The Panthers had their pick of two of the top defensive prospects in the 2020 NFL draft class. In the end, they chose to address their defensive line first. The team has selected Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown at No. 7 overall despite Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons still being on the board.
Brown is a decent consolation prize for fans who wanted Simmons, though. During his time in college, he racked up 12.5 sacks, 33 tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles and eight pass breakups.
At the combine, Brown (6-foot-5, 326 pounds) didn’t exactly set the world on fire. He posted 28 bench press reps to go with a 27 inch vertical and a 5.16-second 40-yard dash.
On the bright side, adding Brown will help the Panthers defense replace some of the star power they lost up front in free agency. Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe have both signed with the Cowboys and Vernon Butler has joined the Bills. Brown projects as a Week 1 starter next to Kawann Short.
