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2020 NFL mock draft first round and fantasy impacts

By Raju Byfield

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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2020 NFL Mock Draft
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Derrick Brown #5 of the Auburn Tigers reacts to a play during the 2020 Outback Bowl against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Raymond James Stadium on January 01, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

8th Overall: Arizona Cardinals – Derrick Brown (DT – Auburn)

Team Needs
Defensive Tackle, Offensive Line, Edge Rusher, Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Running Back

Picks: 1 (8th), 46 (2nd), 72 (3rd), 114 (4th), 155 (5th), 223 (7th)

The Arizona Cardinals cannot believe their luck. They passed on Nick Bosa in order to draft Kyler Murray, and that worked out for them. They now have one of the top talents in the draft drop to them at eighth overall. The offensive line will have to be addressed, but there will still be worthwhile options on day two, especially on the interior. Brown is an explosive defensive tackle with frightening power who will instantly become a wrecking ball in the backfields of opposing teams. He will plug the hole in the Cardinals defensive front, and will give them the final piece needed to be one of the best defenses in the league. The Cardinals have to be considered a favorite to trade down in order to pick up additional assets, but they may find it impossible to pass up on Brown if he is still available at this juncture of the draft.

Team Impact

Adding Derrick Brown will complete what would become one of the most feared pass rushes in the AFC. Chandler Jones is the NFL’s sack leader over the past six seasons, and 2019 third round pick Zach Allen is ready for an expanded role on the edge. Brown may be a better fit as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but the Cardinals scheme calls for four man fronts often enough that Brown can still be utilized to his potential. If Brown is already off the board here, expect the Cardinals to target Isaiah Simmons (if available) or an offensive tackle.

Fantasy Impact

Derrick Brown projects as an immediate DT1 in redraft and dynasty leagues. His upside will be a little lower in Arizona’s 3-4 defense, but the Cardinals scheme is versatile enough to still allow Brown to produce at a DT1 level. One has to believe that the Cardinals will eventually adjust the scheme to their personnel, so there is hope that Brown will become a truly elite IDP asset at defensive tackle sometime in the near future.

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