Cody

Brown

The Lions could have opted to simply non-tender Brown as an impending exclusive rights free agent, but this move allows him latch on elsewhere more quickly. Brown is a former Cardinals second-round bust out of UConn.

Brown, who had 11 sacks as a UConn senior, is switching from college defensive end to NFL 3-4 outside ‘backer. He has the athleticism to execute the conversion eventually, but is no higher than Arizona’s No. 4 OLB right now. The Cards are likely hoping for an impact after the season’s midway point.

An end at UConn, Brown will convert to outside linebacker in Arizona’s 3-4 scheme. Brown busted loose for five forced fumbles and 11 sacks as a senior, but is still a ‘tweener at 6'2/242 soaking wet. We wouldn’t expect him to play ahead of Bert Berry, Travis LaBoy, or Chike Okeafor as a rookie.

This is probably as heavy as Brown’s been since last offseason. A rush linebacker prospect for 3-4 teams, Brown says he played in the low 240s as a senior. Brown, who ran 4.76 at the Combine, projects as a mid-round pick.

Haggans will probably only be a two-down player, with either Bert Berry or rookie Cody Brown replacing him on nickel downs. Okeafor, who played on the strong side last year, is now at a more pass rusher-friendly position and is a decent bet to lead Arizona in sacks. He won’t see double teams at ROLB.

Brown shattered multiple wrist ligaments in Arizona’s second exhibition. He faces a 4-6 month recovery period, and the team couldn’t afford to wait. The Cards are desperate for depth at outside linebacker. They could place a call to old friend and free agent Travis LaBoy, assuming LaBoy is healthy.

Brown’s agent revealed that he suffered a “rare” wrist injury in Saturday’s preseason game, but gave no details. The 63rd overall pick was competing for snaps at outside linebacker behind aging vets Chike Okeafor, Clark Haggans, and Bertrand Berry. It’s a big blow to Arizona’s depth. The converted college defensive end will chalk this up as a lost, “redshirt” season.

Okeafor finished ’09 with 47 tackles, but the Cards needed more than his 4.5 sacks at the ROLB spot. 2009 second-round pick Cody Brown and promising youngster Will Davis are next on the depth chart following Bertrand Berry’s retirement. Arizona may also look to upgrade at outside ‘backer this spring.

The 63rd pick in the 2009 draft, Brown couldn’t make the transition to 3-4 outside linebacker with the Cardinals and Jets. For a 4-3 team like the Lions, he’s worth a kick of the tires. Brown also has practice squad eligibility.

Arizona was quick to give up on Brown, the 63rd overall pick in the 2009 draft. The former UConn Husky struggled to make the transition from college end to 3-4 NFL outside linebacker. Johnson showed up to camp overweight, killing his chances. The mammoth lineman does figure to get a look elsewhere.