Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
The stakes could not be higher for Derrick Brown next season. While the defensive tackle has flashed exceptional production since joining the Carolina Panthers, putting it altogether more consistently is the next primary objective.
Carolina got a tremendous prospect when they went with Brown at No. 7 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. It didn’t take long for opposing defenses to focus on him heavily, which has limited his numbers but carved out additional space for others to do damage.
Brown is expected to be one of the tone setters on defense in 2022. The Auburn product will have a new partner on the defensive line interior after Matt Ioannidis replaced DaQuan Jones, which has the potential to be a productive partnership if everything goes well in training camp.
The Panthers have a big decision to make regarding Brown next year. How he performs when competitive games begin will ultimately determine whether or not those in power will pick up his fifth-year option.
If Brown takes a monumental leap forward, then the better Carolina’s chances will be. It might also see his representatives pick up the phone and begin demanding a new contract way ahead of time.