Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

The most common projection for the Panthers at pick No. 7 at this point is former Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown. No longer being perceived as a needing a quarterback but not being quite in position to likely select other dynamic defensive prospects is the main rationale.

It was made abundantly clear that improvement on the defensive line was vital for the Panthers after a disappointing 2019 season. The opposite has occurred as they have lost Gerald McCoy, Mario Addison, and Vernon Butler to free agency with Zach Kerr being their only addition in this area.

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein expressed a belief that Brown ‘could become a high-impact starter early in his career with an All-Pro ceiling and good starter floor.’ That is the type of selection that makes plenty of sense for a team like the Panthers.

Defensive tackle with rare combination of size and disruptive traits who frequently bludgeoned inferior competition across from him. Brown’s snap quickness allows him to take muddy running lanes by re-setting the line of scrimmage. He has the ability to power into gaps, but he really shines when he drops his anchor to stall double-teams or punch, press and prey on runners as a two-gapper. Brown’s upright rush style means he might be more of a pressure rusher than a sack-man, but he should keep improving as a rusher with more dedication to the craft. He could become a high-impact starter early in his career with an All-Pro ceiling and good starter floor.

During the 2019 season, Brown managed to record 54 combined tackles (11.5 for loss) along with four sacks, four passes defensed, and two forced fumbles in 12 appearances. He developed into being a vital piece in disrupting opposing offenses for Auburn.

If the earlier portion of the 2020 NFL Draft plays out mostly as expected, Derrick Brown being selected by the Panthers seems likely. He would provide them with both an immediate boost in addition to having a favorable ceiling.