5 pleasant surprises from the Carolina Panthers 2022 season

Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT

• 67 tackles
• 12 QB hits
• 5 tackles for loss
• 1 sack
• 7 passes defended

After being a top-10 pick with two up-and-down seasons, people began to doubt how good Derrick Brown is. Many people even expected him to be an afterthought when thinking about the Carolina Panthers.

Brown silenced those doubters after how he played in 2022. The defensive tackle is now considered a key figure on defense and a foundational piece to build around.

The big man may not have had many sacks, but he was one of the elite run-stoppers in the NFL. Carolina’s success against the run is because of the space Brown created. He clogged the middle and allowed Shaq Thompson, Frankie Luvu, and others to make tackles.

Brown struggled to hold the A-gaps consistently in his first two seasons, but now he has developed his game to a level where he is almost always making life difficult for oncoming rushers. And that skill is the most integral part of being a run-stopping defensive tackle.

Not only does he stop the run, but Brown also blocked seven passes this season, showcasing an ability to disrupt the opposing team’s passing attack without being a good pass-rusher at this point of his career.

At his age, Brown will continue to develop his game. The former Auburn star has the potential to become a good pass-rusher in addition to already being an elite run-stopper.

Carolina has the option to pick up the fifth year of his contract in 2024. They should guarantee his spot for the extra year after the season he just had.

Brown will be a core piece on Carolina’s defense for the next two seasons. And probably much further down the road than that based on his exceptional 2022 campaign.