Panthers add Derrick Brown to D-line with 7th pick

The Carolina Panthers selected defensive tackle Derrick Brown out of Auburn in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, seventh overall.

Carolina, which is going through a rebuild, chose to address its defensive line by adding a hole-plugger in the middle of the defense.

The reigning SEC Defensive Player the Year stays in the south to join head coach Matt Rhule's new-look squad.

Prospect Profile

School: Auburn
Height: 6-5
Weight: 326 lbs

Positives

• Excellent blend of size, length, and college production
• Explosive off the snap to immediately attack his gap
• Long-arms blockers and easily drives them into the backfield
• Good bull-rusher and consistently wins the leverage battle
• Natural one-gap shooter and pocket pusher
• Elite hand placement - always in control of opposing linemen
• Very good finisher and reliable tackler who rarely misses
• Strong and disciplined run defender
• Uses outstanding rip move to shed opponents, including the SEC's top blockers
• Utilizes a number of pass-rush moves and has even shown an ability to bend around offensive tackles

Negatives

• Poor athletic testing with a concerning 8.22-second three-cone time
• Plays with an inconsistent pad level
• Tight hips lead to below-average lateral agility and change-of-direction ability

Bottom line

After an incredible career against the best college football has to offer, Brown heads to the NFL as one of this year's safest prospects. The accolades rained down this past season - including SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors, a unanimous All-American nod, and a Lott IMPACT Trophy win - and it's easy to see why. Brown is a bully on every down, torturing interior linemen with powerful hands, explosive penetration skills, and a diverse pass-rush repertoire. The defensive tackle will likely have issues changing direction and isn't a high-end athlete, but he's already an excellent run defender with tools to thrive as a pass-rusher as well. Brown's floor is among the highest in the entire class.