5 Carolina Panthers players who quietly had great seasons in 2021
By Dean Jones
Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
Perhaps being a high-end draft pick is why Derrick Brown has come in for some criticism this season. The Carolina Panthers took the Auburn product No. 7 overall in 2021 and although he’s put together a nice season, it’s fine to suggest more should be coming from a player with every physical attribute imaginable.
Carolina’s coaching staff even benched Brown for the shortest of periods midway through the season as a potential method of bringing more out of the defensive tackle down the stretch.
However, upon examining the film, Brown’s level of performance was tremendous and a solid foundation from which to build. Although consistency is sometimes an issue – especially against the top-tier interior offensive linemen – there are times when he bullies opponents and looks like a player that could become a Pro Bowler one day.
Another reason for encouragement is the often significant third-year leap for defensive linemen. Next season is where we could truly see the best of Brown and what he might be able to become – which is a scary proposition if the necessary improvements are made.
Brown also finished the season on a high note. But it’s hard to gauge just how good this defense was considering they received absolutely no help from a moribund offense throughout the campaign.