Cam

Brown

Brown played at least eight games during all four of his seasons at Penn State. Overall, he racked up 198 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks 11 pass deflections and four forced fumbles. While Brown didn’t display elite speed (4.72-second 40-yard dash) or strength (16 reps on bench press) at the combine, he has the size (6-foot-5 and 233-pounds) of a true every-down linebacker. Still, it seems more likely that he settles in as a backup and contributor on special teams, at least in the early part of his career.

"[Brown] is average in zone coverage, but has intriguing rush/blitz potential that might be tantalizing,” Zierlein notes of the 6-foot-5, 233-pound Penn State linebacker. “He might climb the ladder from a backup to something more if he can play stronger and with more discipline.” The analyst observes that Brown -- while possessing fine speed and length -- can have a tendency to overrun plays due to a lack of discipline. But there is intriguing talent, here. Consider Brown a potential Day 3 diamond in the rough.

Brown gets a third-round grade from Pauline, which is second only to EDGE defender Yetur Gross-Matos on the roster (1st-2nd round). “He moves well laterally, covers a lot of area on the field and plays with good instincts,” he writes. He also notes that Brown needs to get stronger to get off blocks, but that should come with natural maturity. Another strong season from the redshirt junior could see him go on Day 2, if he chooses to not return for 2020.

Brown (6'4/199) was ejected after laying an illegal hit on Kentucky WR Lynn Bowden early in the third quarter. Because this ejection occurred in the second half, the junior linebacker will be required to sit out the first half of the 2019 opener against Idaho down the road. Brown ends his 2018 season with 60 tackles (6.5 for loss) and six passes defended.

Brown committed to the Nittany Lions over the summer and stood by his commitment come National Signing Day. The 6-foot-5, 199-pounder floats into the ESPN 300 at No. 240. Per the outlet, he showcased “equal power in both his upper and lower body allowing him to dominate” during his time at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland. He “runs very well and can close quickly to finish,” according to the Worldwide Leader’s scouting breakdown. They believe he’ll need to continue to improve in his hand technique to fully maximize his pass-rushing potential. He’s already flashed the ability to perform in coverage, though, which is a nice sign for his development.