Grading the Carolina Panthers’ last 5 first-round draft picks
By Dean Jones
Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
- No. 7 overall selection
This was the first draft with Matt Rhule in the fold. The optimism was high and debate was rife about just what the organization was going to do from the No. 7 overall selection.
The likes of Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert were mentioned but ended up being gone before Carolina came on the clock. This led to fierce discussions surrounding Derrick Brown and Isaiah Simmons, a talented linebacker out of Clemson who would have filled some second-level production left behind by Luke Kuechly, who announced his shock retirement after a glittering eight-year career.
Marty Hurney got his way and the Panthers selected Brown, whose dominance at Auburn was remarkable when one considers how much he was double-teamed during his time in college. This is a trend that’s continued at the next level, which has come with some inconsistencies that need to be eradicated from his game at the earliest possible opportunity.
Brown flashes Pro Bowl or better credentials sometimes. But there is still room to improve and this season is an important one for a player with every physical attribute imaginable.
Pick Grade: B
Expectations were high for Brown and one could argue he has yet to reach them. With that being said, the high moments have been exceptional and he was definitely the right pick over Simmons.