We’re 95 days away from the Carolina Panthers 2021 season opener, so that means today’s countdown piece is devoted to No. 95 on the roster — defensive tackle Derrick Brown.
A former stud at Auburn, Brown was taken seventh overall in the 2020 draft by the Panthers. Brown finished with 34 tackles, two sacks and four deflected passes in his rookie season.
His first season seemingly wasn’t good enough for Pro Football Focus, which gave Brown just a 61 rating. He did snag a 72.5 pass rush rating, which should have Panthers fans excited since his talent comes more on the run-stuffing side. On the other hand, it may have been surprising that Brown landed a 54.1 run defense rating.
Overall, Brown rated 76th among all interior defensive lineman, not even good enough to earn a starting spot if all 32 teams hypothetically made up the top 64 tackles.
Still, it wasn’t all bad for Brown. He showed enough positive game tape to indicate that he’ll live up to the high draft spot.
Derrick Brown is an absolute beast pic.twitter.com/x1jxZy0He8
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 25, 2020
Most run-stops among NFL rookies
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 4, 2020
1. Derrick Brown, Panthers - 18
2. Patrick Queen, Ravens - 17
3. Raekwon Davis, Dolphins - 14 pic.twitter.com/S7vd4xKEI2
Most QB pressures by rookies this season
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 19, 2020
1. Chase Young, Football Team- 18
2. Derrick Brown, Panthers- 17
3. Javon Kinlaw, 49ers- 15
3. D.J. Wonnum, Vikings- 15 pic.twitter.com/7Yg4fZKTVZ
But Panthers fans will undoubtedly be watching Brown closely in the 2021 season. They will be eager for a legitimate jump from his rookie season. The team invested a lot into him and for many, it will be time to produce.
It shouldn’t be wishful thinking to expect Brown to make that jump.
The Panthers defense is expected to significantly improve from last, with the additions of edge rusher Haason Reddick, linebacker Denzel Perryman and the No. 8 overall pick, cornerback Jaycee Horn.
Brown should see more space, especially if his partners on the defensive line — defensive end Brian Burns, Reddick, tackle Bravvion Roy — do their thing.