Titans Select Former Tar Heel LB Zach Brown in Second Round of NFL Draft

The second North Carolina Tar Heel to hear his name called in the NFL Draft was linebacker Zach Brown who was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round.  Brown fits perfectly with what the Titans do on defense in my view.  A 4-3 team that needed play makers with speed who could step right in and make an impact on their defense.  Brown fits the bill like a glove.

Brown is the type of player a team can plug into their defense with confidence the rookie will not be overwhelmed and can get the job done early.  His speed and maturity at the position and the fact that he’s learned to be extremely effective as an undersized LB already bodes well for him in the NFL.  I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Brown, not Quintin Coples (who was taken #16 overall by the Jets) ends up being the Tar Heels most productive rookie in the NFL this season.

Here is a pre draft scouting report on Brown from NFL Mocks

Measurables

6’1 244 pounds, 33.25 arms, 9.5 inch hands

40 yard dash (reportedly a 4.28 in 2009. Probably 4.4 range now)

Combine numbers:

4.50 forty yard dash, 33.5″ vertical, 116″ broad jump

Stats:

2010:

72 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1.5 tackles for loss

2011:

PROS: Speed, speed, and more speed. Increased bulk in 2011 noticeably….good tackler…instinctive…versatile…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, a lot, in the passing game…has been durable so far…
CONS:  tends to over-run plays..may rely too much on athleticism…on the lighter side…doesn’t have terrific instincts, is not interviewing well  and not receiving glowing recommendations from his coaches which is a concern

Player comparison:

Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers

Timmons  is slower than Brown, but Timmons is the best comparison 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.

Projected round:

2nd

Thoughts

Zach Brown is top 20 on my own personal big board but I’m standing on an island on this one. He is not getting the respect he deserves as a guy who plays hard every game and can make plays all over the field. Brown has really long arms for his size and blazing speed. He’s terrific in coverage, he can blitz because of his speed. He isn’t an explosive tackler, but he’s good enough. He can be an impact defender and there aren’t many of those left in the class.

Sayre’s inital Bio (pre 2011 season)

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.

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