Ranking the top 10 seniors in the loaded 2020 NFL Draft class

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AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 7: Defensive tackle Derrick Brown #5 of the Auburn Tigers tackles running back Darius Bradwell #10 of the Tulane Green Wave during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

1. Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

Wait, no quarterback in the top spot here? Right you are! As much talent as the senior quarterbacks have (we will get to them), the best senior in the 2020 NFL Draft class is Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown.

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It’s likely Brown becomes one of those easy evaluations in the draft this year. He has just four sacks and eight tackles for loss on the year, which isn’t bad by interior defensive line standards, but his impact can’t be measured by one line of numbers.

Brown wreaks havoc on opposing offensive lines every single week. His power at the point of attack is outstanding, and he wins easily with that power and good leverage right at the snap. He can disengage from blocks quickly and make plays against the run, but his value comes with his ability to create pressure and collapse the pocket. He’s also a great mover for his size.

He’s done just that against top level competition. Against LSU, Brown made things difficult when the Bayou Bengals decided to pass. He used his length and leverage to create pressure. Against Florida, he forced a fumble and recovered another, and Georgia had to block him with two linemen, which still didn’t help. Brown has been fantastic and should be a top 10 selection.

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