The 2021 draft is filled with prospects from small schools. The FCS level is bringing some to the NFL this year, including two from Northern Iowa. The Panthers are sending both Spencer Brown and Elerson Smith to the draft as developmental prospects who can make an impact in their second years and beyond. While neither are expected to start immediately, Brown could be the one to start midway through his rookie season at the right tackle position. He is a lengthy, uber-athletic prospect who many have labeled as the best developmental tackle in the class.
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Player Bio
Name: Spencer Brown
Jersey: #76
Position: Offensive Tackle
School: Northern Iowa
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 314 lbs
Pass Blocking (8.75/10)
Brown is a much better pass blocker than run blocker. His length helps him a lot in this regard as he is able to hold the pass-rushers around his hip instead of on the inside. When pass-rushers get on the inside shoulder of Brown, he has some difficulties, but his length once again helps him get back on track.
Run Blocking (7/10)
Brown uses a lot more finesse than power in his game. He has a good get-off off the line of scrimmage, but he seemingly looks lost on some occasions when run blocking. Brown was used as a puling tackle sometimes as well, and he would bypass some incoming defenders from the interior and let them by.
Athleticism (10/10)
Brown scored the highest RAS score of any offensive linemen scored ever. He ran a 4.94 40-yard dash at his pro day and ran his three-cone in under seven seconds. Brown also put up 29 reps on the bench press. It is insane that he can run that fast at his size.
Footwork (7.5/10)
There were plenty of times when Brown’s feet would seem stuck to the turf when he was locked up with a defender. It would happen for a split second, but that lost time got him into some troubles, especially when the defender went through his inside shoulder.
Strength (7/10)
At his size, Brown has some issues getting underneath some of the pass-rushers he goes against. He has great upper body strength, but his lower body strength could use some work. On some plays, the defender would blow up Brown and push him back before Brown realized what was going on.
Hands (6.75/10)
His hands usually stay inside the shoulder pads. Unfortunately, there are times where he grabs and holds inside when there could have been some holding penalties called. He wasn’t called for them often, but it is something to note.
Versatility (4.5/10)
Brown is strictly a tackle, and he will most likely be playing right tackle in the NFL. The former tight end made the transition to right tackle when he arrived at Northern Iowa and Brown will likely battle for a starting right tackle spot from the jump.
Length (10/10)
At 6’9″, Brown has absurd length and he uses it to his advantage. When a defensive lineman or pass-rusher tries to win on his outside shoulder, it doesn’t work for them. Even on his inside shoulder, Brown has enough length to recover if he gets off to a rocky start.
Football IQ (8.5/10)
Brown has a good understanding of twists and stunts from the defense. There were plenty of times where Brown would bypass a defender he was originally blocking to nab another one coming on an attack to get his quarterback.
Competitive Toughness (5/5)
Brown plays to the whistle on every play. There were a few times where he would run his defender into the ground on run blocks and shove one in pass blocks.
Injury (4/5)
Brown suffered a torn MCL and damage to his patellar tendon in his right knee during the 2017 season.
Player Summary
Brown has all the makings of being a great right tackle in the NFL. He has a bunch of tools at his disposal that will make teams drool for him on day two of the draft. His blend of length and uber-athleticism are the two best traits he has. He is an elite pass protector that could use some work at refining his technique in the run game. Brown could also afford to add some lower-body strength to ensure he doesn’t get pushed around by pass-rushers. He could be one of the steals of day two.
Final Grade (79/100): Mid Third Round
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