2020 NFL Draft: Five first-round targets for the Philadelphia Eagles

One of the few units from the 2019 Philadelphia Eagles to shine was the defensive line. General manager Roseman has always prioritized the trenches of the offense and defense. It is part of an overall team-building philosophy that Roseman has instituted since 2010. The defensive line allowed an average of just 121 rushing yards per game this season, according to NFL.com.

The Eagles will have to play in a division that contains Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott and Derrius Guice in 2020 and for several years to come. Roseman has in ten years as general manager only once selected a player in the first round that was not either an offensive or defensive lineman. The one notable exception was in 2016 for Wentz.

While the unit remains strong heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, the team will still need to improve the unit. During the 2019 Free-Agency period, Roseman signed Malik Jackson to join Fletcher Cox as an interior defensive lineman. Jackson was injured in Week One of the 2019 regular season and the team may consider adding another defensive tackle during this year’s draft.

The defensive line has also dealt with its share of injuries the last two seasons and will want to bring in some young talent to help mitigate those injuries in the future. Roseman got a head start on free-agency during the season, trading for tackle Genard Avery before the trade deadline in October.

With two defensive tackles from the Philadelphia Eagles hitting free agency this offseason, along with a historical propensity for drafting defensive lineman in the first round, defensive tackle Derrick Brown from Auburn will almost certainly be on Roseman’s short-list for the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Brown is by far the most complete tackle in this year’s draft class that is equipped to play in the Eagles 4-3 base defense.

Brown has been with Auburn for four seasons and has stood out in a college football conference, the SEC, that is loaded with high-end defensive line talent. In his four seasons, the Auburn tackle has ratcheted up pressure on opposing quarterbacks with a high level of intensity and finesse, earning 12 sacks with Auburn. In 2019 Brown put the quarterback on the ground four times, along with 55 total tackles and 2 forced fumbles.

His tackles track consistently from game to game and most of his best performances in 2019 happened in games where Auburn won or lost by a touchdown or less. When the game is on the line, Brown will make sure to contribute to the team’s defense. Many NFL games are won or lost by a touchdown or less, so Brown’s Auburn career insinuates an excellent defensive tackle at the next level, who can turn up the intensity in key games.

As a defensive tackle, Brown has shown excellent skill and technique in run defense, as he consistently wins the leverage battle against offensive guards. He holds his own against double teams and can break away from his assignment to stop rushers quickly. He uses his hands brilliantly, avoiding holding calls with proper hand placement to maximize his leverage against offensive linemen.

Along with his run defense, Brown can be a contributor in pass defense as well, deflecting the ball four times in 2019. At 6-foot-5, Brown towers over opposing offensive lineman and their quarterbacks, making him a nuisance when trying to throw the ball. His pass-rush could use some improvement, but being an understudy to Cox will almost certainly improve his technique at the next level.

Brown is also solidly built and appears to have very little bad weight for a defensive tackle. Weighing in at 318 pounds, most of his mass is centered in his muscles, indicating a strong and very athletic defensive tackle.

The Philadelphia Eagles will almost certainly look to add another defensive tackle during the 2020 NFL Draft to pair with Cox. Cox has proven year after year to be one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. Cox plays at such an elite level, only Aaron Donald from the Los Angeles Rams eclipses him in overall gameplay.

But without a legitimate threat to pair with Cox in the interior of the defensive line, offensive guards consistently double team Cox and neutralize his ability to disrupt the opposing team’s quarterback. With Cox entering his ninth season for the Eagles in 2020, Roseman will need to find a suitable partner for Cox to help draw away double teams and prepare for the day Cox decides to retire.

The Eagles have a historical tendency of drafting defensive lineman in the first round of the draft. Roseman also makes the defensive line a priority when team-building, which is something that most successful teams in the NFL do. Expect Roseman and the Eagles scouting department to favor drafting Brown in the 2020 NFL Draft.