5 free-agent DTs for Panthers to pair with Derrick Brown in 2021

Larry Ogunjobi

• 2020 team -Cleveland Browns

Coming off a down year by his standards, Larry Ogunjobi could be a cheaper high-quality candidate for the Carolina Panthers to consider if other teams have a short memory. Even with every statistical category other than assisted tackles going down in 2020, the lineman is the name that stands out the most from the Cleveland Browns‘ defensive front other than Myles Garrett.

With 46 tackles, it’s no wonder why we heard it so much.

Drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Ogunjobi became the first player drafted from the Charlotte 49ers. He was slotted in as a full-time starter in year 2 and immediately made an impact with 5.5 sacks over his next two years in the league.

Even during a 2020 season of statistical regression, he still registered 2.5 sacks and 46 tackles which would be an improvement alongside Derrick Brown. Playing with Garrett and still having that production also shows how well he would fit alongside Brian Burns.

At 6-foot-3 and 305-pound with the ability to run a 4.97 40-yard dash, Ogunjobi has both the size and speed to be an absolute force on the interior or even the edge in certain sets. As a bonus, they have shown the ability to get after a division rival in the New Orleans Saints as the player had two sacks against them in Week 2 of the 2018 season.

Ogunjobi would also bring some much-needed playoff experience to a Panthers team lacking in postseason knowledge. That being said, the Browns would love to bring back a key piece to their defensive line but with the looming shadow of Olivier Vernon, they may have to let him test the market first.

If Ogunjobi decides to walk, you can expect Carolina, as well as many other teams, to at least see what it would take to bring him in.