2019 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 25 Prospects entering NFL Combine
Nicknamed “Hollywood,” the Oklahoma product has the type of game-breaking top-end speed that has NFL teams salivating.
Coming off of back-to-back 1000+ yard seasons in Norman, Brown has the production to back up his athleticism. He benefited from playing with consecutive Heisman Trophy winners in Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, but on teams loaded with quality talent at receiver, Brown was the preferred target for both.
Brown is a bit undersized at 5-foot-10, but that’s not likely to negatively affect his stock too much with plenty of undersized receivers – including his All-Pro cousin Antonio Brown – producing at a high level in spite of their size.
His height limitations can hurt him in contested situations, but you have to catch him first in order to provide that contest. Brown’s initial burst and lateral quickness at the line-of-scrimmage is elite, putting defensive backs at an immediate disadvantage. He’s the best deep target in this draft class, with his ability to get behind and take the top off of defenses with his vertical route-running ability.
He also has the vision and shiftiness to make plays in the open field after the catch. He could factor in as a punt returner at the next level as well.
The Browns would make for an intriguing landing spot for the Oklahoma receiver, pairing him once again with former teammate Baker Mayfield. He would provide the deep threat to perfectly compliment Cleveland’s current group of receivers, potentially taking the offense to another level as the Browns look to make a playoff push in 2019.
If Cleveland passes, there’s plenty of other teams in the mid-to-late first round range who have needs at receiver, including the Ravens, Raiders, Colts, Packers, and Patriots.