Tennessee Titans Select Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina 2012 NFL Draft Grade

With the 52nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans have selected Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

Here is our report on Brown:

PROS: Speed, speed, and more speed. Increased bulk in 2011 noticeably….good tackler…instinctive…versatile…effective as a blitzing LB…very good in coverage. Production in the run game is improving (1.5 tackles for loss in 2010, through October 2nd 2011, he already has 4 Tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks)…makes plays, a lot, in the passing game…has been durable so far…
CONS:  tends to over-run plays..may rely too much on athleticism…on the lighter side…doesn’t have terrific instincts, is not interviewing well  and not receiving glowing recommendations from his coaches which is a concern

Player comparison:

Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers

Timmons  is slower than Brown, but Timmons is the best comparison I can think of a smaller linebacker who is as effective as a blitzer and who has the functional strength to be useful in the run game. The scary part is Brown is probably a better athlete than Timmons is. Timmons is listed at 6’1 234 pounds.

Projected round:

2nd

Thoughts

Zach Brown is top 20 on my own personal big board but I’m standing on an island on this one. He is not getting the respect he deserves as a guy who plays hard every game and can make plays all over the field. Brown has really long arms for his size and blazing speed. He’s terrific in coverage, he can blitz because of his speed. He isn’t an explosive tackler, but he’s good enough. He can be an impact defender and there aren’t many of those left in the class.

Sayre’s inital Bio

Not the biggest linebacker prospect, but his size is good enough, and his speed is more than enough. According to the official team site, Brown ran a 4.28 second 40 yard dash in the team’s offseason workouts back in 2009. He probably won’t hit that number at next year’s scouting combine, but he should be one of the fastest linebackers in next year’s draft, and is one of the top overall linebackers in next year’s crop of players. Brown will likely play the WILL linebacker position in the NFL. Last year, he had 72 tackles and three interceptions following up a sophomore campaign where he had 47 tackles, four for loss, and an interception. He is very much capable against both the run and the pass, and will be one of the top 25 players going into next year’s draft at the start of the season. If he has a big senior season, his speed and overall upside could put him in the top 15 overall. As much controversy as has surrounded the UNC program over the last couple of years, he has been a real bright spot and should continue to shine in 2011.

Pick Grade: B

Brown is a fantastic athlete who needs to get better at the point of attack, but he has a ton of potential. I think he reminds me a lot of Thomas Howard.