5 Panthers draft picks who must reach their potential in 2022
By Dean Jones
Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
Perhaps Derrick Brown came in for some unnecessary criticism during his sophomore campaign. The defensive tackle has been solid for the Carolina Panthers, but it’s not hard to see why fans are demanding more considering the defensive tackle was selected No. 7 overall in 2020.
Brown is held to a higher standard, which isn’t surprising. When the Auburn product is firing on all cylinders, he is almost unblockable and provides others around him with additional space from which to do damage.
The next step for Brown is holding his own or better against the likes of Brandon Scherff and Zach Martin – two premier interior linemen he struggled against in 2021. Once he’s able to do this, then the sky is the limit.
This will be Brown’s third season in the league. Although he was undeniably the right pick for Carolina, now is the time the player needs to impose his will and truly announce himself on the NFL stage.
The potential is there for all to see. And Brown is still one of the league’s moist double-teamed defensive tackles due to how respected he is by opposing coaches.
Coping with this and still making an impact is Brown’s next big challenge. One he has to be ready for next season.