Overview
Brown and teammate Jimmy Smith formed one of the best senior cornerback duos in the country the past two seasons. But with Smith the more feared defender, Brown often faced the opponent's top receiver and saw considerably more action on his side of the field.
He wasn't impenetrable, but did intercept three passes and broke up five others, along with making 46 tackles. He earned honorable mention All-Big 12 for the second straight season following up a solid junior campaign (66 tackles, two interceptions, 15 pass breakups). Brown started six games as a sophomore in 2008 when the team lined up in nickel, making 52 tackles, three for loss, an interception and four breakups. He played in every game as a redshirt freshman, making three stops as a special teams contributor.
Though Brown was the "other" cornerback for the Buffaloes, scouts thought enough of him to bring him to the Senior Bowl. He has all of the physical tools to succeed at the next level, and with some technique work, could become a starter.
Analysis
Strengths: Nice height, thick build and good speed for an NFL corner. Mirrors receivers off the line with quick feet, stays with man on outside-in fakes and down the sideline. Good zone awareness, keeps his eyes in the backfield to come up on passes to the flat. Long arms and awareness allow him to break up throws or reach for interceptions. Holds up against receiver blocks, even attacking them at times, forces run plays inside and can shed to make a play. Goes for the strip when ballcarriers are held up. Willing to go inside to support the run when uncovered, also has the speed to catch backs from behind.
Weaknesses: Aggressive player who gets burned by reading the backfield instead of staying with his assignment. Picked on quite often playing across from CB Jimmy Smith. Smaller receivers can out-jump or out-work him to the ball. Needs to break down in space more consistently to wrap up elusive ballcarriers instead of ducking his head or leaving his feet.
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