NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Everette Brown, DE/LB, Florida State by Jody Jamieson 19/2/2009
The 3-4 defense is getting back in style. Just a few years ago it was very exclusive, with only a handful of teams using it. With the Patriots making use of it successfully and the Pittsburgh Steelers having one of the most dominant defenses of all time in 2008, many teams are switching to 3-4, or at least committing to using a hybrid of 3-4 and the more standard 4-3 defense. Everette Brown is likely to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this. While he could probably fit as a hybrid 3-4/4-3 defensive end (more so as a 4-3 end than a 3-4 end however), he’s likely going to be most effective as a rush outside linebacker. He looks much like DeMarcus Ware did coming out of college, and some are arguing despite his relative inexperience, he’s actually a more polished player than Ware was coming out of college.
Brown was pretty much a hand in the ground defensive end with the Seminoles, and he was very effective playing this role. I do believe that if there’s a 4-3 team looking for a defensive end they may look towards Brian Orakpo over Brown for that role, even though Orakpo also projects well as a 3-4 rush linebacker. The reason I have Orakpo rated higher than Brown on my big board is because I believe Orakpo is much better against the run. Whatever role Brown plays in the pros, teams have to be committed to letting him become a relentless pass rusher or they may be disappointed. If they are committed to letting Brown get after the passer then they could unearth a gem.
What we like about Brown
The explosion off the edge is incredible and can be in the quarterbacks face completely untouched. Stays incredibly low and doesn’t lose any speed because of it. Has a motor that runs all day and didn’t miss any games due to injury in college. Will play with his hand in the ground or standing up and be effective. Wide variety of pass rush moves. He’s inexperienced, and his play suggests he’s not reached his ceiling just yet.
Question marks about Brown
One thing that is apparent is that Brown is an excitable character. One may see that as a positive and I suppose it can’t be a bad thing, but he is prone to over running the quarterback and missing the sack. Doesn’t shed blocks particularly well and needs to be stronger at the point of attack. Isn’t the best in run support and could become a one dimensional player.
Highlight of his college career
Brown has a fantastic junior year, totalling 13.5 sacks and an impressive 21.5 tackles for loss for the year. Left tackles just couldn’t deal with his speed off the edge and his quick jump and he became one of the most destructive defensive players in the ACC.
Other snippets
6′ 42 tall and weighs 252 lbs. First team All-ACC in 2008. Will be 22 years old in August. Famed for his volunteer work while at college and will likely be a “Neighbourhood MVP” on NFL Total Access when he turns pro. Fits best with Cleveland, Green Bay and San Francisco. I think he goes to San Francisco at #10 overall but a solid combine and pro day could have him going higher.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Brown was pretty much a hand in the ground defensive end with the Seminoles, and he was very effective playing this role. I do believe that if there’s a 4-3 team looking for a defensive end they may look towards Brian Orakpo over Brown for that role, even though Orakpo also projects well as a 3-4 rush linebacker. The reason I have Orakpo rated higher than Brown on my big board is because I believe Orakpo is much better against the run. Whatever role Brown plays in the pros, teams have to be committed to letting him become a relentless pass rusher or they may be disappointed. If they are committed to letting Brown get after the passer then they could unearth a gem.
