4 second-year Panthers players under pressure following 2022 draft

Deonte Brown – Carolina Panthers OG

It was a disappointing rookie season for Deonte Brown, who was seen as a development project that could hopefully become a starter later on in the campaign. The mammoth interior offensive line conquered all-comers during his time in college, but this dominant form failed to transition smoothly and it remains to be seen just what the former sixth-round pick’s future will be.

Brown has all the size, length, and power to assert himself. However, some concerns surrounding the player’s weight came to the fore in 2021 and this will need to be monitored extremely closely by the coaching staff before deciding on his eventual role.

The task facing Brown became more difficult after the Carolina Panthers drafted Ikem Ekwonu and Cade Mays. Couple this with the acquisitions of Austin Corbett and Bradley Bozeman in free agency, and it’s not hard to see why the pressure is well and truly on.

There could be another depth chart role for Brown next season providing he demonstrates a willingness to learn under new offensive line coach James Campen, who joined the Panthers this offseason at the expense of Pat Meyer.

The experienced coach is renowned for getting the most out of less-heralded players. But much will also depend on just how much the Alabama product wants it, in all honesty.