1. DT Derrick Brown
Using a top-10 draft pick on a defensive tackle is an undeniably iffy proposition. Sometimes need exceeds all other considerations, though. In this case, Carolina’s atrocious run defense is the most critical aspect for coach Matt Rhule to improve from last year. That’s why they took Brown, who will need to step in right away as a monster run stopper next to Short. If he’s also able to impact the passing game as a rusher, Brown will go a long way towards erasing concerns about passing on Isaiah Simmons. If history is any indication, he’ll do just fine. Every top-10 pick the Panthers have made in the last 20 years has become an All-Pro.
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