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One prospect that the Arizona Cardinals could select with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown. Some believe he is deserving of a top-10 pick.
He was dominant but didn’t put up huge numbers in 2019. He had 54 tackles, 11.5 for a loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles.
He did not test well at the combine, leading many to believe he might be limited as a pro player. Without the big production in college and low athletic testing, some believe he might be simply a very good run-stopping defensive lineman and not worthy of a top-10 pick.
Brown believes he is more than just a two-down player.
“I always hear he’s a run stuffer, but in order for you to be able to get to the passer, you’ve got to be able to stop the run,” Brown said, according to the Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin. “I bring that to the table, but I feel like I’m efficient at being able to push the pocket and be able to put pressure on the quarterback. I may not have a bunch of sacks, but if you watch me play, you know quarterback is not sitting back there having all day (to throw), either.”
He believes he can play all along the defensive line.
The defensive line is one place where a first-round pick could make an immediate impact. Corey Peters and newly signed Jordan Phillips will fill two of the starting spots, while Jonathan Bullard and 2019 third-round pick Zach Allen will compete for the other spot. However, Brown could very well become a starter and contribute significantly.
So will Brown be a disruptive force at the next level like B.J. Raji or Haloti Ngata? Or will he be more like Danny Shelton or Dan Williams?
Shelton is a fine player and Williams was solid, but neither is the type of player you would want with the No. 8 pick in the draft.
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Ep. 262
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Ep. 261
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