One of the underlying storylines to this NFL Draft is the number of hybrid linebacker/safety defenders in this draft class. From Su’a Cravens to Deion Jones to Jeremy Cash, are all guys who have been classified as defenders who can play either safety or weak-side linebacker depending on scheme/overall outlook.
With the way the NFL has transitioned to wide-open, offensive schemes, having fluid defenders on the field in particular packages is never a bad idea.
One name to definitely keep in mind is Jatavis Brown from the University of Akron. An institution known for producing NFL alumni such as former Norte Dame head coach Ara Parseghian, former Tampa Bay safety Dwight Smith, and most notably, former Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor.
Could Brown be next in line to partake in an NFL career as a former Akron Zip? If so, how does his skill set fit? Let’s dissect his attributes with a scouting report.
LB Jatavis Brown, Akron
Height: 5’11
Weight: 217 lbs
Strengths:
- A natural and gifted athlete
- Productive linebacker with 340 tackles in four seasons at Akron, including at least 94 tackles in each of the last three seasons, along with 40.5 career tackles for loss
- Quick-twitch defender with good instincts
- Speed and plenty of it; Posted a 4.47 40-yard dash at a regional combine
- Excellent model of consistency
- Exceptional burst which is on display when in pursuit and blitzing
- According to Pro Football Focus, committed only two penalties in 1,629 snaps in 2014 & 2015 combined
Weaknesses:
- Lack of legitimate size to be a full-time linebacker
- Literally swallowed by offensive linemen who reach the second level
- Play strength must improve, regardless if he’s positioned at linebacker or safety
- Runs around blocks instead of taking on blockers; something to think of at the second level of the defense
Bottom line: A mid-to-late round prospect who is very, very interesting. When you watch his tape, Brown stands out on some plays and puts his speed and outstanding burst on display. There are other times where Brown is completely wiped out by offensive linemen and absolutely has no chance whatsoever of making a play.
If a team wants to attempt to place Brown at strong safety, that will be an experiment but it may actually pay off over him being a fixture at linebacker. Many will point to his production as a notch on his belt and it is, until you realize his level of competition and come to reality with him going up another level once he reaches the NFL. There is no question that Brown is a top-notch athlete and can be an asset to a team.
Unfortunately, his contributions to a team may not come as a full-time linebacker and his future is a little cloudy as far as how teams can use his skills.