2020 NFL Draft: Week 1 senior prospect preview

Derrick Brown, Defensive Lineman, Auburn

Derrick Brown is the most dominant interior defensive lineman in the country.

Not many players can rip around first-round picks with ease and repeatedly put them in the dirt, but the 6-foot-5, 318-pound prospect did so numerous times last season against for Alabama tackle Jonah Williams.

He has the physical profile to fit as an interior lineman in a four-man front, but he has the smarts, frame and athleticism to project as a three-technique in a three-man front as well. Although he doesn’t show is on every snap, Brown flashes really good first-step quickness at times and is a disruptive force on the interior.

He has exceptional play strength and is a flat out bully at the point-of-attack. He can anchor down and occupy space, forcing the action back into his teammates. Brown has very strong hands and rips linemen off of him with ease. His stack-and-shed ability is likely the best in the class, and he displays impressive closing burst and finishing ability for a big man.

Brown is a frustrating player to deal with on double teams. He’ll use his leverage to collapse them when they’re on the move, and although he has times where he gives up a few steps. He also can squeeze double teams and makes it hard to contain him, even when you game plan to do so.

Brown is a strong player in run support, but he also displays intriguing flashes getting after the quarterback.

When he gets a good jump, he can get into the quarterback’s lap before they’ve even had a chance to spot their first read. He generates really good push with his bull rush and maintains quick, active hands. He’s surprisingly agile for his size and has flashed the ability to win with his quickness one-on-one, although he needs to develop consistency.

His potential matchup with Oregon guard Shane Lemieux is the most intriguing one-on-one matchup up of the weekend. While he won’t see him on every snap, he’s going to have numerous reps against a player who will likely join him as a first-round pick in May.

Lemieux handles the power rush very well and is an aggressive player at the point-of-attack. It might be tough to raise Brown’s stock higher than it already is. That being said, if he can find success as a pass rusher Saturday, he’s going to continue to solidify himself as the best defensive tackle in the class.