The Carolina Panthers have just selected a new first-round draft pick. With the 7th choice in the NFL’s 2020 draft, the Panthers selected Auburn’s star defensive tackle Derrick Brown.
Defense just heated up 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/v0SUuvjMZ9
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 24, 2020
According to Panthers’ general manager Marty Hurney, the decision was a case of a player being the most talented and being the best fit for the team.
“Honestly, every time we met with him — I met with him after the season — I really didn’t think he would make it to seven,” Hurney said. “I think what Derrick does is, Derrick not only helps guys like KK (Short) and the rest of the line, he helps Shaq (Thompson) — he helps the linebackers. He’s a big, powerful player who’s got a real good first step. We think he’s a three-down player.”
Pete Prisco with CBS News gave the pick a grade of A+, saying “I love this pick. I love this player. I think Derrick Brown will be a force in the NFL. Plays with such power. Reminds me of the late Jerome Brown.”
It was his highest grade of the top 10 picks: “1. Bengals: QB Joe Burrow – Grade: A, 2. Redskins: EDGE Chase Young – Grade: A, 3. Lions: CB Jeff Okudah – Grade: B, 4. Giants: OT Andrew Thomas – Grade: B+, 5. Dolphins: QB Tua Tagovailoa – Grade: B, 6. Chargers: QB Justin Herbert – Grade: B, 7. Panthers, DT Derrick Brown – Grade: A+, 8. Cardinals, LB Isaiah Simmons – Grade: B-, 9. Jaguars, CB CJ Henderson – Grade: B+, 10. Browns, OT Jedrick Wills – Grade: B”
Hopefully Brown will live up to the legacy of the other top 10 picks the Panthers have made over the past 20 years:
Derrick Brown is the Panthers 6th top-10 pick in the last 20 seasons.
The previous five have been named a 1st-Team All-Pro in their career. pic.twitter.com/xo0GAxDVPr
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 24, 2020
What do you think about the Panthers’ latest 1st round pick?Â