The Panthers selected Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The CBS Sports NFL Draft team breaks down the pick below, including a grade for the pick, how it affects fantasy leagues and more on Brown, including his strengths and weaknesses, his NFL comp and more.
7. Carolina Panthers: A+
Pete Prisco: 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.
Fantasy impact
Dave Richard: I love the fit of Derrick Brown in Carolina. He's a ridiculous lineman with big power and good speed. He's exactly the type of cornerstone lineman who will be a key piece of the defense for a while. But can he rack up tons of tackles? I think it's possible, which is why I'd be OK with taking him in late Round 3 of a rookie-only IDP draft. But his arrival does not make me want to take the Panthers DST in my draft -- there are just too many other holes in that defense.
NFL Draft profile
NFL comp: Akiem Hicks
Best trait: Dominant size/quickness
| College | Height | Weight | Hand size | Arm length | Wingspan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn |
Strengths
- Regularly collapses the pocket
- Can play anywhere along D-line
- Regularly requires double teams
Weaknesses
- Needs to get better as a pass rusher
- Can disappear for stretches on tape
| 40-yard dash | Bench press | Vertical jump | Broad jump | 3-cone drill | 20-yard shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.16 |
