Ejiro Evero really didn’t have to make a case to help get his best player into the 2024 Pro Bowl Games. The numbers should’ve been doing that already.
Nonetheless, the Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator tried again on Thursday.
Defensive tackle Derrick Brown was undoubtedly one of the most egregious snubs from last night’s Pro Bowl roster reveal, as he was only named a first alternate for his position. Evero was asked about it this afternoon.
“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.”
Well, Evero didn’t miss here.
Brown currently leads all defensive tackles in run stop win rate (48 percent) and stops (48). He’s also three takedowns away from setting a new NFL single-season record for tackles by a defensive lineman.
Evero went on to state that Brown’s historical campaign is a product of his growth, maturation and work ethic.
“He plays hard,” he said. “I’ve said it before, but it’s probably the most impressive thing that he does. For a man that big, 340-plus pounds, to run down the field, play hard every down, he’s making plays 40 yards down the field and he’s a heck of a leader. He works hard, he has great leadership skills, but plays a way that you want everyone to play.”
