Oakland Raiders Player Review: Tarell Brown
Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown (25) breaks a tackle attempt by Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) after intercepting the ball during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Recently I was asked about whether or not the Oakland Raiders would pursue any Cornerbacks/Defensive Backs in free agency prior to the NFL Draft, and the answer to the question is, I don’t know. What I do know is this, the Raiders picked up free agent Cornerback Tarell Brown from the San Francisco 49ers. This guy is pretty good. Oh, I should mention that he is under 30 years of age. He just turned 29 in January.
Brown was drafted by the 49ers in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas. He has played in 100 games during his career, he has totaled 240 combined tackles (214 solo), 55 passes defensed, 11 interceptions, and 1 touchdown. That’s pretty good for his first 6 years in the league. Basically, he’s a hard hitting defensive back who can play in either a man or zone scheme.
Who does he compare to? Again, I don’t know if there is a comparison out there for him, but here are some stats from some well-known CB’s around the league:
1. Charles Woodson; In his first 6 years in the league, Woodson played in 87 games, he had 353 combined tackles (299 solo), 70 passes defensed, 15 interceptions, and 2 touchdowns.
2. Antonio Cromartie; In his first 6 years in the league, Cromartie played in 127 games, he had 252 combined tackles (227 solo), 70 passes defensed, 22 interceptions, and 2 touchdowns.
3. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie; In his first 6 years in the league, DRC played in 92 games, he had 246 combined tackles (222 solo), 98 passes defensed, 19 interceptions, and 5 touchdowns.
4. Richard Sherman; Not as many years in the league, but a good comparison nonetheless. In Sherman’s last 3 seasons, he has played in 48 games, he has had 167 combined tackles (138 solo), 57 passes defensed, 20 interceptions, and 2 touchdowns.
With the exception of Tarell Brown’s tackle numbers, his other numbers aren’t as eye-popping as CW, AC, DRC, or RS, but he is a solid cornerback. Not only this, he comes from a really good defensive system in which he will be able to impart his knowledge onto the younger corners (i.e., DJ Hayden). Brown improves the Raiders defensive backfield, especially when it comes to cover corner.
Brown, Hayden, Usama Young, Charles Woodson, Tyvon Branch, well you get the picture. This is going to be a very good unit. Coupled with the improved defensive line and hard-working linebackers, this defense will be tough to beat. With the youth from the 2013 and 2012 draft, this unit has the potential to be able to push hard for the entire season. Of course, I am hoping the Raiders draft a defensive back in the 2014 Draft as well.
If there are any questions about who Tarell Brown has covered recently, then I suggest you watch the video I have attached. It will clearly show that Brown can hang with some of the top wide-outs in the game today. He also has a very good knack for the football. He will be a player to watch in 2014.
The attached video is courtesy of YouTube: