Patriots: 3 Joe Thuney replacements in 2021 NFL Draft

Round 3: Deonte Brown, Alabama

At 6-foot-4, 350 pounds, Deonte Brown was truly something to behold in his position along the offensive line for Coach Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide team.  Put simply, Brown is a massive human being.  His size was not gifted him in vain, as he utilizes it to his advantage on the field from the guard position.

In true 350-pound fashion, Brown does not overwhelm in terms of agility.  However, he displays a somewhat surprising amount of relative mobility, and even some legitimate short-are quickness when asked to venture from his usual spot.

Where the outgoing redshirt senior truly shines is in the not-so-glamorous business that takes place in the proverbial trenches.  He carries a large blocking footprint, claiming more than his share of space along the interior, and displays sudden, violent, and well-placed hands when engaging an incoming defender.

While his physical profile is a bit unique, Brown displays the ability to handle the duties required of a guard at the next level.  A mauler in close quarters, Brown nonetheless shows the movement ability required to handle zone-blocking responsibilities.  While one might not expect the massive Brown to be much of a puller from the guard position, even a cursory review of his Alabama game film shows that he was used as the main puller fairly often in then-Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s rushing attack.

Add to all of this his ability to stay between a rushing defender and his team’s quarterback (as evidenced by the zero sacks he has allowed as a starter for the Tide), and you have less of an outlier and more of a potential every-down NFL guard-type.

If a savvy team like the Pats are willing to think outside the box with Brown, they could find themselves with a uniquely-equipped developmental prospect at the guard position.