Dynasty Spotlight: DaRon Brown, WR Northern Illinois – 2015 NFL Draft
Dynasty Spotlight: DaRon Brown, WR Northern Illinois – 2015 NFL Draft
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 205 lbs
40 yard dash: 4.54 (official)
Hand size: 10.25’’
Vertical Jump: 37’’
Broad Jump: 10’0’’
NFL Comparison: Reggie Wayne
Scouting Notes:
One of the strongest receivers at the Combine (17 bench press reps), Brown uses that muscle to straight arm defenders and struggle for that extra yard. It should go without saying that he’s an effective blocker as well. Brown lags in the speed department though, where he lacks acceleration and isn’t necessarily explosive in his routes – a major need in the NFL. Still, Brown has hands for days and an all-encompassing catch radius. He’s willing to work on his route running, which is probably a good thing as he tends to drift rather than make decisive cuts. Brown’s feet and intuition in space cannot be denied, though – he knows how to find open space within a defensive scheme naturally, which bodes well for his prospects.
Fantasy Outlook:
Brown’s strength and sticky hands will garner suitors in the draft, but his lack of testing speed and explosiveness will keep him in the mid to late rounds. He’s got a good head on his shoulders though, and should work hard to get on the field in the pros. The downside is that it may not matter if he can’t get vertical separation from defenders, my biggest fear for his NFL future. If he can work out precise routes, his excellent catching ability plus the ability to find space after-catch sets him up nicely as being a consistent possession receiver a la Reggie Wayne. His fantasy outlook depends squarely on where he lands. Should he get drafted into the AFC South, he has a chance to thrive. He’ll have a hard time sticking out anywhere else.
