He is an exceptional skill set to call upon. And the player should also dispel the myth that he cannot impact the game from a pass-rushing perspective as the season goes on.

While every draft pick has a chance to go wrong. This was as close to a slam dunk as the Panthers could have hoped for in 2020. And Brown is going to spearhead the new era in Carolina that will hopefully end up with them challenging for honors very soon.