Zach Brown
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Could this guy be a target for us? Not sure where he is projected. (edit) Pretty impressive 40 time
Overview
Brown might be one of the fastest straight-line linebackers to ever enter the NFL draft, therefore making him one the most intriguing prospects of this class. While speed is the most striking feature of Brown's game, there are many aspects that are question marks as he enters the NFL. It has been well-documented that he possesses track-type speed. He does show it on the field and stands out as a player who effortlessly is in position to be a high-tackle production linebacker. Brown could be effective in nearly any variation of linebacker in any defense but projects best as a 4-3 outside linebacker who can be active in pass defense. There are many uncertainties that surround Brown's game, including his overall ability to adapt from the college game to pros, where he could display minimal effort and make plays. In the end an athlete of this size and speed won't last much later than the first round because he has yet to scratch the surface of his potential as a player.
Analysis
Strengths
Brown finds the ball, reacts, and finishes through the ball carrier. His speed is without a doubt his strongest asset and the key to his game. Brown is a natural mover, and his strength isn't compensated by his play speed, as he is well-polished in removing himself from blocks and getting to the ball. He is strong over the tight end and has the footwork and hip mobility to run with any tight end in coverage. There are few running backs even at the NFL level who can outrun Brown and get an edge in the run game, and few will slip open against him in the pass game. While he excels out in space, he is also able to play in the box and sniff out runs as a gap defender and make explosive plays at the point of attack. He uses his pure athletic ability and speed to dip and run by linemen into the backfield. Brown also displays the power to run through running backs both in protection and carrying the ball. He is a productive tackler and rarely falls off the ball once getting there, making it likely he will continue that high-volume production for years to come.
Weaknesses
Like his fellow Tar Heels with first-round potential, there are questions surrounding other aspects of Brown's game and life. He has shown a tendency to disappear for long stretches and will need to be reeled in while sticking to the playbook at the next level to assure that he is playing to his potential. While Brown could stand to put on some weight, there are very few things that Brown needs to do physically to mold his game for the next level; many of the changes revolve around his work habits.
Could this guy be a target for us? Not sure where he is projected.
Overview
Brown might be one of the fastest straight-line linebackers to ever enter the NFL draft, therefore making him one the most intriguing prospects of this class. While speed is the most striking feature of Brown's game, there are many aspects that are question marks as he enters the NFL. It has been well-documented that he possesses track-type speed. He does show it on the field and stands out as a player who effortlessly is in position to be a high-tackle production linebacker. Brown could be effective in nearly any variation of linebacker in any defense but projects best as a 4-3 outside linebacker who can be active in pass defense. There are many uncertainties that surround Brown's game, including his overall ability to adapt from the college game to pros, where he could display minimal effort and make plays. In the end an athlete of this size and speed won't last much later than the first round because he has yet to scratch the surface of his potential as a player.
Analysis
Strengths
Brown finds the ball, reacts, and finishes through the ball carrier. His speed is without a doubt his strongest asset and the key to his game. Brown is a natural mover, and his strength isn't compensated by his play speed, as he is well-polished in removing himself from blocks and getting to the ball. He is strong over the tight end and has the footwork and hip mobility to run with any tight end in coverage. There are few running backs even at the NFL level who can outrun Brown and get an edge in the run game, and few will slip open against him in the pass game. While he excels out in space, he is also able to play in the box and sniff out runs as a gap defender and make explosive plays at the point of attack. He uses his pure athletic ability and speed to dip and run by linemen into the backfield. Brown also displays the power to run through running backs both in protection and carrying the ball. He is a productive tackler and rarely falls off the ball once getting there, making it likely he will continue that high-volume production for years to come.
Weaknesses
Like his fellow Tar Heels with first-round potential, there are questions surrounding other aspects of Brown's game and life. He has shown a tendency to disappear for long stretches and will need to be reeled in while sticking to the playbook at the next level to assure that he is playing to his potential. While Brown could stand to put on some weight, there are very few things that Brown needs to do physically to mold his game for the next level; many of the changes revolve around his work habits.
He and Kuechly are the best LB's and he is great in coverage, but can't hang onto the ball, that's his only deficiency though. Oh yeah and Burfict ran a 4.9...lol
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The thing I hate about the combine (I've been watching/listening all day at work and some this weekend) is that these people train for the 40, train for the vertical, train for the broad jump etc. The NFL isnt a track meet. They arent training to play football. Obviously some of it translates when youre working on getting faster and stronger. But these people are raving about Zach Brown's 40 technique, "you can tell he is a track runner", "look at that form, how efficient his running is!!", "great straight away speed" etc...
Thats all great for a track meet, but this is football. If he doesnt have the instincts or the toughness he is going to blow in the NFL. Speed matters a lot, dont get me wrong, but should we think more highly about Brown because he has been training all his life on his technique in the 40??? Hell no.. He has an edge on these other players in the 40 because he is an efficient runner, but you will NEVER run like that as a LB in the NFL...
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I've had Brown on my wishlist all along. Something about these UNC players lately, I don't know why but they're all pretty studly.
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I've had Brown on my wishlist all along. Something about these UNC players lately, I don't know why but they're all pretty studly.
I've had Brown on my wishlist all along. Something about these UNC players lately, I don't know why but they're all pretty studly.
Butch Davis played a big part.
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The thing I hate about the combine (I've been watching/listening all day at work and some this weekend) is that these people train for the 40, train for the vertical, train for the broad jump etc. The NFL isnt a track meet. They arent training to play football. Obviously some of it translates when youre working on getting faster and stronger. But these people are raving about Zach Brown's 40 technique, "you can tell he is a track runner", "look at that form, how efficient his running is!!", "great straight away speed" etc...
Thats all great for a track meet, but this is football. If he doesnt have the instincts or the toughness he is going to blow in the NFL. Speed matters a lot, dont get me wrong, but should we think more highly about Brown because he has been training all his life on his technique in the 40??? Hell no.. He has an edge on these other players in the 40 because he is an efficient runner, but you will NEVER run like that as a LB in the NFL...
The thing I hate about the combine (I've been watching/listening all day at work and some this weekend) is that these people train for the 40, train for the vertical, train for the broad jump etc. The NFL isnt a track meet. They arent training to play football. Obviously some of it translates when youre working on getting faster and stronger. But these people are raving about Zach Brown's 40 technique, "you can tell he is a track runner", "look at that form, how efficient his running is!!", "great straight away speed" etc...
Thats all great for a track meet, but this is football. If he doesnt have the instincts or the toughness he is going to blow in the NFL. Speed matters a lot, dont get me wrong, but should we think more highly about Brown because he has been training all his life on his technique in the 40??? Hell no.. He has an edge on these other players in the 40 because he is an efficient runner, but you will NEVER run like that as a LB in the NFL...
Sure, if we want a track guy, maybe we could get a guy that runs the 40 in 3.94?:
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It's sold as a country label, though I don't buy it, but it's good none the less.
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People get way too butthurt when others don't agree with them.
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I think people seem to forget that we don't run that 3-4 defense anymore, and that we would better be suited for smaller, faster linebackers. This guy fits the bill on what we need at outside linebacker. I would consider drafting this guy if I were the GM.
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I love this kid, he is going to be something special. He is obviously fast but his jump off the snap is deadly. He plays downhill and causes havoc in the backfield. I hope he is there at 22 because I think this kid may be one of the best defensive players in the draft.
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The thing I hate about the combine (I've been watching/listening all day at work and some this weekend) is that these people train for the 40, train for the vertical, train for the broad jump etc. The NFL isnt a track meet. They arent training to play football. Obviously some of it translates when youre working on getting faster and stronger. But these people are raving about Zach Brown's 40 technique, "you can tell he is a track runner", "look at that form, how efficient his running is!!", "great straight away speed" etc...
Thats all great for a track meet, but this is football. If he doesnt have the instincts or the toughness he is going to blow in the NFL. Speed matters a lot, dont get me wrong, but should we think more highly about Brown because he has been training all his life on his technique in the 40??? Hell no.. He has an edge on these other players in the 40 because he is an efficient runner, but you will NEVER run like that as a LB in the NFL...
Sure, if we want a track guy, maybe we could get a guy that runs the 40 in 3.94?:
Sure, if we want a track guy, maybe we could get a guy that runs the 40 in 3.94?:
I always did wonder if anyone could crack 4.0 flat in the 40 (and not on Madden). I believe Renaldo Nehimiah ran a 4.1 . BTW, RGIII was All-State in 110 hurdles, so no surprise he ran that 4.4 .
Did a little research and a few track guys did beat 4 flat unofficially- using interpolation from their 60 yard times. For football players- Bob Hays 4.1, Darrell Green 4.09, Bo Jackson 4.14 .
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I think people seem to forget that we don't run that 3-4 defense anymore, and that we would better be suited for smaller, faster linebackers. This guy fits the bill on what we need at outside linebacker. I would consider drafting this guy if I were the GM.
I think people seem to forget that we don't run that 3-4 defense anymore, and that we would better be suited for smaller, faster linebackers. This guy fits the bill on what we need at outside linebacker. I would consider drafting this guy if I were the GM.
i thought we do play the 3-4?
nontheless i like brown. i like hightower. but before LB let's get claiborne and a DE. then grab LB WR amd OL. i'm guessing we'll even draft or trade up for a backup QB somewhere on someone else's team.
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Nope, Browns have been a 4-3 for a while now.
If their body can handle the speed [eg, the quickness of your deceleration compensates for any additional weight] then get bigger LB's. Fast LB's aren't always the best option for the browns, however.. anyone else remember the Craig Powell debacle?
I find amusing that as of this past weekend, Burfict is now officially a fourth-round pick or later.. he really wasn't motivated to train for the combine.
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Nope, Browns have been a 4-3 for a while now.
If their body can handle the speed [eg, the quickness of your deceleration compensates for any additional weight] then get bigger LB's. Fast LB's aren't always the best option for the browns, however.. anyone else remember the Craig Powell debacle?
I find amusing that as of this past weekend, Burfict is now officially a fourth-round pick or later.. he really wasn't motivated to train for the combine.
he really wasn't motivated to train for the combine.
but the cocaine is a different story.
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I think people seem to forget that we don't run that 3-4 defense anymore, and that we would better be suited for smaller, faster linebackers. This guy fits the bill on what we need at outside linebacker. I would consider drafting this guy if I were the GM.
I think people seem to forget that we don't run that 3-4 defense anymore, and that we would better be suited for smaller, faster linebackers. This guy fits the bill on what we need at outside linebacker. I would consider drafting this guy if I were the GM.
Fair enough. Despite japing with you about the track guy business, I think Zach Brown could be the type of player I would like to see the Browns go for.
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