2017 Buffalo Bills Draft Prospects: Linebacker Blair Brown

Robert Molnar
Updated

Continuing our new daily series, we continue to take a look at players the Buffalo Bills may consider selecting at some point during the 2017 NFL Draft. While these players may not all be first round quality, this series will look at players across all the rounds that the Buffalo Bills could select during the draft process.

Moving on from yesterday’s potential first or second round selection of tight end Evan Engram, today, we take a look at a player that could be selected late on day three of the NFL Draft. With an aging Lorenzo Alexander at the linebacker position, the Buffalo Bills could look to add some depth and a future development player in linebacker Blair Brown.

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Background

A player that gradually worked his way into a starting role at the Ohio University, Blair Brown is someone that has shown to be a good story. Redshirting his first year, Brown became an every down player for the Bobcats in 2016 and also earned First Team All-MAC honors thanks to his great play last season.

Recording 128 tackles last season, Brown also had 15 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. An extremely talented but undersized player, Brown will have a long mountain to climb to one day be a consistent player on an NFL roster. Will Brown be a starter in this league? Probably not, but he has the passion and talent needed to make an impact somewhere on the field.

Strengths

A player that loves to play down hill and has the eyes and ears to always get to the ball carrier. Explodes through gaps in order to get into the backfield. Physical player that will hardly ever see one of his tackles be shedded. Is someone that trusts his immediate instincts and always goes full speed to break up plays.

Attacks blocks with some good leverage and will play way above his size in trying to break through and shed blocks. Plays ahead of blocks and has shown an ability to immediately sniff out screen routes. Brown can also drop into space and potentially play in some zone schemes while also focusing on his pursuit should he need to be in the backfield.

Weakness

Everything about Brown appears to be undersized. Standing 5’11 and weighing 238 pounds, Brown’s short arms may be the biggest concern about this tenacious player. Will struggle to break through at the NFL level like he did in college. Lacks pure speed to recover and chase down a player.

Will struggle to shed blocks from bigger, longer armed players. Will likely struggle in man coverage and also has no passes defended to his credit. Has been known to play a lackluster drop back and could get caught out by fast tight ends and receivers. Will not tick any of the physical trait boxes that coaches and front office people love.

Highlight Reel

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