Panthers depth chart focus: Are DTs ready to take the next step?
By Jason Huber
Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
Entering his third year in the league, this upcoming season will be the most pivotal one yet for Derrick Brown.
Brown was drafted No. 7 overall in 2020 and has shown flashes of greatness in his first two seasons. But he still has to provide consistency and take that next step.
During Brown’s first season, he had the opportunity to line up and work alongside Kawann Short. Unfortunately, the veteran’s campaign was cut short due to injury and that would be the last time he played in a Carolina Panthers uniform.
With two seasons under his belt, Carolina is expecting big things from Brown this year. According to the team, Brown lost almost 15 pounds this offseason and is in great shape.
After losing Haason Reddick on the edge, Brown will need to step up to help offset the loss and allow defensive Brian Burns to avoid double teams.
Brown will also have the opportunity to work with new defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni, who should be able to help the former Auburn standout limit mistakes.
The biggest improvement Brown needs to make is generating pressure in obvious passing situations. Having his new defensive tackle teammate, Matt Ioannidis should help that.