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2017 NFL Draft: Top 5 Off Ball Linebackers

By Tyler Dickson

Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Ohio Bobcats safety Nathan Carpenter (35) and linebacker Blair Brown (33) tackle Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Rodney Smith (24) at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Ohio Bobcats safety Nathan Carpenter (35) and linebacker Blair Brown (33) tackle Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Rodney Smith (24) at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Blair Brown – 5’11″ 238 lbs – Ohio

Leader and quarterback of the defense, Blair Brown was the go to man on that defense with another NFL prospect Tarell Basham. Brown wasn’t ranked coming out of high school.

Strengths:

Reads his keys quickly diagnoses and reacts to the ball. Good ball awareness through traffic. Ability to run with running backs on swing and wheel routes. Nice closing speed to close angles on outside runs. Comes downhill quickly.

Flows with traffic well keeping his feet under him. Not afraid of blocks and will go straight at blockers. Physical tackler with great technique. Warps up and pulls guys down. Speaks as a leader of the defense with his play.

Weaknesses:

Small size and frame desired for the NFL. Zone coverage needs improve can just sit in his zone instead of reacting inside his zone. Agility problems show up on cut back and counters. Will just hammer into blocks at times with no technique.

Loses guys easily in man coverage. Big tight ends will give him a lot of trouble. Can get washed off the play with a lineman gets his hands on him because of his size and length.

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Overall:

What he lacks in size Blair Brown makes up for with his playstyle and relentlessness coming downhill. You can be small in the NFL if you are physical and Brown is definitely that.

NFL Comparison: Cory James

Film Score: 75

Athleticism score: 7.3 (NFL average)

Final Score: 74 (2nd rd)

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