Carolina Panthers: 3 bold predictions for 2020 draft class
By Dean Jones
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 1. player. DT. AUBURN. DERRICKBROWN. 87
Carolina Panthers: Prediction No. 1 – Derrick Brown will get seven sacks
Much has been made about Derrick Brown’s lack of production in college despite his stellar play. One has to look past the stat sheet to really get a glimpse of what the No. 7 overall selection was capable of. But that might not be the case for much longer.
The Carolina Panthers go into the new season with a formidable-looking front seven on defense. They are reverting back to a 4-3 scheme under Phil Snow and have the potential to wreak havoc.
Brown is going to be a huge part of this, both in running and passing situations. He commanded double-teams on almost every play throughout his college career. And opposing teams might not be able to do this at the next level thanks to the presence of Pro Bowler Kawann Short alongside him on the interior.
This will give Brown more room to operate him, providing Short’s injury problems are behind him. The rookie will also need the likes of Brian Burns, Stephen Weatherly, and second-round pick Yetur Gross-Matos firing on all cylinders on the outside.
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If Brown can do this, then he has a chance to dispel the myth surrounding his pass-rushing ability. The player is certainly athletic enough to get to the quarterback. But how he copes with more gifted offensive linemen at the next level remains to be seen.
Seven sacks from his rookie season might be a high ceiling for the player. However, if Brown hits the ground running and becomes a force. It is not entirely out of the question.