5 Panthers players who need to impose themselves at OTAs

Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT

Derrick Brown’s status on the roster is not in question, not by any stretch of the imagination. But this is a huge offseason for the defensive tackle and one that could propel him to a completely different level during his sophomore campaign in 2021.

There is absolutely no doubt the Carolina Panthers made the right call when they selected Brown at No. 7 overall in last year’s draft. The Auburn product went through some early complications – which is not uncommon for rookie interior linemen – but his ability to generate pressure and the growth shown with every passing game was a good indicator of what might be to come.

Brown has a quiet demeanor that is attached with ruthless aggression on the interior that makes him difficult to stop. Although he was a first-year-pro, the player was double-teamed more than almost any other at the position and still managed to put up some outstanding numbers.

Providing Brown can improve his run-stopping next season, the sky is the limit.

There is more in the way of talent around him thanks to the arrivals of DaQuan Jones, Haason Reddick, Morgan Fox, and Daviyon Nixon. So there might just be some extra room to work in that would also assist him greatly.

If Brown can raise his game and become a leader in the process, then the Panthers can be safe in the knowledge they’ll have one of the league’s best up-and-coming defensive anchors to call upon both next season and way into the future.