Detroit Lions 2020 Draft Profile: Auburn’s Derrick Brown

Throughout the rest of the winter, we’ll be previewing potential draftees for the Detroit Lions. Today, we look at dominant defensive tackle Derrick Brown.

Let’s be frank: the Detroit Lions season is more than over at this point, as the majority of the Detroit Lions fan base couldn’t care less about how this season ends and are already looking ahead to succeed in 2020.

That success needs to start in the draft. Mock draft season has come a bit earlier than usual this season, as Bob Quinn and the current Lions regime need to hit big with this year’s crop of prospects if they want to still be employed 12 months from now.

The general consensus on most big boards and early mock drafts is that Ohio State defensive lineman Chase Young, who Lions’ fans have dreamed of having since they were knocked out of playoff contention, will be drafted in the first three picks, meaning he will most likely be off the board before it’s Detroit’s time on the clock.

Barring a miracle of Young falling to the Lions around the fifth pick, Detroit has to start scouting out other prospects to help prepare for next season.

It’s no secret that the Lions could use another pass rusher. A defensive line lead by Trey Flowers, Damon Harrison and A’Shawn Robinson only amassed 25.0 sacks, which is the fifth least in the league, and they still give up 276.5 passing yards per game, which is third most in the NFL.

Even though major contributors like Da’Shawn Hand and Mike Daniels were hurt for most of the year, that’s no excuse for the lack of pressure.

The Lions drop back in man coverage and only send four pass rushers more than anyone else in the league, so they need to get more pressure on the opposing quarterback to force turnovers and not allow the defensive backs to have to try and cover for less than 10 seconds.

In a recent mailbag done by Tim Twentyman of Detroitlions.com, he suggested the perfect prospect to bolster defensive line in Auburn lineman Derrick Brown.

"Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown (6-5, 318) is an interesting name for me. He’s a three-year starter and three-down monster inside with 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries on the season. He fits a need, and could also be best available depending on where the Lions end up picking."

Brown plays his best brand of football in the fourth quarter, as after playing nearly four hours in the Iron Bowl, Brown knocked down two Alabama passes on the final drive to force the Crimson Tide to settle for a field goal, which was missed and led to a win for the Tigers. Brown finished the game with seven total tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss to help Auburn to victory.

Just like Robinson, Brown has a knack for knocking down opposing passes, making the two a lethal pairing if playing alongside another next season.

Brown has impressive physical strength and incredible length. While most young pass rushers initially struggle gaining separation from offensive lineman, Brown should have no issue with this with his impressive acceleration, plethora of pass rushing moves and his innate ability to use his hands to make tackles in space.

While there is very little to get excited about for the remainder of this season for Lions fans, landing Derrick Brown is something Detroit supporters could be excited about for years to come.