UNC Football:Scouting Report Zach Brown North Carolina
By Matt Hamm
For our scouting report series on Tar Heel NFL hopefuls for the 2012 and 2013 Draft. We’ve teamed up with NFLMock.com the networks experts on everything surrounding the NFL Draft. Keeping It Heel would like to thank Sayre Bedinger, Jesse Bartolis the lead editors at NFLMock.com for generously offering to share their UNC reviews with Tar Heel nation. And of course the entire staff at NFLMock.com for sharing their hard work. Check out NFLMock.comfor expert analysis of all the top NFL prospects. In our fifth addition we’re featuring LB Zach Brown. For the first edition 0n WR Dwight Jones click HERE for part two on DE Quinton Coples click HERE and for part three on DT Tydreke Powell click HERE for LB Kevin Reddick click HERE
This scouting report was written by: Jesse Bartolis
This is our Zach Brown scouting report. Even though Zach Brown hasn’t made a huge impact on the BCS they have put a lot of talent into the N.F.L. over the past few seasons (highlighted by Hakeem Nicks) and this year could be no different. Brown is a physical marvel who is going to be a first round pick in the draft in 2012.
For all of our other scouting reports check out our scouting report page
Measurables
6’2 230 pounds.
40 yard dash (reportedly a 4.28 in 2009. Probably 4.4 range now)
Stats:
2010:
72 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1.5 tackles for loss
2011:
Early on Brown has been a force: 25 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a FF, QB hurry, pass broken up.
PROS: Speed, speed, and more speed. Increased bulk in 2011 noticeably….good tackler…instinctive…versatile…very 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 in the passing game…has been durable so far…
CONS: Need to evaluate more thoroughly to find glaring weaknesses…Linebackers with his speed are uncommon, so he may tend to over-run plays,..may rely too much on athleticism…on the lighter side…
Player comparision:
Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers
Timmons actually ran slower than Brown is going to, but Timmons is the best comparision 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. Timmons was much more productive his final season than Brown has been so far, but Brown can get to that point if he continues his solid play (Timmons had 18 tackles for loss and 5 sacks his final year).
Projected round:
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.