pick 174, Earnest Brown, DE/edge, Northwestern

From Ourlads

One-year starter from Aubrey, TX. Started all nine games in 2020 and played in 40 games total over 4 years. An ascending player who started to come on the last four games of the year where he was injury free for the first time in his career. Has the prototypical arm length and angular frame for a left 4-3 or a 3-4 defensive end. Flashes strength against double teams and is quick enough to get into the pass rush lanes. Gets his hands up when stalemated at the line and gets in the throwing lane. Good awareness. Can hold his ground, set the edge, and keep his outside arm free. A good athlete who can run and take good cross field pursuit angles. Stays on his feet. Plays with functional strength. Uses his hands well to control and separate from a blocker. Keeps working throughout the play. Breaks on quick passes and runs to the ball. Has the footwork to move and disengage himself from a block. Demonstrates effort on long and short pursuit. Durability is a question. Sixth/Seventh round.

you know. i’m sure he’s seen mostly as a st contributor.

but. he’s an interesting prospect. he’s got very good length. very good size.

his speed and agility numbers. not the best. but they are not the worst either. actually, his numbers are only slightly worse than michael strahan. and strahan weighed in at 252 pounds while brown weighed in at 270 pounds. i know. i know. i am not trying to say he’s the next strahan. but he’s got a chance to be more than just an st contributor. i wonder if they couldn’t have him trim down to 250-255 and play outside linebacker. i don’t know. that’s for them to figure out.

but his agility drills in comparison to his 40 time does make me hopeful that he has the athleticism to be a contributor on defense.