Should Derrick Brown be a Pro Bowl Starter?

Defensive tackle Derrick Brown deserves a spot in Orlando.

Bright spots on the 2023 Panthers are few and far between. Arguably none have shined brighter than No. 95 on the defensive line, Derrick Brown.

The veteran defensive tackle from Auburn has put together his magnum opus of a season. Brown has registered 96 tackles, a sack, an interception, six tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits.

Brown's 96 tackles are three away from setting the all-time single-season record for defensive tackles that Christian Wilkins set last season. I don't have data to back this up, but it can't be too often that a single-season record breaker doesn't make the Pro Bowl in his record breaking season, right?

The Pro Bowl means less and less every season as it resembles more of a 7-on-7 game than a traditional football, but players fight all season to earn accolades such as "Pro Bowler," and it's a bummer for Brown that he'll have to wait to hear his name called. 

The NFC defensive linemen named to the Pro Bowl ahead of Brown were Javon Hargrave (49ers), Aaron Donald (Rams), and Dexter Lawrence (Giants). Brown has significantly less sacks than all three of the players, but boasts more tackles and the only interception among the group. If one of these players makes the Super Bowl (likely for Hargrave) or opts out to rest (likely for the veteran Donald), Brown will get the offer to hop on a flight to Orlando.

For fans voting on the Pro Bowl, sexy statistics, like sacks, trump overall defensive impact. And outside of being close to breaking the tackle record, it's tough to quantify the impact that Brown has had on a defense that lacks talent around him.

Brian Burns has had a tough season in a contract year, and no other pass-rusher or defensive lineman has made a consistent impact for Carolina in 2023. Derrick Brown is the singular focus for opposing offensive coordinators, and he still lives in the backfield of the opposition. 

Interim head coach Chris Tabor was asked on Wednesday if Brown should make the Pro Bowl, and his answer was a resounding yes. "I think he's having a heck of a year. I mean, he's what? Three tackles short of 100? I mean, think about that. That position and have the opportunity to get over 100 tackles...I've said it for weeks, I don't call him DB, I call him Pro Bowler." 

In a disappointing season for Carolina, it would be nice to have something to celebrate before the season ends. Unfortunately for Brown, the celebration of being named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career may have to hold off for a few weeks. 

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