Sydney

Brown

Safety Sydney Brown was also removed from the injury report. Both news items are big wins for an Eagles secondary that has been ravaged by injuries this year. Slay missed Week 6 with the knee issue but was a full participant in practice today, so he should be able to play without any limitations. Jalen Carter, who also missed last week, is back in action as well.

Brown (5’10/211) is the twin brother of Illinois RB Chase Brown who has been a staple of the program for five years spanning 3,168 snaps, 319 tackles, 26 PBU, and 10 interceptions to go with three All-Big Ten nods. His NFL Draft stock soared this year in Illinois’ top-3 rated defense when Brown racked up 13 PBU and six interceptions, earning Second-Team All-American honors. The rocked-up Brown lined up primarily in the box where he posted 25 stops with a sensational 49.6 NFL Passer Rating when targeted as he reinforced the front-seven with authority. Arguably the freakiest safety in the class, Brown ran a scorching 4.47s 40 (94th%), 1.50s 10-yard split (99th%) along with a 40.5” vertical (97th%), and 10’10” broad (98th%). Toss in a ridiculous 23 bench reps (95th%) and you’ve got a 9.68 RAS that shows off exactly the kind of athleticism he brings to the table. The fact he didn’t do agility tests is not surprising, as his change-of-direction ability and 18% missed tackle rate are worrisome. However, his special teams acumen and ability to cover backs and tight ends at an advanced level from the box are NFL-worthy.