Rookie Spotlight: Chase Brown, Illinois
Height: 5’ 9 1/2”
Weight: 215 lbs (Senior Bowl)
Hands: 9 7/8”
Arm: 31 1/8”
40 yard dash: 4.42 sec
2023 Age: 23
NFL Comparison: Jerrick McKinnon, Khalil Herbert, Eno Benjamin, Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Offensive Market Share Metrics (Final Season)

Rushing Attempts: 62%
Receptions: 10%
Scrimmage Yards: 38%
Scrimmage TDs: 39%
Total Production Percentage: 37%

As a high school prospect: Class of 2018; 3-star

Pros
Explosive, downhill runner
Break away speed
Precise jump cuts
Excellent contact balance
Sees the field well
Asset in the passing game

Cons
Willing but imprecise pass blocker
Can be too patient at times
Needs to work on ball security
Was terrible at Senior Bowl practices

Scouting Notes:
Brown is a savvy, downhill runner who explodes through his lanes with aplomb and vigor. He’s patient for those lanes to open too, sometimes too patient. He uses quick footwork to make subtle yet effective jump cuts to evade tackles, rather than dancing all over the place, so he’s more slippery than agile as a runner at the second level. He’s not particularly powerful, but Brown displays superb contact balance, enough to mitigate almost all but the most direct impact. It’s off to the races when Brown is in the open field, as the former track star has 4.42 speed at his disposal. He also sees the field really well, so it seems as though he’s a step ahead of the defense in most instances. High motored, Brown is a dynamic asset in the passing game, catching 27 passes for 240 yards and 3 TDs – He was an all-around chain mover for Illinois, coming in 4th in the FBS in total yards(1,883 yards). As a bass blocker, Brown is exceedingly willing, but he lacks polish in that area. He also needs to work on his ball security, though when you’re touching the ball as much as he did(328 rushes in 2022), it’s not as glaring an issue. We had 215 lbs at the Senior Bowl, but he was measured at 209 at the Combine, I suppose in an attempt to run a faster 40. It obviously paid off, and it shows that he has the capability to put on bulk if necessary.

Fantasy Outlook:
One of the most productive backs in the nation last year, Brown escaped without any major injuries, but he is already 23, and some teams might count his wear and age against him. He was also inconsistent in the passing game at the Senior Bowl, which I’m hoping can be attributed to nerves more so than a lack of proficiency. All in all, Brown shapes up to be a high upside 1B or change of pace back, who could find himself in a starting role should he turn enough of his limited touches into big plays.