He isn't real technically sound/instinctive in off-coverage either, and has a tendency to lose his balance in his back-pedal and at times is forced to bail out of his drop and turn his back to the football. However, he runs very well for his size and has the ability to regain his footing quickly and get back up to top-end speed.
Showcases a real second gear to his game and is a two-stepper who uses his burst and long arms to get his hands on a lot of throws. Finds the football quickly down the field, but lacks ideal body control and tends to drift away from the throw in jump ball situations, allowing receivers to go up and cleanly make a play.
Exhibits a desire to tackle and make plays vs. the run game, but seems to play a bit out of control, failing to consistently break down in space.
Impression: He's got some real rough spots to his game. However, his size/speed numbers and ability to change gears and close on the football are quite intriguing. Has a lot of upside, but he really needs to clean up his footwork and overall technique to have a chance of ever starting at the next level. More of an athlete playing the cornerback position at this stage."
Brown's most productive season came as a junior in 2009, posting 48 tackles, eight pass breakups, two sacks, a forced fumble and his first two career interceptions. As a sophomore, an ankle injury limited him in three games but he was able to regain his starting position for Texas' Fiesta Bowl win over Ohio State. He finished the season with 28 tackles, nine pass breakups and a sack. Brown saw his first action as a redshirt freshman in 2007 on special teams as well as the defensive backfield. He finished the season with 11 tackles and tied for second on the team with eight special teams tackles.
Brown was injured his senior year, breaking his right forearm late in the season. He played in only nine games but broke up seven passes, had 19 tackles, two for loss and a sack. He played well against top competition and can make quarterbacks pay for poor throws. His physical attributes make him a draft prospect -- and a potential steal if he can stay healthy.
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Strengths: Can lock down receivers and rarely saw frequent passes thrown to his side of the field. Plays a mix of off-man and press coverage. Flips his hips well. Can turn and run with receivers and uses good body and hand positioning to stay with them. Has good agility and quick feet after the snap. Takes good angles on the ball and locates it well in the air. Displays great technique when using his long arms and hand-eye coordination to knock away passes in front of the receiver without interfering. Not fooled by head or body fakes and can glue himself to receivers. Never gives up on a play and always wants to be a part of the action. Accelerates quickly once recognizing what's coming. Physical player with good length on the edge, also breaks down well in space. Loves to support vs. the run and will wrap up and bring down most backs.
Weaknesses: Stands upright in his backpedal, making him a step slow to plant and drive on short routes. Good height for a corner, but can get overpowered and shielded by big, strong receivers on the outside. Slow to recognize what's coming: run or pass. Looks to be confused in zone coverage at times, gets turned around and does not always spot receivers coming into his area. Is athletic but can be outrun by pure speed receivers if he doesn't read the initial move. Quick enough to stick with receivers when he keeps contact or the route is simple, but lacks the speed to recover deep. Missed three games as a sophomore due to a sprained ankle he suffered in mid-October of that season, also multiple games in 2010 with a broken right forearm."
Positive: Physically gifted cornerback who has flashed skill the past three years. Quick flipping his hips off the line, immediately transitions with opponents, and mixes it up throughout the route. Possesses a burst of closing speed, physically beats down opponents, and wins out in battles. Quick-footed in every direction. Fast up the field defending the run and wraps up tackling.
Negative: Struggles making plays with his back to the ball, loses track of the pass and slow turning back to position himself correctly against opponents. Loses assignments on occasion and slow to react.
Analysis: Brown possesses the physical skills to start at the next level. However, he still hasn't put it all together and is prone to giving up the big play on occasion. He offers a good amount of upside for the next level but must quickly pull together the pieces to have a productive career in the NFL."
Negatives: Production has never been very good (98 tackles, two interceptions in four years)... Durability may be a slight concern, missed some games in 2008 and 2010 due to injury... Is not a good wrap-up tackler, will miss in open space... Instincts are marginal at best, will get caught looking into the backfield, needs work with route recognition... Change-of-direction skills need some work, does not have elite agility or suddenness for the position... Seems to give up on the ball at times when it is in the air, not a fighter when making plays on the ball... Upside and raw talent may exceed skill at this point, looks like a developmental prospect right now."
2009 -- Played in 14 games and started 12.
Strengths: Natural cover corner who prefers to play up close and personal. Solid athlete with long arms and decent feet. Adjusts well to receivers and makes plays on the ball. Tough and attacks the run. Used on the blitz and has good timing.
Weaknesses: A bit stiff in the hips and can be beaten by quickness. Good speed but will surrender the deep ball. Erratic as a tackler. Better suited for zone coverage.
Projection: Mid to late round pick who will play on special teams and look to break in as a nickel player."
Brown has continued his success during his senior campaign and through six games has broken up seven passes and defended seven passes, both tied for team highs. Brown has some good speed, but he needs to continue to improve his coverage skills. Working on catching the ball would be beneficial as well after Brown dropped a sure touchdown in the 2010 opener.
Brown is a quality corner, but there are quite a few more talented corners in this class. Brown will likely continue to drop down draft boards as others with more physical perks that NFL teams like will pass him by. By the fourth or fifth round, Brown will be a good value and a decent pickup at that point in that draft."
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