Rookie Diaries: Derrick Brown's first impressions of the NFL

[Sir Purr]

Brown added the most significant thing he's picked up from Short so far is to enjoy the process.


"Try not to do everything in one day. Don't get frustrated because you can't do everything in one night," Brown said. "But taking those steps every day will get you to where you want to be."


One such checkpoint was putting on the pads nine days ago. Brown said that made things feel more like football, especially as a defensive lineman. The last time he'd worn them was for Auburn's loss to Minnesota in the Outback Bowl back in January.


Given that it's been so long and there are no preseason games this year, Brown feels the scrimmages are critical for getting ready to open the season.


"We love those days because it's what we do. We play football. All the other stuff is an added bonus," Brown said. "Lining up and being able to play, that's definitely the base of how we do our business."


There's still a couple of weeks left to wait, but Brown is looking forward to seeing another color at Bank of America Stadium when the Raiders come to town.


"It's been a long time," Brown said. "First one's here in North Carolina, and I'm excited to be able to just be able to do that."