2020 NFL Draft
Defensive Linemen
Which 2020 DL prospect has the best traits?
Pass Rush
Alex Khvatov: Chase Young (Ohio State)
Versus the Run
Alex Khvatov: A.J. Epenesa (Iowa)
Hand Usage
Alex Khvatov: Marlon Davidson (Auburn)
First Step/Initial Burst
Alex Khvatov: Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)
Athleticism
Alex Khvatov: Chase Young (Ohio State)
Versatility
Alex Khvatov: Jason Strowbridge (UNC)
Closing Speed
Alex Khvatov: Chase Young (Ohio State)
Strength/Power
Alex Khvatov: Derrick Brown (Auburn)
Tackling
Alex Khvatov: A.J. Epenesa (Iowa)
Motor
Alex Khvatov: DL James Lynch (Baylor)
5 Burning Questions
How special is Chase Young? Can he become the cornerstone of a defense? How does he compare to Nick Bosa?
Alex Khvatov: Chase Young is a special player. He has the size, speed, athleticism and a quick first step. He is a disruptive pass rusher who can take over games. He should become the cornerstone of a defense. The Redskins have to draft him with a No.2 overall selection. My one concern with Young is his motor. He is not chasing plays from behind. He is very similar to Julius Peppers when he was coming out of college in regards to his motor. I also don’t think that he is better than Nick Bosa. Bosa was more of a complete player and a better run defender.
How many defensive linemen will get drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft?
Alex Khvatov: I think that seven defensive linemen will be selected on day one. Ohio State Chase Young, Iowa A.J. Epenesa, Auburn Marlon Davidson and Penn State Yetur Gross-Matos are the defensive ends that should hear their names in the first round. Auburn Derrick Brown and South Carolina Javon Kinlaw are locks in the first round. I believe that either Oklahoma DT Neville Gallimore or TCU Ross Blacklock will sneak into the end of the first round. It is not a top-heavy DL class, but we will see plenty of players go in the latter part of day one.
Auburn DT Derrick Brown had a disappointing Scouting Combine. Is he just the best DT by default? How do you feel about him as a prospect?
Alex Khvatov: Derrick Brown (Auburn) is the best DT by default. I don’t see a special player on film. I don’t see a top 10 player in this draft. You see flashes from him especially in the LSU game this past year where he was being disruptive. He has the size. He is strong, powerful and is a good run defender. However, he doesn’t push the pocket. He is not disruptive enough in the backfield. He struggles with his pad level and plays too high most of the time. His hand usage is below average. He lacks pass rush moves. He has a tough time diagnosing plays. As a three-year starter in the SEC, I didn’t see a player that took over games.
Name one defensive lineman who is currently flying under the radar that you are higher on than most.
Alex Khvatov: I can’t just pick one guy here. Two players clearly stand out to me. First is Texas A&M DT Justin Madubuike. He is a three-technique at the next level. He is a good run defender. He can easily shed blocks. He is strong and powerful at the point of attack. He plays with tremendous leverage and displays a variety of pass rush moves. He is a second-round pick in this year’s draft. Second is Baylor DL James Lynch. He is still underrated, despite winning Big 12 defensive player of the year award and being named first team All-American in 2019. He is versatile and can play a number of positions on the defensive line. His best fit is as a five-technique in a 3-4 defense. He uses an effective club move and spin move. He can split the double team. He has a tremendous motor.
Which DL prospect has helped himself the most since the season came to an end?
Alex Khvatov: Nebraska DL Khalil Davis has had an impressive postseason. He was one of the DL that stood out at the East/West Shrine game. At the Combine, he ran a 4.75 forty at 308 pounds. He also had 32 reps on the bench press. He is undersized DT who displays terrific quickness. He is an interesting option to consider as late day three pick.
