The Carolina Panthers stuck to their board and selected former Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
An offensive tackle was often mocked to the Panthers in the months leading up to the draft, but it appears that Brown’s ability to plug up the middle of a defense was too tempting to pass up for new head coach Matt Rhule and company. We believe that they made an excellent decision. We’re happy to see that Brown’s average testing at the NFL Scouting Combine didn’t push him down the board, because quite frankly, that would have been a mistake.
Brown was a complete game-wrecker throughout his time as a Tiger. He uses his powerful upper body to push offensive linemen around. His club move is his signature, and it’s very impressive. O-linemen rarely stood a chance in pass protection when tasked with trying to stop Brown from causing havoc in the backfield. It’s not just his upper body that features incredible strength. In fact, Brown’s lower body and leg drive are equally as powerful and impressive on tape. Brown also has a quick first step off the ball for a man that comes in at 326 pounds. He moves incredibly well for his size.
It’s a new era in Carolina, and this Panthers regime will build this team how they see fit. The selection of Brown should go a long way in hinting how Carolina want to play football in 2020 and beyond. This is going to be an extremely tough football team up the middle, and Brown is the foundation of their future.
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