2020 NFL Draft: Panthers bolster trenches with Auburn DT Derrick Brown

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Derrick Brown #5 of the Auburn Tigers looks on during the 2020 Outback Bowl against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Raymond James Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. He heads to the Carolina Panthers in the 2020 NFL Draft. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

After starting a new era of Carolina Panthers football, Matt Rhule adds defensive tackle Derrick Brown with the seventh pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Carolina Panthers appeared to be in a rebuild when this off-season started, but that appears not to be the case with their recent moves, including tonight in the draft. Carolina extended all-world running back Christian McCaffrey to a massive contract just last week. The Panthers made a heavy investment into their offense in the free agency period. They now add Derrick Brown to the roster via the 2020 NFL Draft.

Carolina’s current offensive playmakers are a scary bunch. At quarterback, the Panthers brought in former New Orleans Saint Teddy Bridgewater. At the receiver position, Carolina brought in Robby Anderson from the New York Jets, bringing the receiver room to Curtis Samuel, D.J. Moore, and Anderson. That is one of the best corps in the NFL. To round out the group, McCaffrey enters 2020 as the best running back in the NFL.

The Panthers heavy offensive focus can be attributed to their new coaching staff. After taking Baylor to the BIG-12 championship, Matt Rhule accepted the job in Carolina, signing a seven year contract. Rhule brought over Joe Brady, who took the LSU offense to new heights in 2019, to be the offensive coordinator. Rhule also has an offensive background, as he was the offensive coordinator at Temple before he left, and returned as head coach.

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Brady and Rhule have brought in guys who played for them previously, as they try to establish a culture in Carolina. Joe Brady previously coached Teddy Bridgewater in New Orleans. Robby Anderson played for Rhule during his time at Temple.

However, the Panthers still have holes all over their (OFFENSE/DEFENSE). Because of that, they used their (PICK NUMBER) overall pick on (PLAYER) from (SCHOOL). He brings an immediate impact for the Carolina (OFFENSE/DEFENSE). Rhule and Brady kick off their time in Carolina with a great first round selection, and look to continue to build on days two and three.