Strengths: Has rare physical tools for an OG and has continued to improve each year as a starter. Is a massive lineman with a very good wingspan and good athleticism for his size. He engulfs smaller defenders. Is able to anchor vs. the bull rush when he plays with leverage. Has better than average initial quickness for his size. Runs well for his size and does a good job of reaching as a second-level blocker in the running game. Shows good feet in pass pro and plays under control. Will be able to mirror and slide in the short area when he plays with leverage.
Weaknesses: Would like to see him play with more consistent effort and work to finish off his assignments more often rather than settling for just sealing his guy off. Still needs to improve lower body strength. Doesn't have the explosive drive or hip roll that elite NFL OL possess. Has had some minor durability issues and also has some minor character concerns. Technique is improved but still needs work. Will get lazy on occasion and will bend at the waist. Isn't as consistent as he should be.
Overall: Brown became a starting guard at UVA midway through his true freshman season in 2001. He has been a fulltime starter since, he won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy given to the ACC's best blocker in 2003, and he had his best season-to-date as a senior in 2004. He has a minor blemish on his record regarding an arrest on misdemeanor assault and battery charges that were later dropped. He was, however, a team captain in 2004 and his coaches/teammates speak awfully high of him in terms of his leadership and character. Brown has a massive frame and very good feet for his size. He has the size and upper body strength to simply overpower most defensive linemen at the point of attack when he gets into their bodies. He needs to play with more consistent leverage in pass pro and he needs to improve his lower body strength. Also, while he was improved as a senior, he needs to play with more consistent effort. With all that said, Brown has rare physical tools and the potential to develop into an upper echelon starting OG in the NFL if he continues to keep focused and work on strengthening his lower body. In our opinion, Brown is clearly the best guard prospect in this class and is well worth an early-second round draft selection.
|
04-22-2005
Hybrid Mode
