Needless to say, Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown was a bit disappointed following last night’s news.
On Wednesday, the NFL announced its rosters for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games—a list that did not include the fourth-year standout. Brown was asked about his omission this afternoon.
“I wanted to make the team.” he said via Nick Carboni of WCNC. “I think that’s obvious. I played hard. No discredit to nobody else. But, it sucks. I’m appreciative of the recognition, for sure.”
The recognition Brown did get was a spot as a first alternate for the NFC squad. He was joined in that category by fellow Panthers defender Brian Burns, a second alternate, as well as specialists Johnny Hekker and JJ Jansen, both third alternates.
But anyone who has paid any mind to Brown’s phenomenal 2023 campaign knows he was deserving of an actual spot on the roster. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero also commented on the snub earlier today.
“I just thought that was a miss,” Evero replied. “He’s had a heck of a year. He’s been so disruptive. I don’t think it’s arguably—I think he’s been the best run defender in the NFL this year. He’s done a heck of a job rushing the quarterback, and creating pressures, the interception, the batted balls. There’s been so much production. The leadership. He’s been instrumental in everything that we’ve done and I think that was just a miss.”
The 2020 seventh overall pick currently leads all players at his position in run stop win rate and stops. He is also three tackles shy of setting a new NFL single-season record for a defensive lineman.
