2020 NFL Draft: First-round mock draft includes Joe Burrow in top 12

The offensive line is the most obvious area of need for the Arizona Cardinals. They have not been able to protect Kyler Murray at all this season, but with Kliff Kingsbury‘s offensive system being built on the quick passing game, having an elite offensive line may not be necessary for Arizona. Plus, with both Thomas and Wirfs off of the board in this mock, there really is not an offensive lineman available who would be worthy of the eighth overall selection.

I considered giving Murray one of these great receivers to work with, but instead went with a pick for the defensive side of the ball. Derrick Brown is the best interior defensive lineman in the 2020 NFL draft class and would undoubtedly be a worthy selection here for the Cardinals at eight.

Brown has it all up front, showing an incredible combination of strength, length and athleticism on the defensive line. He is an extremely powerful player at the point of attack who two-gaps at an extremely high level when asked to do so and shows impressive block shed ability.

Brown’s natural power is obvious up front, but do not sleep on his mobility as a big defensive lineman. He has an explosive first step and shows great natural upfield burst against the run and in the pass rush. He also uses his hands extremely well and shows a nice variety of pass rush moves.

Simply put, Brown is an extremely talented defensive lineman who fits any scheme. He can make plays behind the line of scrimmage as a one-gap penetrator or keep blockers off of his linebackers as a two-gap defender. Either way, Brown is an impressive player who is going to make a massive impact at the next level.