5 early winners from the Carolina Panthers 2021 offseason program
By Dean Jones
Who are some early winners from the early portion of the Carolina Panthers offseason program ahead of the 2021 season?
The 2021 preparation period might still be in its infancy, but voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp was the first chance we got to see the new-look Carolina Panthers on the field in any setting. This was an opportunity for the coaching staff to lay the foundations of a successful campaign in 2021, with far more expected of Matt Rhule in the second year under his leadership.
It’s been another offseason where the Panthers were incredibly active. Financial sacrifices were made in pursuit of putting together a roster capable of challenging for honors, with an unprecedented amount of trade activity during the draft something else that could reap some instant rewards.
Players now have a short rest before the Panthers make their eagerly anticipated return to Wofford College in Spartanburg for training camp, which will also come with preseason games to further whet the appetite ahead of their Week 1 outing against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium.
It’s going to be interesting to see how things develop in the coming weeks. Here are five early winners from Carolina’s eventful offseason program so far.
Winner No. 1
Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
It must have been a pleasant sight for Derrick Brown to see so much talent around him on the defensive front during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The Carolina Panthers made some notable additions in this particular area of the field and nobody is set to benefit more from these acquisitions than the No. 7 overall selection in 2020.
Brown made a lasting impression during his rookie year, producing some eye-catching numbers despite little continuity alongside him on the interior. He was also one of the league’s most double-teamed defensive tackles, which is something else to consider when examining his early production.
With the likes of DaQuan Jones, Daviyon Nixon helping out at tackle, and the presence of Haason Reddick on the edge, Brown should get a little more room to work next time around. This can only mean good things for the player and the Panthers as they look to enter the playoff discussion in 2021.