The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Ji’Ayir Brown 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Safety
School: Penn State
Size: 5-foot-11, 203 pounds
Class: Senior
2022 Stats: 74 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, 3 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
Brown spent time at the JUCO level and then at Penn State during his college career. Now he is in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a three-star prospect, Brown decided to sped his first two seasons at Lackawanna Community College. Following his time in JUCO, he signed with Penn State. He had six tackles in his first season as a Nittany Lion. The next season, he stepped into the starting lineup, tallying 73 tackles, six interceptions and five passes defended. He helped Penn State go 7-6 that season. For the 2022 season, Brown had 75 total tackles, four interceptions and three passes defended. He led the Nittany Lions to an 11-2 record and a Rose Bowl appearance.
Following his game in the Rose Bowl, Brown entered the 2023 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Brown is a very versatile safety who can help a team in multiple ways. He can play deep as either a split safety or in single-high. Brown can also come down and play in the box. If that isn’t enough, Brown also has experience covering the slot and is a former cornerback. His experience at different spots is aided by the fact that he has good awareness and reads quarterbacks’ eyes well.
His measurables are also favorable for an NFL safety. Brown is 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds, which is a well-filled-out frame. He also has decent arm length, measuring in at 31 1/4 inches. With his size comes solid play strength, which he uses to shed blocks and make an impact against the run. His solid length helps him contest catches.
He is very aggressive in run support. Brown can play in the box or fly downhill to make tackles on ball carriers. He shows good pursuit after he sheds blocks or gets through traffic. Brown can finish the play with a good tackle.
Brown is just an average athlete. He has tight hips and lacks great body control. Brown tested below what was expected at the NFL Combine, which likely hurt his stock. His instincts made up for a lot at the collegiate level and they will have to do even more at the next level.
He has trouble in man coverage at times, as he struggles to mirror the routes of receivers. When they make cuts, it is hard for him to keep up. He can also be tested vertically, as he has limited play speed as well.
There are times where Brown takes too many risks and can give up big plays. He falls for misdirections and play-actions. Brown is trying to make an impact on the game, but can find himself out of position too often.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Draft Grade: Fourth-Round Pick
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