sago1
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The below Courtney Brown article comes from Raphael Vela's website. I've seen 1-2 articles in last 2 days on Brown but don't recall the rather detailed evaluation of his chances, etc. Definitely agree he has loads of talent but will need time to develop his techniques and instincts to become the starter CB we all hope he can be in 1-2 years. It also helps that this kid has all the tangibles of size & speed combined with the smarts and is a hard worker. Understand from another article he takes his exams on Thursday, but hopes to be on the field at VR on Friday. Anyway, enjoy below,
Courtney Brown, CB, Cal-Poly, 7th Round Draft Pick
Measurables: 6’1”, 196 pounds, 4.39 forty yard dash, 41.5 inch vertical jump
Positives: Possesses the physical tools necessary to become a top-flight NFL defensive back. Excellent size and overall athleticism. After tearing his ACL in 2004, appears to have recovered almost completely in terms of speed, jumping ability, and quickness. Can run with most receivers, possesses a second gear when the ball is in the air, and accelerates well when closing. Shows good burst and change-of-direction necessary for man-to-man coverage. Has the strength and size to be an effective press corner. Originally recruited to college as a WR and competes well for jump balls. Dangerous open field runner after INTs. Is an adequate open field tackler in run support and could potentially contribute on special teams at the NFL level. Tied the Cal-Poly single season INT record with 7 picks in 2005 and was recognized as a second team All-American.
Negatives: Although Brown was not originally invited to the combine because of doubts about his speed (ran a 4.6 in the spring prior to his senior season), he ran in the 4.3’s at his Pro Day workouts, which should lay those concerns to rest. As a DI-AA player, he did not face top WR/QB competition very often. Gave up 9 catches for 92 yards, including a 43 yard completion, to James Jones
last season. Occasionally has problems with footwork, particularly when forced to turn and run. Can be fooled by play action and is at times too aggressive. Though he possesses good size overall, is somewhat thin for his frame and could possibly get pushed around by bigger WRs. Very little kick return experience and could not be expected to contribute as a return man right out of the gate. Additionally, comes with all the standard concerns about a skill position player who has sustained a major knee injury.
Outlook: Like many small school prospects, it is difficult to get a true read on Brown’s NFL potential at this point. He faced very little elite competition while at Cal-Poly, and only recorded 1 INT his senior season. Since this followed his 7 INT season his junior year, this was likely due in large part to opposing offenses avoiding Brown’s side of the field. His junior and senior seasons were strong, but there is little film against quality opponents upon which to judge Brown’s ability to compete at the next level.
That said, he certainly has all the physical tools necessary to give him a shot at making an NFL roster. He’s fast, he’s big, and he’s got the burst and closing ability required of an NFL DB. He was able to get by on athletic ability quite a bit in college, and will need to be coached well on proper technique before he can be trusted on the field, even as a nickel or dime package guy.
At this point, Brown is a developmental player. However, he is an exciting developmental player who has the potential to turn into an absolute steal in the 7th a few seasons from now. This tidbit from Brown’s scouting report on NFL.com should give hope to any Cowboys fan:
“Compares To: Chris McAlister, Baltimore — Brown has exceptional quickness and is a big cornerback with natural hands for the interception, but like McAlister he tends to like making open-field tackles or attacking the ball rather than play in run support. He has a developing frame with good strength, showing it well when jamming receivers, but is not an explosive tackler. He will bring good value in the nickel and dime packages, but needs to get more aggressive in run force.”
Chris McAlister was arguably the NFL’s best corner in 2003-2004, when Champ Bailey was still getting lit up by Jerry Porter on MNF twice a year, so it is a bit of a stretch to compare a 7th round rookie to him right off the bat. However, the comparison at least makes it clear that Brown COULD be a real contributor at some point down the line, if he is coached appropriately and puts the time in in the film and weight rooms.
Courtney Brown, CB, Cal-Poly, 7th Round Draft Pick
Measurables: 6’1”, 196 pounds, 4.39 forty yard dash, 41.5 inch vertical jump
Positives: Possesses the physical tools necessary to become a top-flight NFL defensive back. Excellent size and overall athleticism. After tearing his ACL in 2004, appears to have recovered almost completely in terms of speed, jumping ability, and quickness. Can run with most receivers, possesses a second gear when the ball is in the air, and accelerates well when closing. Shows good burst and change-of-direction necessary for man-to-man coverage. Has the strength and size to be an effective press corner. Originally recruited to college as a WR and competes well for jump balls. Dangerous open field runner after INTs. Is an adequate open field tackler in run support and could potentially contribute on special teams at the NFL level. Tied the Cal-Poly single season INT record with 7 picks in 2005 and was recognized as a second team All-American.
Negatives: Although Brown was not originally invited to the combine because of doubts about his speed (ran a 4.6 in the spring prior to his senior season), he ran in the 4.3’s at his Pro Day workouts, which should lay those concerns to rest. As a DI-AA player, he did not face top WR/QB competition very often. Gave up 9 catches for 92 yards, including a 43 yard completion, to James Jones
last season. Occasionally has problems with footwork, particularly when forced to turn and run. Can be fooled by play action and is at times too aggressive. Though he possesses good size overall, is somewhat thin for his frame and could possibly get pushed around by bigger WRs. Very little kick return experience and could not be expected to contribute as a return man right out of the gate. Additionally, comes with all the standard concerns about a skill position player who has sustained a major knee injury. Outlook: Like many small school prospects, it is difficult to get a true read on Brown’s NFL potential at this point. He faced very little elite competition while at Cal-Poly, and only recorded 1 INT his senior season. Since this followed his 7 INT season his junior year, this was likely due in large part to opposing offenses avoiding Brown’s side of the field. His junior and senior seasons were strong, but there is little film against quality opponents upon which to judge Brown’s ability to compete at the next level.
That said, he certainly has all the physical tools necessary to give him a shot at making an NFL roster. He’s fast, he’s big, and he’s got the burst and closing ability required of an NFL DB. He was able to get by on athletic ability quite a bit in college, and will need to be coached well on proper technique before he can be trusted on the field, even as a nickel or dime package guy.
At this point, Brown is a developmental player. However, he is an exciting developmental player who has the potential to turn into an absolute steal in the 7th a few seasons from now. This tidbit from Brown’s scouting report on NFL.com should give hope to any Cowboys fan:
“Compares To: Chris McAlister, Baltimore — Brown has exceptional quickness and is a big cornerback with natural hands for the interception, but like McAlister he tends to like making open-field tackles or attacking the ball rather than play in run support. He has a developing frame with good strength, showing it well when jamming receivers, but is not an explosive tackler. He will bring good value in the nickel and dime packages, but needs to get more aggressive in run force.”
Chris McAlister was arguably the NFL’s best corner in 2003-2004, when Champ Bailey was still getting lit up by Jerry Porter on MNF twice a year, so it is a bit of a stretch to compare a 7th round rookie to him right off the bat. However, the comparison at least makes it clear that Brown COULD be a real contributor at some point down the line, if he is coached appropriately and puts the time in in the film and weight rooms.
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