2020 NFL Draft: 8 Standout prospects from college football rivalry weekend

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 30: Zack Baun #56 and Chris Orr #54 of the Wisconsin Badgers grab the Paul Bunyan Football Trophy after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Badgers defeated the Golden Gophers 38-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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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) /

1. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

One of the reasons the Auburn Tigers were able to rattle sophomore quarterback Mac Jones and get the best of the Alabama offense in the Iron Bowl enough times to win was the pressure up the middle. The man leading the charge was the hands-down best defensive tackle in the SEC, Derrick Brown.

The 6-5, 318-pound defensive tackle showed dominance against the Crimson Tide. He consistently got into the backfield and collapsed the pocket. While he didn’t get any sacks, his presence was felt. He finished the game with seven tackles, three of which were behind the line of scrimmage.

Brown is extremely athletic despite his size. Against Alabama, he showed off that athleticism when he batted a pass back into the arms of Jones then made the tackle.

The Auburn star’s numbers don’t tell the full story of his dominance but he does jump off the screen. He can get to the quarterback in a number of ways including a spin move that’ll make Dwight Freeney proud. His height doesn’t hinder his ability to establish leverage.

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He’s flexible enough to bend with enough lower body strength and a punch strong enough to dominate at the point of attack. He’s not limited to a system thanks to his combination of length, power, and athleticism. He could line up at the five-technique in a 3-4 defense or as an upfield three-technique in a 4-3 scheme.

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