2009 NFL Draft Predictions: Everette Brown

With very few negatives, top-ranked defensive end Everett Brown will hear is name called early in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Brown is leaving Florida State after a junior season featuring 21.5 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks and being named All-American. He got off to a good beginning with the Seminoles, starting three games as a freshman. In that season, Brown tallied 13.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks. The 2007 season ended with Brown catching credit for 37 tackles, 11.5 for a loss and 6.5 sacks.

Everette Brown has a unique burst of speed off the snap, but exhibits strong balance and the flexibility to quickly change direction to make the play. His pass rushing skills are strong. As an underclassman, Brown shows great versatility in movement to counter blocks. With his speed, he is able to force a blocking tackle to go wide.

Brown's upper body strength is a concern as he has rarely shown the ability to break up a double team. However, he has a body size that can easily handle more muscle mass at 6'2" 256. With some time, Everette Brown could transition to inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

With so many teams in need of defensive talent, Brown could find his name called by anyone. He can fit into right defensive end in the 4-3 or as a rush linebacker in the 3-4. There is a lot of depth in this year's defensive draft class so many teams may be more selective in the early rounds regarding offensive linemen. Green Bay needs a solid pass rusher and Brown's 2008 stats are evidence of his skills. The same could be said for Buffalo. If Everette Brown is still in the mix, Denver has a new defensive coach who loves speed.

Sources: http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/everette-brown?id=71227#player-profile-tab-set-1:player-profile-tab-analysis; http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?Prospect_ID=1711; http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&nid=3661431&yr=2009;