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Carolina Panthers Mock Draft: Week 17 Edition

By Christian Candeloro

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Round 1, Pick 8: DL Derrick Brown – Auburn

AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 7: Defensive tackle Derrick Brown #5 of the Auburn Tigers tackles running back Darius Bradwell #10 of the Tulane Green Wave during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 7: Defensive tackle Derrick Brown #5 of the Auburn Tigers tackles running back Darius Bradwell #10 of the Tulane Green Wave during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

After the usual suspects went off the board, in this mock scenario the Panthers have the ability to select from four positions of need as defensive lineman Derrick Brown (Auburn), quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama), safety Grant Delpit (LSU), and offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) are all on the board when the Panthers pick at No. 8.

In the end, the chance to add a talent like Brown was just too big of an opportunity for me to pass up. The Panthers ended last season as one of the worst pass-rushing teams in the league and were largely able to fix the issue by investing massive resources in the offseason.

This year, the run defense is painfully bad, ranking 31st in the league. Adding Brown to this equation could fix the situation almost instantaneously. Add in the return of Kawann Short and suddenly you have one of the best defensive lines in the league, capable of stopping the run or getting after the quarterback.

Brown is an elite run defender who compiled 33 tackles for loss in his Auburn career and can instantly be a difference-maker for the Panthers defense.

Scout’s Take (courtesy of our friends at NFL Mocks)

"Brown is a big and powerful defensive tackle who can dominate with power on the inside. However, do not let his size fool you. Brown is an extremely quick and athletic one-gap penetrator who consistently make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Brown uses a quick first step to gain an immediate advantage over the opposing offensive lineman. He consistently puts the opposing offensive lineman in uncomfortable situations, gaining ground quickly with a good upfield burst. Brown also shows very good hand usage both as a run defender and a pass rusher. He has strong hands and places them well to keep opposing blockers off of his body."

Also Available

QB Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama), S Grant Delpit (LSU), OT Tristan Wirfs (Iowa), QB Justin Herbert

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