Derrick Brown has been under a lot of scrutiny the last two years by Carolina fans. The constant criticism is not surprising, as he was the first pick in the Matt Rhule era back in the 2020 NFL Draft.
As the seventh pick in 2020 fans were anticipating him to be the next great defensive tackle. Many thought he would be on the same level as other defensive tackles such as Aaron Donald, Cam Heyward and Grady Jarret.
But Panther fans have to understand Brown isn’t those players, and that’s ok.
In two and half seasons, he’s accumulated 85 tackles, 5 sacks, 22 QB hits and 16 tackles-for-loss. Now obviously to stat sheet watchers those are “average” numbers. But what Brown brings to the field is bigger than a stat sheet.
What Derrick Brown Brings to the Table
At 6’5 325lb, Derrick Brown is one of the focal points on a young and aggressive Carolina Panther defense.
In his third year, Brown is on his way to become one of the best run stuffing defensive tackles in the league.
For many, that’s not enough, and want more than that from the third-year player. I know Brown’s five sack total in his career is the reason why Carolina faithful are shaky about him, but the game is bigger than sacks.
Ones who expected Brown to be the next great pass rushing defensive tackle weren’t paying attention to the scouting report.
Brown is a nose tackle, which means he is suppose take up blocks to free up space for his linebackers. He’s not supposed to be this supreme pass rusher who gets 10+ sacks a year. His job is to command double teams and stop the run.
I know that doesn’t sound exciting, but players like Vince Wilfork and Haloti Ngata made a living stopping the run. Not saying Brown will be or surpass their level of play, but both those guys played a valuable part on Super Bowl winning teams.
I understand that many want to see Brown on Aaron Donald’s level but that’s not happening. But if he can impact the game the same way as Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Bowler Vita Vea, whose one of the best run stuffers in the league than the pick is a success.
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