2020 NFL mock draft: Carolina Panthers select DT Derrick Brown

The Carolina Panthers are a team that is in flux. For the past decade, the intensity of this franchise was based on two people: head coach Ron Rivera and dynamic quarterback Cam Newton.

Now both of those faces are gone from the organization and for the first time in a long time, the future of the Carolina Panthers is unknown.

So to help make this transition into a new era, we’ve temporarily employed commenter Harrington HOF as the Panthers general manager in our Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft. Here’s his decision on the team’s critical seventh overall pick.

“The Panthers will be selecting Derrick Brown, defensive tackle out of Auburn.

The Panthers have a multitude of needs including linebacker, cornerback, and offensive line. However, the more glaring need is in the trenches. This is especially true with the loss of nose tackle Dontari Poe, who was a dominating presence in the interior with his 4.0 sacks and seven tackles for a loss last season. This, coupled with the loss of Eric Reid, James Bradberry and Luke Kuechly, shows a dramatic decrease in defensive leadership, pass rush, and coverage skills which need to be replaced.

A strong presence on the defensive line helps rectify these issues and Derrick Brown is a great pro comparison with Dontari Poe and Kris Jenkins. Brown is the best player available, fills a huge need, and fits what the Panthers like to do defensively. Pairing him with Vernon Butler and Brian Burns on the outside creates a nasty attack that stuffs the run and creates pressure for the elite quarterbacks now in the NFC South.

Derrick Brown will be a great pick for new coach Matt Rhule and to beef up a significantly weaker defense and interior attack.”

Catch up with all the picks from our POD Community Mock here.