4 early candidates for Carolina Panthers’ training camp MVP

Derrick Brown – DT

All eyes were on Derrick Brown ahead of his eagerly awaited debut on the field at training camp. And the No. 7 overall pick has more than lived up to his billing so far.

The former Auburn standout has been one of the Carolina Panthers’ standout performers at camp so far. This is all boding well for Brown making an immediate impression at the next level. But putting it together in a competitive environment is another matter entirely.

There is little to suggest that Brown is not going to thrive in 2020. He arrives in the NFL with a Pro Bowl ceiling. And his partnership with Kawann Short is going to be something that might provide the foundation to a surprisingly good campaign from the Panthers’ new-look defensive unit.

Veteran offensive linemen have found life tough against Brown during drills and padded practices so far. He is a stout presence to move off the line of scrimmage. And he has been throwing them around like rag dolls on occasion.

Being such a high draft pick can come with its own set of complications. But Brown’s laid-back demeanor off the field is something else the player has going for him.

Brown’s supreme confidence in his own ability is matched by a fun-loving exterior that has already made him a popular member of the roster. Do not let this fool you, however, because the player is a completely different character once he crossed those white lines.