2020 Draft Tiers - Defensive Line

Decent group of talent in 2020, but not nearly as talented or lofted with the expectations of the 2019 class of defensive linemen. Overall there are two linemen guaranteed to go in the first round with a few others sniffing around the edges of the first round. This group has some athletes but overall there are not many big block eaters in this group.

Tier 1 - Possibly two top ten picks in this group, but I doubt it. It’s more like top 20.

Derrick Brown Auburn 6’5” 326 - If you want to build a prototypical defensive tackle I think Derrick Brown’s physical stature would be a good place to start. He is massive, and has very long arms that when he uses them along with his hips he can press 330 pound blockers off of him with ease. Something that might go unnoticed about him is his motor, he will chase plays downfield and although his combine will tell you that he doesn’t run especially well his film disagrees with his test numbers. He takes really good angles to the football. Against Alabama, the Tide decidedly ran the ball away from him 75% of the time making him beat cut off zone blocks and chase from the backside. He will get himself stalemated in the passing game when he stops moving his feet and peaking to locate the football. When he activates his hands, and uses pass rushing moves he can be successful putting pressure on the QB. He is agile enough to stunt at the next level. For such a big guy he does need to have better pad level, and play better against double teams.

Javon Kinlaw South Carolina 6’5” 324 - Very big, very strong and very unpolished. If he can’t beat the blocker with strength and brute force than he doesn’t make a lot of progress. Strong offensive lines can neutralize him. He is tall, and this affects his pad level along with his balance, when he stands up and gets extended he falls over. He needs to learn how to disengage from blockers and play the shock and awe game. Not overall dynamic off the snap. What he brings to the table is sheer force and strength that coaches can’t wait to get their hands on to work with. Against lesser offensive lines he plays a man’s game against boys.