It’s safe to say the Dallas Cowboys will have to make defensive tackle a priority in both free agency and the draft.
With Maliek Collins, Christian Covington, Michael Bennett and Kerry Hyder all slated to test free agency there will be a need to acquire talent at the position. The Cowboys have three picks in the top 100 of the NFL Draft, No.s 17, 51, and 82, giving them the capital needed to add a premier player at the position. Here we take a look at the top 5 defensive tackles (with apologies to Raeqwan Williams and Leki Fotu) in the draft and what the experts think about them.
Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
At 6-foot-4, 318 pounds, this potential first-round pick shocked people when he decided to return to Auburn for his senior year. His decision has paid off as he is widely considered the best defensive tackle prospect and a sure fire top-10 pick. He finished 2019 with 55 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
What the experts say:
Draft Network: Derrick Brown is one of the most complete interior defensive line prospects to pass through the draft process in recent memory. Odd fronts, even fronts, as a two-gap defender or a penetration player — Brown is a dynamic force who wins in any way you could possibly need him to. His explosive power wins first contact or gaps with consistency and his upper body power, motor and instincts are all plus qualities. Plug and play starter with All-Pro potential at the NFL level.
Draft Wire: A physical defender with size, strength and speed, Brown fits the prototype of a three-down interior defensive lineman. He’s still a bit of a work in progress, but his hand usage and his physical attributes should see him get drafted pretty early when the draft rolls around.
Drafttek: When I look at the way he can single-handedly take over a game, I am reminded of Marcell Dareus and how he could dominate with his power. I don’t think Brown has the same length as Dareus, but the power is certainly there. However, when I look at Danny Shelton and the kind of player he has been in the NFL, I think that is what Brown can be. His ability to shut down the inside of the field, while also having a quick first step that allows him to shoot gaps is a very similar combination for skills to what Brown offers coming out of Auburn. They’ve got Brown listed at six feet, five inches, and while I am not sure that is accurate, both these guys are taller interior players like Brown. Both of those players were also top-10 talents in their draft classes on my board, and I believe Brown fits that bill as well.