Wide receiver isn’t an exciting group as far as the 2016 NFL draft is concerned, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some intriguing options. Is Notre Dame receiver Chris Brown one of them?
Position: WR
School: Notre Dame
Year: Senior
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 180 lbs
History:
Was one of the top overall prospects to come out of South Carolina in high school and a premier athlete with a state championship in track that included multiple blue ribbons. He wasn’t part of the game plan much his first two years at Notre Dame, catching just 17 passes. Started to turn the light on in 2014 when he had 548 yards and a touchdown in 2014. Repeated it again with 597 yards and four touchdowns in 2015.
STRENGTHS:
- Flashes quick feet and acceleration, helping him to run crisp routes in order to get himself open.
Brown shows his value here. Though it’s not a highlight-reel play, this is how NFL receivers are expected to operate. Get off the line fan, run a good route to get open, look the ball into your hands for the catch, slip out of bounds to complete the play for a first down. Move the chains and next play.
- Though not overly strong, he throws his body around willingly when blocking.
- Flashes good speed, able to get down the field in a hurry.
- Has the explosiveness to go up for the football and shows no qualms about going over the middle.
- Just seems to be open a lot, showing a feel for where the soft spots are in a defensive coverage.
- Lack of strength offers problems at breaking tackles but he’s a decisive run who gets north-south fast after catching screens or other short passes.
WEAKNESSES:
- While his height is good at 6’2″, Brown has a thin frame that will make it difficult for him to handle more physical corners in the NFL due to limited strength.
This play shows the issue with Brown. Though not slow, he’s not a burner and without the strength to fight off the corner in press coverage, he’s blanketed down the field, forcing the quarterback to try to fit the ball in a tight window. That often leads to an interception or an overthrow. He must either get stronger or learn ways he can get off the jam consistently.
- Hands appear somewhat streaky. Tends to double clutch or drop balls more often than preferred.
- Feet are quick but also he can struggle with balance. Stumbles a lot and not overly threatening after the catch in terms of making defenders miss.
- Seems fast but it doesn’t show enough on the field.
Pro Comparison: Steve Johnson
Like the former Bills receiver (now with Chargers), Brown flashes the capability to create big plays and to get open consistently. He’s just not quite a #1 option type. Johnson had one great year in 2012 but typically averages around 50 catches and between 500-700 yards. That is territory for a classic #2 or #3 receiver type who will move the chains and create mismatches in the slot.
Projection: 3rd to 4th rounds
There is a lot to like about Chris Brown. He does many of the little things right, has quickness that jumps off the screen and takes his craft seriously. His lack of bulk is just too big a problem to ignore. If he can add more muscle, this is a player that could emerge from a mid round pick into a star.