DraftTracker
Round | Team | Pos. | School | Name
Ronnie Brown
RB (6-0, 233, 4.43)
Auburn
Grade: 98
Comments
Has an excellent blend of size, power and speed. Runs with good body lean and pad level. Will break a lot of tackles and shows the consistent ability to move the pile. Has very good speed for his size. Shows a second gear in the open field and will run away from some defenders. Is one of the best pass blockers at the running back position that we've seen coming out of the college game. Is instinctive, tough, technically sound and isn't afraid to sacrifice his body. Has excellent experience in the passing game. Has an excellent feel as a route runner. Often works out of the slot and as a perimeter receiver. Is a smooth and crisp route runner. Hands are smooth and he shows the ability to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. He's a threat in the open field as a receiver, as well, due to his combination of size and speed. Is a little bit of a straight-line runner. Doesn't always show the ability to plant and drive quickly enough to hit and get through the cutback lane. He doesn't have great elusiveness. Won't make many defenders miss in the open field. Durability is a minor concern after missing two games in 2003 because of injury. However, he stayed healthy with a bigger load in 2004 and he doesn't have a lot of mileage on his legs. Brown has played second fiddle to Carnell Williams throughout his career at Auburn. In Williams' absence in 2002, Brown started six games and had a breakout season with 1,008 rushing yards on 175 carries. Brown was splitting carries early in '03 but missed two games of his own with a hamstring injury he suffered against Tennessee, and when he returned he just didn't get the same playing time that he was getting prior to the injury. Brown played a bigger role in 2004 with 913 yards and eight touchdowns on 153 carries and 313 yards and one touchdown on 34 receptions, but he still got far fewer touches than Williams. While taking a backseat to Williams may have been difficult to swallow at the collegiate level, it may work in Brown's favor on draft day because he has so few miles on his legs and body. He doesn't have the same quickness or elusiveness that Williams possesses, but he has better speed, he is bigger, and he also is much more versatile in the passing game. Brown may have been the least productive of the "Big Three" running backs in the 2005 draft but we think his NFL potential is the greatest.
* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.
