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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Dexter Lawrence continues to rise

By Rucker Haringey

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 01: Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown (5) tells the fans to get loud during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff classic game on September 1st, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The Auburn Tigers defeated the Washington Huskies by a score of 21 16. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA SEPTEMBER 01: Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown (5) tells the fans to get loud during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff classic game on September 1st, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The Auburn Tigers defeated the Washington Huskies by a score of 21 16. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

54. . Defensive Tackle. Auburn. Derrick Brown. 24. player

Haloti Ngata is off to a great start for the Eagles this season, but he’s not going to plug the middle next to Fletcher Cox forever. Drafting a young defensive tackle like Derrick Brown would prepare the Philadelphia front to absorb Ngata’s eventual departure.

Brown is not a guy who’s going to get after the passer a ton early in his career. Instead, look for him to make an immediate impact as a run stuffer. He’s a massive guy for interior lineman to try to move on a regular basis. His Auburn tape isn’t overly consistent, but not many opponents experience a lot of success trying to run the football in Brown’s vicinity.

That actually makes him the perfect complement for Cox. The veteran can feel comfortable trying to get up the field to make plays. Occasionally that gets him out of position. Having a steady space eater like Brown behind him should allow Cox to continue to make big plays.

Don’t rule the possibility of the Eagles jumping at a running back late in the first round. If Love drops this far, the Eagles might make a bold move for him. Jay Ajayi is going to get really expensive next season. It’s unclear whether or not Philly will want to pay that price.

The right move for the Eagles will be to double down on their strong defense. Adding a talent like Brown would be good value at this spot in the draft.

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