Just How Good is North Carolina LB Zach Brown
North Caroline Linebacker Zach Brown stock is dropping in the 2012 N.F.L. draft since the end of the regular season and the question I have is why? Zach Brown entered the pre-draft process as a first round pick in almost every mock draft on the web. He showed up at the combine and measured in at 6’1 244 pounds, about 15 pounds heavier than people thought he was in College. He also had 33.25 inch long arms, arms longer than some defensive linemen. At 244 pounds he still ran a fast 4.50 forty yard dash officially (which is usually slower than unofficial times). Brown is fast.
So what I”m getting from this so far is that Brown was Bigger and longer than people thought he was, as fast as people thought he was, but his stock is dropping?
Writer Dan Pompei writes of Brown:
Zach Brown, North Carolina LB. 40 time—4.50. He is a sideline-to-sideline, pure speed linebacker. Brown didn’t need to run a 40 for the NFL to know he’s fast.
Earlier in the season Russ Lande of SportingNews wrote about Brown:
Coming into season, Brown was still developing as a linebacker and likely to be a third-round pick. As a junior, he didn’t start because of the quality of the Tar Heels’ senior linebackers. When he played his production was inconsistent.
This season, Brown has been dominant, making impact plays in every facet of defense. He has excellent instincts, and combined with his tremendous foot quickness, Brown consistently reads and reacts to plays with urgency. He has elite speed in pursuit and when he gets close to ball carriers or quarterbacks, Brown shows an explosive burst to finish plays. Another skill that should translate in the NFL is his initial quickness as a pass rusher.
Brown could be in position to challenge as the first linebacker drafted in 2012.
Wes Bunting of National Football Post also writes that Brown has more instincts than people think:
Impression: A run and hit guy with impressive athleticism and range. Possesses solid instincts and is a better read-and-react linebacker than given credit for, but still not elite in that area. Nevertheless, looks like a starting caliber 43 weak side guy who would be ideal in a cover two scheme.
Brown has the most upside of any linebacker of this draft. He is bigger than people thought he was (he probably bulked up), he’s longer than people thought and quite long for a 6’1 guy, and still has is blazing speed. He has extremely natural coverage ability, and made a lot of plays in the 2011 College Football Season. So what gives?
It’s the under-rated and unseen portion of the draft: The interviews.
According to Tony Pauline of Draftinsider.net (and sports Illustrated)
The same cannot be said for players coming out of North Carolina. We posted weeks ago that coaches from the school have not been giving Quinton Coples ringing endorsement. We are hearing the same about linebacker Zach Brown and right now most scouts would be surprised if the talented defender makes it into the first round.
This is what makes is so tough to be a draftnik, or internet draft analyst. The part of the scouting process that is completely hidden from us often plays the biggest role in the evaluation process. Zach Brown has been terrific on the field. When most of his teammates didn’t show up for their bowl game against Missouri Brown tallied 14 tackles and was flying all over the field all game. In the pre-draft process he has been good as well. He did really well at the Senior Bowl especially in coverage, he impressed in the forty yard dash, he impressed in the weigh-in there hasn’t been any news about any injuries on Brown. But his stock is dropping.
There must be something off about Brown. Perhaps it’s his work ethic? Is it his personality? Does he not understand the game of football very well and just makes it up with his athleticism (and that will be the Brown nay-sayers) will point to.
The questions remain. But I still think Brown is a top 20 player in this draft. People say Weakside linebackers are a dime a dozen, but I say there are very few linebackers in the league, who has the ability to play pass defense line Brown does. In the modern day N.F.L. with freak tight end, Brown is the rare linebacker who can match up athletically, and with his long arms stay in passing lanes. Brown has a skill that can’t be taught and good production on the field. He’ll never be the most devastating tackler, but he doesn’t need to be. He can be a chase and tackler. he also has the talent to be a special teams Pro-bowl player as well. If Brown doesn’t go in the first round there’ll be team that regret it, and some team is going to get quite a value from Brown in round two.