2020 NFL Draft: Derrick Brown aims to slow down LSU

Auburn’s Derrick Brown is the most talented interior defensive lineman in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he looks to help slow down a red-hot LSU offense.

The 6-foot-5, 318-pound senior is as close as you can get to a lock to be a first-round pick, and he’s been a disruptive force all season.

Brown possesses a thick, filled-out frame and good length for the position. He’s a dancing bear, displaying an elite combination of size, speed and power for the position.

He flies off the snap and has the initial quickness to disrupt opposing rushing attacks. Brown has good body control and can alter his path to get to the ball carrier in pursuit.

Brown is versatile and can play anything from 0 to 3-technique. He possesses really good play strength and is a bully one-on-one. Brown has quick, powerful hands and knows how to effectively use them to shed and get to the ball.

He displays tremendous power in his lower half and is consistently able to keep his pads down. Brown can anchor down and stonewall opposing linemen at the point-of-attack and he’s able to wrap and finish when the ball is in his area.

Brown does have times where he struggles to collapse double teams, but even when he doesn’t have the advantage he’s a pain to deal with.

Most defensive tackles struggle to consistently make an impact as pass rushers. Brown, however, plays a crucial role in the Tigers’ ability to get after the passer and has registered three sacks this season.

He can win with initial quickness, but Brown has active hands and does a nice job keeping his chest clean off the snap. He generates a ton of push with his bull rush and can put opposing guards in the quarterback’s lap at ease.

There are times where he might get a little tired or tied up, but he consistently pushes the pocket and closes and finishes quickly when he’s able to free himself.

If Auburn has hopes of pulling off the upset Saturday against LSU, Brown is going to have to anchor their front against one of the most dangerous offenses in the nation.

LSU has struggled to consistently get things doing on the ground this season, and Brown’s run stuffing ability and disruptive capabilities match-up well for him in this area.

Their passing attack has been their strength this season, and quarterback Joe Burrow is a big part of that. Brown and edge rusher Marlon Davidson make for a potent duo on the front-line, and their ability to pressure Burrow is going to have a major impact on the final score.

Brown is one of the best players in the 2020 NFL Draft class, but another strong performance against LSU would solidify that statement. Defensive tackles aren’t the most valued position on the field, but Brown possesses rare talent and could help shake up the college football landscape Saturday.