The Carolina Panthers opted not to take Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons with their No. 7 NFL Draft pick. The player fell into their lap after falling out of the top five, but they chose defensive tackle, Derrick Brown, in his place.
This was met by derision from certain sections of the Panthers’ fanbase on social media. Simmons was seen as a do-it-all prospect that had the ability to play multiple positions on the back end.
It was undoubtedly a difficult choice for the Panthers’ decision-makers. But football is won in the trenches and Brown represents a can’t-miss prospect that you can build a defense around for the next decade.