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Photo of Donald Brown
Grade
?
  • 4.51 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 41.5 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 125.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 6.93 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.10 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 11.30 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 5'10" Height
  • 210LBS. Weight

Overview

Brown doesn't have any special measurements that stand out to scouts, but it's hard to think of something he can't do. His early entry into the draft came after leading the nation with 2,083 rushing yards and scoring 18 touchdowns as a junior, including a huge 261-yard effort as the 2009 International Bowl MVP.

He was named an All-American and the Big East Offensive Player of the Year for his efforts. That total was more than the combined 1,717 yards in his first two seasons while working in a platoon system with the talented Andre Dixon (who suffered a 2008 preseason injury to open the door for Brown) in 2007 and taking over for star back Terry Caulley as a redshirt freshman.

The fact that others have enjoyed so much success under head coach Randy Edsall is one of the key questions scouts are seeking to answer. Brown's production, like Central Florida's Kevin Smith last year, is undeniable, but considering the success of past UConn backs -- and their subsequent lack of success in the NFL -- Brown will have his doubters on draft day. Had an arm span of 31 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Compact build. Runs with a low center of gravity. Good speed to and through the hole. Best attributes might be his vision and stop-and-start ability. Shifty runner who can slide in and out of the hole at the point of attack and hit the seam before it really opens. Deceptively fast once he gets to the second level. Good balance to appear to lean one way to deceive the oncoming safety, only to bounce the other. At least adequate straight-line speed to gain yardage in chunks. Soft hands out of the backfield and an alert receiver. High effort player. Negatives: A bit narrow in his shoulders and might lack the frame to add much weight. Might lack the bulk and leg drive to be a true bell-cow runner at the NFL level. Lacks elite speed to breakaway from NFL defenders. Marginal size and strength as a pass blocker. Struggles of past Connecticut backs to translate their collegiate success to the NFL will force some teams to pause on draft day, especially considering the role left tackle William Beatty -- himself a first-day prospect -- had on Brown's success.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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