More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Carolina Panthers chose Auburn’s stud defensive tackle, Derrick Brown, with the seventh overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. This had nothing to do with the player’s supreme ability, but everything related to the fact Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons was still on the board.
After hearing what general manager Marty Hurney and head coach Matt Rhule had to say about Brown following their pick, it is clear this is a player they earmarked for a long period in the lead-up to the Draft.