2020 Defensive Line

Chase Young-DE-Ohio State-6’5”-264-Top 3-99

This guy was an absolute monster in Columbus. He’s everything Jadaveon Clowney should be. Everywhere Clowney’s been he’s flashed for brief periods, one great season being the longest peak. Outside of that you’re looking at injuries, lack of effort, and generally underperforming. Chase Young isn’t the same athlete as Clowney, but he’s just a smidge below. The difference is: no one is challenging Chase Young’s effort level or his impact. It was annoying as shit watching the Buckeyes last year cause before every snap they got a damn halo on top of Chase Young. But then like half the time he’d blow up the play proving they were right to highlight him. He’s getting all the attention in the world, opening things up for teammates then destroying offenses anyway. Size, speed, strength, moves, effort. He’s the full package. One downside: his hips are tight. That’s really it. You know who else has tight hips? The best edge rusher in the game, Chandler Jones. I’m not worried at all about the suspension last year. He paid back a loan, are you kidding me? And he got punished. The NCAA is a fucking joke. Go Chase Young. Can the Redskins possibly screw this up?

Derrick Brown-DT-Auburn-6’5”-326-Top 10-99

I’m an Auburn homer, but how could you not like Derrick Brown? Here’s the only anecdote you need to know: his defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said the best defensive lineman he’s ever coached is Reggie White. Number 2 is Derrick Brown. You don’t need to know who else is on that list, that’s signed, sealed, delivered right there. Look Derrick Brown has a rare combination of terrific size, strength, and the quickness of a much smaller man. He is incredibly disruptive but also has the ability to anchor in the run game. In the pass game he damn near requires a double team which means he creates solo matchups for his teammates. How much money has Aaron Donald made for his teammates? Brown is a different player than Donald but the principle is the same. I give him a comp to Gerald McCoy or Akiem Hicks. He’s got McCoy’s slashing ability but he has a touch of the strength of Hicks. And one more thing. Derrick Brown was a consensus first round pick after his Junior year. But instead of coming out like I would have advised him to, he not only returns for his senior year, but convinces many of his teammates to do the same. They go on to be a dominating defensive front, held back by a dogshit offense led by a true frosh QB. But after all that, Derrick Brown decides he wants to play in the Outback Bowl on New Years Day. Why? Because he wanted to play with his teammates one more time. That’s a leader, that’s a culture setter, plus he has All-Pro traits. Favorite player in the draft.

AJ Espensa-DE-Iowa-6’5”-275-1st Round-94

Kind of an under the radar prospect, which is surprising given the size and production tallying 23 sacks over his last two years with the Hawkeyes. I really like this kid, he is big and strong and uses his hands really well. Not twitchy by any stretch after registering a 5.04 in the 40. Reminds me of Jared Allen because tackles can’t seem to keep their hands on him. Plus he plays with a lot of juice. Really think he’s a breakout candidate who might slide further than he should.

Javon Kinlaw-DT-South Carolina-6’5”-324-Top 15-92

This guy is yoked. Like remember that kid from Baylor, he’s scary like that dude. I wish he played at a high level more consistently, but there’s a lot to like about him. Javon went to junior college, built himself into a prospect, then improved each year in Columbia culminating in a 1st team All-American selection in 2019. After the year he elected to participate in the Senior Bowl, which many choose not too, and dominated the competition. He pulled out shortly thereafter with an “injury”, but he really had just already accomplished what he went to Mobile to do. Kinlaw is built like an ideal 3-4 defensive end, which is a position long thought to be a two-gapper, run stuffer, blocker eater. But JJ Watt came out as a 5 technique, Chris Jones is a dominant defender as a 3-4 d-end. It can be a highly impactful position and a player like Kinlaw has the ability to play anywhere from 1-technique to the edge which only adds value. I’m just troubled by his lack of consistency. It could be as simple as a conditioning issue, or the need for better coaching, but it worries me to the point he’s at the end of round 1. Oddly enough I think his conditioning would be better if he added some flub.

Yetur Gross Matos-DE-Penn State-6’5”-266-1st Round-86

A disruptive force for the Nittany Lions, Gross-Matos has a great frame for a strong side defensive end. He has impressive lateral agility for a man his size which is his primary weapon for rushing the passer. Definite room to grow into his body and become a specimen. Unfortunately I see a lowish ceiling due to heavy feet. Yetur didn’t run at the combine but I would’ve been interested in his shuttle times because he seems to have a slow get off. Looks like a high floor low ceiling player like Taco Charlton.

Marlon Davidson-DE-Auburn-6’3”-303-2nd Round-86

Another of my Auburn guys, they were loaded on the defensive front in 2019. If you’re wondering why I have him listed as an edge player instead of the defensive tackle his dimensions dictate, check out the link below at the 25 second mark. Featuring 33” arms on his frame I could see him getting 5 technique time in a Chiefs or Texans defense. Terrific athleticism for a man his size. Biggest worry I have about him is how much he benefited from playing with Derrick Brown. He clearly did, but it doesn’t mean Davidson ain’t good. I like him at the top of the second as a guy that can play all 3 downs but doesn’t have dominant traits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdUCF1Flpbs&t=69s

Jonathan Garvin-DE-Miami-6’4”-263-3rd Round-84

This guy stood out to me last year playing for the Hurricanes. Seemed unblockable in their game against Florida, I thought he was a carbon copy of Demarcus Lawrence. He’s got great length (34” arms) and despite long strides he maintains balance, strength, and flexibility. It’s really a remarkable combination. Not the most productive player in college with only 10.5 sacks in two years as a starter. But his nickname is Spider. I mean come on, he’s a lock with a nickname like that. Garvin ran a 4.83 in the 40 and was a 4 star prospect out of high school, he’s got enough talent. If he can land with the right coach with enough opportunity he can be a sleeper. Marcellus Wiley is another comp for me. Both comps were 2nd round picks, don’t be surprised if that’s where Garvin lands.

K’Lavon Chaisson-EDGE-LSU-6’3”-254-Top 20-78

Here’s one of those prospects I just never understand. Okay, so he is touted as a pass rush specialist and had 6.5 sacks in his only year as a starter, how does that make sense? I feel like we all forgot about Dion Jordan and Barkevious Mingo. At least those guys had some length, this guy is 6’3” and has 32” arms, aka arms I would say are short for a linebacker, never mind an edge player. Yes he’s athletic, I get you, but can somebody please point to one of these “rangy” athletic edge players that’s really translated? Leonard Floyd was my favorite one, but even he didn’t pan out to be a pro bowl player. I view him at best as a secondary pass rusher with the ability to cover the flat. But most likely he’ll be a rotational rusher with outstanding special teams ability.