3 reasons why Derrick Brown will transform the Panthers defense
By Dean Jones
Run stopping
The Carolina Panthers were among the NFL’s worst statistically regarding stopping the run in 2019. They did manage to generate plenty of sacks. But their ability to stop opposing backs left a lot to be desired.
This made getting someone like Derrick Brown this offseason a must. There might have been the temptation to select Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons after he fell out of the top-five. But they were right to stick to their guns and select the defensive tackle.
Brown is nothing short of a monster on the interior. He has been throwing around veteran offensive linemen like rag dolls at training camp. And he is the stoutest of presences to move off the block in running situations.
It is going to be tremendously difficult for any offense to gain valuable yards in-between the tackles against the Panthers in 2020. Kawann Short might now be with the franchise after this season, but there is nothing to suggest that Brown cannot become their primary anchor for the next decade.
He enters the league with all the tools needed to become a Pro Bowler at the position. Some experts claimed that Brown was the best player in the draft this year. And if this proves to be accurate, then Carolina will have struck gold with yet another high-end selection.
One only has to look at the play during camp where he shoved Matt Paradis to one side before stopping Christian McCaffrey in his tracks with one arm to see what sort of strength Brown has at his disposal. This might have only been a team drill, but if he can take this into an in-game situation, then watch out.