Indianapolis was only the beginning.
Just as the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up, pro days began across the country. Auburn held its campus showcase on Friday, and according to NFL Network reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala, Giants coach Joe Judge was in attendance.
The Tigers boast two players in Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 prospects on NFL.com, including 6-foot-5, 326-pound defensive tackle Derrick Brown. A first-team All-American and All-SEC selection, Brown is ranked No. 2 overall behind Ohio State defensive end Chase Young. The Giants hold the fourth pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, which begins April 23 in Las Vegas.
Brown won the 2019 Lott IMPACT (Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity) Trophy and was a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award and Outland Trophy after recording 12.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and four pass breakups. He did so while playing up and down the line.
"Being coached in the system, we didn't really have (set) positions," Brown said last week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. "We played all the way from the zero to the five, and coach mentioned we had to be versatile at every position."
In his scouting report, Jeremiah wrote: "Brown has excellent size, power and athleticism for the defensive tackle position. As a pass rusher, he has a quick first step and uses his hands very effectively. He wins with a violent club/swim move, a rip move or a nifty up-and-under counter move. Against the run, he easily holds the point of attack. The Auburn product creates separation from blockers with an explosive punch, which allows him to close quickly and make plays. His effort is consistent. Overall, this is a complete player capable of dominating on all three downs. He'll be a difference maker on Day 1."
Fellow Auburn defensive linemate Marlon Davidson (6-3, 303) also appeared on Jeremiah's list at No. 33.
Davidson was a four-year starter at defensive end for the Tigers, garnering second-team All-America and first-team All-SEC honors in 2019. He made 51 career starts and recorded 175 career tackles, 29.5 TFL, and 17.0 sacks (eighth-most in Auburn history). He was also a team captain and invited to participate in the Senior Bowl.
"Davidson has average height and a thick/square build," Jeremiah wrote. "He typically lined up at defensive end for the Tigers, but also possesses the ability to slide inside. As a pass rusher, he is devastating when he has a runway. He generates a lot of power in his bull rush and has an array of hand moves he can incorporate on the move. He doesn't have an elite get-off, but he wins in the ways just mentioned. He destroys tight ends with his strength and power combination. Against the run, he uses his length to stack blocks, and his effort to pursue is outstanding. Overall, Davidson has some inside/outside flexibility and his production should carry over to the next level."
According to the athletic department, 84 scouts and coaches representing all 32 NFL teams and the CFL were in town for Auburn's pro day.
Other prominent Tiger defenders include defensive backs Daniel Thomas, Noah Igbinoghene and Javaris Davis, and defensive lineman Nick Coe. Offensive linemen Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho, and punter Arryn Siposs also participated in the Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Must-see photos from the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
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