Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
The long-term status of Damon “Snacks” Harrison is unknown at this point, as the standout run-stuffer has publicly admitted to contemplating retirement. If such a scenario were to take place, then defensive tackle would become a major need for the Lions heading into this year’s draft.
The top interior defender in this class is Auburn’s Derrick Brown. With 11.5 sacks and 31.5 tackles for a loss in his last three collegiate seasons, Brown was a consistent force in the trenches for the Tigers.
A surprisingly explosive player for someone who’s 6-foot-5 and 316 pounds, he accelerates off the ball with admirable quickness and offers some athletic ability in space. He plays with a high motor on every snap, and the determination with which he punches at the point of attack and keeps driving his feet is certainly apparent on tape.
Brown is good at shedding blocks and can quickly disengage or fight through contact to plug up holes against the run. He plays with good intelligence and consistently plays with a plan to get into the backfield.
Though Brown may be a bit of a reach this early, he’s still a top-10 talent in the 2020 draft, and if Detroit feels the value and need combination is met by picking him, then very few would blame them.