What exactly do the Carolina Panthers have at DT in 2021?
By Dean Jones
Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
The Carolina Panthers have a potential superstar on their hands in Derrick Brown. After just one season in the pros, the former Auburn stud has already proven that the organization was right to select him at No. 7 overall rather than go with Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons once he fell out of the top-five.
This is a testament to how well Brown adjusted to life at the next level. He alleviated concerns about his ability to create pressure from the interior, which was a huge question mark coming out of college.
If he can improve things from a run defense standpoint next season and beyond, the Panthers have a real player on their hands.
Brown’s numbers were remarkable considering Kawann Short went down with another early injury to end his campaign. This resulted in the rookie being one of the NFL’s most double-teamed defensive tackles, which is a further reflection of just how highly he is regarded across the league despite his lack of experience.
The Panthers did a nice job of putting better pieces around Brown this offseason. He’ll continue to get the majority of attention from opposing protection schemes, but there should be a little more space to work in given who’ll be alongside him on the defensive line.
If everything clicks into place for Brown in 2021, then a Pro Bowl selection is not entirely out of the question.