In an offseason that has focused on restructuring their offense, the Carolina Panthers shifted their attention to rebuilding its defense in the NFL Draft.
For general manager Marty Hurney and head coach Matt Rhule, building a dominant defense begins with a strong defensive front, and that's the direction they went with the seventh overall pick, selecting Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown.
"We met with him several times and every time I met with him after the season, I really didn't think he would make it to seven," Hurney said. "I believe you start up front and he's a really good player that can not only stop the run but can really get pass rush inside there."
Brown's stats weren't eye-popping during his four years at Auburn and many thought Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons, who can play multiple positions, would be the better pick at No. 7.
But Carolina believes in Brown's abilities.
"We thought he was the best player for us to start putting the pieces together on defense," Hurney said. "He might not have the greatest stats in the world but he helps other players make plays. He's gonna just help us and our defensive linemen and linebackers. We thought he was a great fit for us."
Brown agrees that there is much more to his game.
"Everybody wants to say I'm a run-stuffer but I do it all," Brown said. "I think I'm an all three-down player and I'm not gonna sit here to try and make everybody like me, but I'm here to do what I do."
Brown will line up alongside defensive tackle Kawann Short, who is the only returning defensive tackle on the Panthers' roster.
"I think it starts with relentless effort and then it starts with putting those tools in the bag," Brown said. "Being in shape, being in the highest playing level you can be and adding more tools to the tool bag when it comes time for me to be able to perform."
Rhule plans to have the team shift back to a 4-3 defense and they'll need Brown to step in and make an impact immediately, as they're coming off a season where they allowed 29.4 points per game, the second-most in the NFL.
In a division that already features quarterbacks Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers added Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time this offseason, making the Panthers schedule even tougher.
"What we need to do, especially with KK (Short) healthy, is have some interior guys who can get in the face of quarterbacks," Rhule said. "Just having a guy with his (Brown) arm length, that's' an ability to keep the offensive line off and affect the QB area."
Brown had 170 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks in four years at Auburn.
He'll now have the chance to prove why he's the defensive player of the future in Carolina.
"I'm gonna do whatever is asked of me no matter what it is," Brown said. "I feel like I can play all the way across the board and if that's what they ask me to do, that's what I'm going to do."