Derrick Brown was the seventh rookie to come off the board this year and the first to sign his rookie deal. On Friday, the Panthers inked the Auburn defensive tackle to his rookie contract – a four-year, $23.62MM pact, in accordance with his draft slot. 
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Everyone knew the Panthers were targeting defensive players in the draft, but it was still a surprise to see them go defense all throughout draft weekend. Brown was the first one up, placing a promising young talent alongside Kawann Short, a two-time Pro Bowler eager to get back to form after missing the bulk of the 2019 season.
While Short draws lots of attention, Brown will look to be a difference maker, particularly against the run. The Panthers weren’t the only team chasing him – at least a couple clubs inquired on trading into the Top 10 for his services and the Lions reportedly thought about him at No. 3, though they ultimately went with their longtime draft crush Jeff Okudah.
Brown might not have the upside of, say, Isaiah Simmons, a jack-of-all-trades defender with absolutely freakish athleticism, but he was regarded by evaluators as one of the safer picks near the top. With that high floor, he’ll look to justify GM Marty Hurney‘s big decision.
“We had them very close together, obviously,” Hurney said of Brown and Simmons after the draft (via ESPN.com). “We believed you start building from the front. Derrick not only helps [Short] and the rest of the line… he helps the linebackers. He’s a big, powerful player. He’s got a good first step. He’s a three-down player. He obviously helps against the run, but he really gets push up the middle. “
nice 23 mil I wish I had that
If he was able to sign with any team he wanted, he would make a lot more.
Not with a salary cap in place. Is that what you want premier league soccer. The 6 teams with money just dominate and the rest of the league plays for 7th.
In general, your statement is correct with respect to non-USA soccer. However, Fenway Sports Group, which owns current (runaway) EPL-leading Liverpool team, reportedly only ranks 10th in terms ownership wealth in the league. It helps to be shrewd in your business dealings as well as having the $$$.
Can Brown be the difference maker Peppers proved to be? It really sparked a culture change back in 2003 and led to a surprise Superbowl appearance under Jake “Daylight Come and You Gotta” Delhomme
Brown is at a different, less valuable position and is not as good at rushing the passer, a more valuable skill than run stopping. I wouldn’t bet on him being a difference maker.
Can’t wait to see this guy play. Combined with watch Mc, so glad Cam is gone. Might have to start cheering for this team.