There is no way to sugarcoat it. The Panthers’ run defense last season was atrocious. They ranked fourth worst in the league in that category, allowing 143.5 rushing yards per game. Carolina also gave up more rushing touchdowns than any other NFL team. However, there is reason to believe that their run defense will improve in 2020.

First, the switch that new defensive coordinator Phil Snow is making to a true multiple front should help tremendously. Last year, Ron Rivera and his staff talked about being multiple with their defensive fronts, but we all saw him stick with his 3-4 base most of the time. Incorporating more 4-3 looks up front and getting Kawaan Short back to his natural 3-technique position should help.

With Mario Addison and Dontari Poe’s status up in the air, the Panthers still need to add a run stuffer inside next to Short. Fortunately, there should be a player available at No. 7 who can fill that need perfectly.

Scouting Report:
Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown stands at a whopping 6-foot-5, 320 pounds. He has been a consistent All-American and has played against some of the best offensive line talent college football has to offer. Brown is a special competitor and even better athlete. His upper body strength and the ability to simply drive an offensive lineman back is unparalleled in this class.

Although Brown is an absolute mountain, he is explosive off the ball and has the first step quickness of an edge rusher to penetrate his gap on nearly every snap. The only knock on Brown is that he relies too much on his upper body strength at times and plays too upright. However, that is something that should be easily correctible with the right coaching.

When you watch him on film, you’ll see Brown is basically living in the backfield and never giving up on a play. He is best fit at defensive tackle as a pure three technique in a 4-3 scheme.

College numbers
In 44 games at Auburn, Brown totaled 12.5 sacks, 33 tackles for a loss, five force fumbles and eight pass breakups.

Highlights

Brown vs. LSU

Brown vs. Alabama

Brown vs. Florida

Brown vs. Oregon

Brown vs. Minnesota

Fit with the Panthers:
Brown would be able to step right in and be a force right away for Phil Snow’s defense. He would bring a lot of disruptiveness up front and help take away the double team pressure on Kawaan Short. A defensive tackle tandem of Short and Brown would instantly be one of the best in the NFL and help the Panthers defend the run for a long time.

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