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2020 NFL Draft: Broncos go defense in final first-round mock draft

By Tylor Walden

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 25: General view as the Denver Broncos wait to select during the first round of the NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 25: General view as the Denver Broncos wait to select during the first round of the NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Derrick Brown
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Derrick Brown #5 of the Auburn Tigers reacts to a play during the 2020 Outback Bowl against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Raymond James Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

7th Overall (Panthers) – Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

Pick made by Travis Wakeman – Site Expert

With the No. 7 overall pick of this draft, the Panthers were hoping that Isaiah Simmons would fall here but when he went to the Giants at No. 4, they had to pivot to the best defensive player still on the board by selecting Brown.

The Panthers need some name recognition on this defense and after losing Luke Kuechly to retirement, they don’t have that. Looking at the depth chart for this team, the Panthers still have Kawann Short but the defensive line is very thin beyond him.

Brown is not just any defensive lineman. This guy wins in multiple ways and has the potential to become one of the most disruptive forces on the defensive line for many years to come. In his last two seasons at Auburn, Brown had nine sacks and 22 tackles for loss. He held his own in the best conference in America and looking at his tape, he remains consistent.

The Panthers would benefit immensely from this pick and at this point in the draft, it’s hard to argue that there is a pick that would be better. Solid player, solid fit, this is a no-brainer at No. 7.

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