The Curious Case of Charles Brown
In the fourth installment of his special draft series, Chris Squire takes a look at Southern California's tackle prospect Charles Brown, the draft communities thoughts on him, and tells us how Brown is either a future tackle or a future footnote.
By PackerAaron
Cheesehead TV is proud to present the fourth in a series of draft articles from long time CHTV reader Chris Squire. Big thanks to Chris for doing this and we hope you’ll let him know what you think in the comments section.
This accurately surmises the sentiment towards Charles Brown:
Charles Brown, Southern California, 6-5, 303. He has an intriguing blend of size, athleticism and quick feet. Brown has everything it takes to be a fine left tackle in the NFL. This former tight end has been a good player for one of the premier football programs in the country. He has a lean frame and could stand to pack on some muscle. Brown is a little inconsistent in his play. He is more of a finesse blocker. His technique gets sloppy at times, especially in the run game. He improved his intensity level as last season went on.
There is a fair amount of consensus among the ‘draftniks’ related to position rank among the potential left tackles. A few of these are pay sites so forgive my lack of a link.
Scouts Inc. gives Charles Brown the #30 spot as an overall prospect and a positional rank of #5 (Okung, Williams, Bulaga and Davis currently ranked ahead of Brown).
Mel Kiper also has Charles Brown as his #5 ranked offensive tackle prospect (Okung, Williams, Bulaga and Davis currently ranked ahead of Brown). Brown is absent from Kiper’s ‘Big Board’.
Mike Mayock has Charles Brown tied for the #5 ranking (Okung, Williams, Bulaga, Davis and Campbell/Brown).
Wes Bunting (NFP) has a bit of a man crush on Brown, ranking him as the #3 tackle and #22 overall prospect.
I’m not here to argue either for or against Charles Brown. He’s an athletic kid and most certainly fills a glaringly obvious need, a very popular projection to the Packers. Brown will be considered a ‘reach’ by some if taken at the #23 position. That being said, there will be an inevitable run (if not two runs, round two is a separate day) on tackles and defensive backs, requiring a franchise to ‘reach’ if they really like a kid.
Here’s the challenge: Brown will either sink or swim as a left tackle in the National Football League. Looking at the four tackles typically projected ahead of Brown (Okung, Williams, Bulaga and Davis) each has the ability to move to either guard or right tackle for developmental purposes while being groomed as the future left tackle of your franchise or in the event that they don’t show the athleticism required to man the position (moving them to right tackle). The others can be physical run blockers while I see Brown as being an above average blocker (zone blocking scheme) but not somebody that consistently wins at the point of attack. Good to great run blocking tackles can mask pass blocking technique flaws because they keep defenders off balance. Chad Clifton was only an ‘average’ run blocker but a superior pass blocking technician in his prime. He was never the overall caliber player of either Walter Jones or Orlando Pace, but I place Clifton (in his prime) as the third best pass pro tackle of that era, a true technician.
I do believe that Charles Brown has the aptitude to be a very good pass protection specialist, wouldn’t object in the least if the Packers drafted him. That being said, there’s no margin for error. He does not have the skill set to fall back to either guard position or right tackle and dominate. He’s either your future tackle or your future footnote.
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Comments (35)
April 15, 2010 at 01:46 pm
If both Brown and Campbell are available at #23 - who do you take, Aaron?
April 15, 2010 at 01:53 pm
I guess that question should be directed at Chris, huh.
April 15, 2010 at 02:01 pm
Honestly, I watched a ton of Charles Brown in college and very little of Bruce Campbell. Campbell has a ton of upside, but he's also that classic cautionary tale that we've seen play out year after year: You judge a prospect by his playing tape and use the scouting combine/pro day to confirm what you evaluated on the tape. With Brown, it's confirmed. He is what people thought he was.
With Campbell - Inconsistent, disinterested and unmotivated on tape but a workout warrior. Every year a GM somewhere and/or fans believe they can 'coach him up' and help him reach his potential. Rarely, rarely does that fantasy come true and you have a bust on your hands.
I take Brown if given a choice between the two.
April 15, 2010 at 10:48 pm
I'm with you. We're not looking for a track star, we want a football player.
April 19, 2010 at 05:29 pm
Totally agree, here. A former Packers coach has a few tales about Charlie, and they are all good. It seems Mr. Brown has a bit of a chip on his shoulder and HATES to get beat on the Line. Pretty savvy attitude if you ask me. That's more like the type of players ol' Lombardi would go after and coach to be even MORE MEAN.
As stated, it seems the others, while all seemingly good, could very well be products of the system they're currently in. You can never tell. After all, we did draft Daryn in the 2nd round, no? Where has that taken us?
I go with Charles Brown. USC has been pretty dependable on getting players to the NFL level.
April 15, 2010 at 01:47 pm
(By the way, the site is again working at my office.)
April 15, 2010 at 02:04 pm
He doesn't have the skill set to play guard or RT. But he DOES have it to play LT. Look at his feet and his hands. He was more inconsistant the other years. Last year, he was extremely good.
He lacks the mean demeanor, but he improved in run blocking each and every year. But his pass blocking, IMHO, it's the best in this draft. He's just too nimble footed, and he bends well enough to deal with bull rushers.
As we rely more on the pass blocking, and play the ZBS, he's the perfect fit for us. He can get by with his technique and athleticism.
I had only 2 questions about him. One was answered in the combine: 35 1/4 inch arms are more than enough to play LT against anyone in the league.
The only other question I have is can he keep up his athleticism with added weight? He played at 295 at college, which could be a reason why he was so more fluid than every other T prospect. He did register at 10 pounds heavier in the combine, while looking as fluid as in college during the mirror and the kickslide drill. He looked like Joe Thomas on the last one. But drills are one thing, real game is another...
I really think, if Thomas isn't there, Brown ought to be the pick. If we don't pick him, either the Cardinals, the Colts or the Lions surely will.
April 15, 2010 at 02:10 pm
He has the frame to carry 315 lbs. comfortably and it certainly shouldn't impact his movement. Debrickshaw Ferguson (Jets) was only 290 lbs. coming into the league and he's put on good weight without compromising his movement. Ferguson was a much better run blocker than Charles Brown.
Again, not advocating for or against. Just a conservative guy that likes to 'hedge my bets' with line prospects. In the case of Brown I feel there's little 'hedge' and he's either a left tackle or nothing.
April 15, 2010 at 02:46 pm
But my point is, as far as pass pro goes, I don't think there's much question about him, other than the bulk issue.
Considering that we had Clifton for 10 years, wouldn't you be happy with another Cliffy for 10 more years? I would.
And I do think Brown is better athletically than Clifton, and that he can get better than Clifton is/was at run blocking...
I think Brown is a much more safe prospect than Davis with his ethic issues and Williams, who despite being more athletic than almost everybody else, has problems with his arm range. And Brown IMHO has better upside than Bulaga (Jersey Al will tell you as much). At LT, that is.
April 16, 2010 at 07:48 pm
RS, I definetely agree with your analysis. Bulaga and Campbell have underlying health issues that could turn serious if aggrivated. I'd be nervous from a long-tern view with either of them. Brown played for SC and is programed to the Pro-style offense. Okung is the only LT that jumps out as a no-miss selection. The rest have one issue or another to be worried about. Brown would not disappoint me. And you know how I am about the Oline. Risk is part of the draft process. Minimize the risk as much as possible but select the player who is honestly believed to be the best athlete available in that position. Only TT will know the answer to that. We only have a thimble full of knowledge when compared to the team's staff.
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Interesting statistic over at Packer.com. In his years (2005-2010), TT slected 10 Olinemen, more than any other position. After 5 full seasons, GB still has only 2 of the 5 starting positions that TT is responsible for. Sitton is one and I feel is a potential All-Pro. He was a 5th round compensatory pick by the way. The other, Daryn Collledge, a #2 pick, is a below averge LG with an over-inflated ego. He is entering his 5th year as a Pro and has not shown any ability to set him self apart from the below average LGs in the NFL.
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I know I'm going to hear about Spitz again. I stick with my opinion on him too.
April 17, 2010 at 02:37 am
Okung, if I'm not mistaken, played in a spread, shotgun style offense...
So even him is not a sure thing. But I do believe he's the closest to a sure thing...
April 15, 2010 at 03:16 pm
Brown does have upside, as a left tackle. I'm an Iowa alumn and have watched Bulaga his entire career. I agree that his upside is limited compared to Brown. That being said (this is where I 'hedge' that bet) Bulaga is capable of kicking to gaurd or RT and playing at an all-pro level IF he doesn't work out at LT. Bear in mind, Bulaga 21 only 3 weeks ago. The better an LT is at run blocking the more it supports him in pass pro. The two are NOT mutually exclusive and I don't understand why so many draft sites attempt to analyze them as such.
I like Brown a great deal, but if people are overestimating his ceiling they are hosed.
BTW - He's no where near the pass pro technician Chad Clifton was coming out of college, not even close. Can he get there, yes. Is he at the same point in his career, no.
April 15, 2010 at 04:01 pm
I agree. I meant to say he "ressembled" Clifton.
Clifton had better technique, but not better feet. Brown's feet are just so good, it's scary.
They're similar because both aren't maulers, that will net lots of pancakes.
Clifton HAD to be a better technician, because he didn't have, IMHO, Brown's feet to work with speed rushers.
And I agree, if Brown, for some reason, doesn't refine his technique to the maximum, he won't have the punishing ability to compensate for it. He'll have a hard time dealing with bull rushes.
But, if you look at his college career, he has progressed each and every year in the run game, bulking up and playing "meaner".
And it's like someone said, those USC kids are soft (the OL ones). They're not asked to be aggressive... Sam Baker, if I'm not mistaken, had the same label...
April 15, 2010 at 03:20 pm
First off, great article Chris I really find Brown to be an interesting prospect. Like RS said Brown is a great pass protector who gets by with the same skillset resemblant of Clifton's "technician" abilities.
I just wish there was at least some form of news linking Charles Brown to the packers. Brown was asked if the Packers had spoke to him during the combine and he said "no." There was also a nicely written article about Brown's former O-line coach who used to work for the packers, but again no interest made by an packers scouts. Finally we have USC's pro day where TT was in attendance. However TT skipped Brown's workouts completely. Either the Packers really have no interest in this kid or he's the best kept secret of the draft. As some people have been telling me, it's all a TT smokescreen and he's actually been scouting him in privacy.
Either way I'd love to pick up Charles Brown with our first pick. You know what they say, Trojans offfer the best "protection"!!
April 15, 2010 at 03:27 pm
The best approach this time of year: Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear. Every franchise is blowing smoke when it comes to what they say and do with prospects. The biggest waste of print each day revolves around the reporting of what prospect is visiting what franchise.
Believe it or not, if TT 'appears' to not show interest I would tend to believe it probable that he is interested.
All these guys are intentionally obtuse and paranoid prior to the draft.
April 19, 2010 at 05:37 pm
True. I didn't know it at the time, because the Press had everyone looking in a different direction, but apparently, TT was looking HARD at Sam Baker when he came out for the Draft. But, another Team took him a couple of selections ahead of the Packers. After that, TED was simply doing the BPA approach and took Jordy Nelson instead. Keep your fingers crossed.
Personally, I think he can put on another 20 pounds to what he weighed in the Combine and STILL hold his own. The profile reads he used to be a Tight End and then moved to Tackle after he didn't stop growing. So, basically, he's "growing" into the position. That's an UPside.
April 15, 2010 at 04:12 pm
If his case is as curious as Benjamin's then I say avoid him at all costs. In 10 years dude will be 100 pounds and watching sponge bob. Not worth it.
April 15, 2010 at 04:53 pm
This is an absolutely flawless take on Brown IMO by Mr. Squire. From his footwork to him being a LT only everything from his strengths to weaknesses was spot on. Definitely a great addition to the CHTV ''staff''. Really looking forward to seeing his future takes on prospects and hopefully a breakdown of the new Packers after the draft.
April 15, 2010 at 05:33 pm
Besides Clifton, the Packers had another "technician" in Ken Ruettgers a few years back and he lasted a long time. If Brown has those "fast feet" he can learn the finer points of blocking. My next question is if Campen can coach him up. In any event, I'd vote for Brown at #23.
April 15, 2010 at 06:49 pm
"My next question is if Campen can coach him up."
Damn. That's a fair enough question...
So... we need to see if Brown is smart enough to be a self-taught football player...
April 19, 2010 at 05:41 pm
GIVE THAT MAN A CIGAR.....
Much like when we had the Bob Sanders crew coaching defense... the Veterans simply went out and did it on their own. Campen may have played Center back in the 80's, but he simply can't coach... wait, I meant TEACH.
I would suggest Brown go look at film of both Clifton and especially Ruettgers (my long time fav).
Note to self: Keep searching for that missing #76 with Kenny's name on it.
April 15, 2010 at 09:16 pm
All good comments. How much does he resemble John Michels?
April 15, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Non whatsoever. They both attended USC and played the same position, similarity ends there. I still consider John Michaels the worst 1st round pick I've ever seen the Packers make (at least Mandrich went on to have some type of productive 2nd chance with the Colts).
April 19, 2010 at 05:43 pm
Wow - never thought I'd see that in print. Most people defend Michels, as he got injured and THAT is supposedly why he didn't pan out. The other discussion is that he was a Ron Wolf selection, therefore YE SHALL NEVER BAD MOUTH IT (the selection, that is).
Opinions ?
April 16, 2010 at 04:11 am
Resigning Clifton and Tauscher allows us to wait on Brown to put on some muscle, if that's the big negative on him in their evaluation. No amount of time changes a lack of fire, so Brown gets the edge over Campbell in my book, though it's mostly based off what I'm reading. We all know that ends up being a lot of groupthink.
April 16, 2010 at 01:23 pm
Unless a special player like McClain is there at the 23 pick, I see the pack trading down, Brown has 2nd round value written all over him.
I have a feeling that a player or two is going to drop or stock will rise that the Packers will not be interested in but other teams are going to be willing to trade up to that 23rd spot.
April 17, 2010 at 02:39 am
I'd like for it to happen, but don't you think AZ or the Colts will reach for a LT? Not to mention that if the Lions take Suh, and Brown is there in their 2nd, there's no doubt they take him.
I think if we trade down, we don't get Brown. It rimes!
Still there's Saffold, but I like Brown better...
April 19, 2010 at 05:44 pm
I thought the Colts HAD their man for Left Tackle? I'll have to review that again. He settled in fairly well, last year. The Colts did make the SuperBowl ya know.
April 16, 2010 at 01:52 pm
Even though Brown has a second round grade on him that doesn't mean a team won't give him a chance in the first round. It only takes 1 GM to really pull thr trigger and it happens every year (see Darius Heyward Bey). I know for a fact that if the Packers pass up on Brown at 23, the odds of him dropping to our 2nd round pick are slim to none. The Cowboys and the Colts would never pass him up in the first and the Lions won't pass him up in the second if they don't take Okung, neither will the Redskins.
April 16, 2010 at 02:19 pm
His position value alone (Left Tackle) will likely get him taken in the 1st round, above where he's being graded. I wouldn't be surprised if a team even jumps the #23 spot and takes Charles Brown. Athletic Left Tackls are a rarity, and it's the 2nd most important position in a pass happy league.
April 17, 2010 at 01:34 pm
Hi guys,
Long time reader, first time posting. All the way from Denmark.
I do believe Brown will go in the first round. To much upside to pass into the second round.
Ye olde PackerUpdate think the Pack will select Roger Saffold because the coaching staff can't coach players. Bullshit. Does anybody know who thier "long time scout" is? Isn't it just a title he gives himself so that he won't seem crazy when posting his nonsense?
April 17, 2010 at 02:44 pm
Thompson said he wouldn't reach for an LT and right now the consensus is that both Campbell and Brown would be a reach at no. 23. If we traded back I would mind taking either, Brown maybe later 1st round and Campbell in the 2nd.
If Spiller falls past the top 10 I would love to see green bay trade up. Seattle and San Francisco both have two picks at 14 and 13, respectively.
April 17, 2010 at 05:31 pm
Consensus means poop to TT. CM3 was a consensus late 1st early 2nd. To TT, he was #15.
He said he wouldn't reach, and is an absolute truth. But who's to say WHERE Brown and Campbell are on his board???
April 17, 2010 at 08:19 pm
Brown will go in the first round even if it's not to GB. I see Dallas dumped Flozell Adams. I could see Brown going there at the bottom of round 1. Actually, I think I like him better than I like Anthony Davis.
April 19, 2010 at 05:49 pm
Great comments, guys. The part I'm watching is how high does Charles Brown go, in the next 72 hours(?) His stock has been on the rise, for the last two weeks. That's a good thing for him and his Family and in this case, most likely a good thing for the NFL and whomever lands him on Day One.
My neck itches when people mention Campbell. And, not in a good way.
Let's say Brown is gone on Pick #22. We would then be also looking for a Cornerback, another Linebacker and certainly a Safety - as DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Aside from that, I hope we spend several picks on O-Line material.