With The First Pick
Fansided

2020 NFL Draft mock: Preparing the Detroit Lions for contention

By Walker Kelly

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 8
Next
AUBURN, AL – OCTOBER 13: Defensive lineman Derrick Brown #5 of the Auburn Tigers looks to block a pass from quarterback Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 13, 2018, in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – OCTOBER 13: Defensive lineman Derrick Brown #5 of the Auburn Tigers looks to block a pass from quarterback Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 13, 2018, in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. player. Pick Analysis. Round 1. Pick 5. Derrick Brown. DT. 842

At first glance, the Lions may not seem to need a defensive tackle. However, Damon “Snacks” Harrison is aging and Mike Daniels is unlikely to be back with the team in 2020.

In addition, A’Shawn Robinson is a free agent after next season and Da’Shawn Hand is more of a DE/DT hybrid than a true presence in the middle of the defense.

More from With the First Pick

Derrick Brown would be an outstanding fit in Detroit’s defense, as he does multiple things well, something that is a priority for the Lions under the current regime. Brown is outstanding against the run, but he is not just a nose tackle; he’s an effective interior pass rusher as well, racking up double-digit sacks during his college career.

The Auburn product has compiled a combined 23 tackles for loss the past two seasons. This eye-popping statistical production backs up what can be seen on tape: a dominant beast of a man who should be thought of as an elite prospect in the 2020 draft.

A complete player in the middle of Matt Patricia’s defense would be a huge boon to Detroit’s chances next season and beyond. Derrick Brown is exactly that, and he should be one of the first names on Detroit’s draft board.

Home/Mock Drafts