Arizona Cardinals Potential Draft Pick: Charles Brown

Charles Brown | Offensive Tackle | Southern California

Height and weight: 6'5" and 290 pounds

History

Brown began his college career at tight end, but decided to make the transition to offensive tackle in 2005. He waited and didn't see any starting time until Sam Baker left for the draft in 2008. His '08 season was successful and he effectively protected Mark Sanchez' blind side that season. He emerged as a dominant tackle the following season and experienced his best year as a Trojan. That year he was honored with first-team all Pac-10 choice by league coaches. He also received the Morris Trophy after being voted the conference's best blocker by defensive lineman. 

Combine Results

Projected Round: 1st - 2nd

Strengths

Brown was blessed with a very long reach to which he often used to his advantage in college. He has a lean frame for a tackle(290 lbs) but he still has room to add muscle to his upper body. He'll often use his strength and jab to knock defenders back, but he also has a good initial burst off of the snap to mirror edge rushers. He keeps his knees bent and plays low to the ground. Brown can reach the edge quickly and will maul defenders once he reaches them against the run. He can reach the second level quickly with his agility and will knock defenders backwards once there.

Weaknesses

Brown only has two starting seasons in college and most scouts are worried that he doesn't have enough experience for the NFL. He does need to work on his fundamentals as he will sometimes lean on defenders rather then drive them backwards. He's a finesse blocker, and needs to improve on getting leverage against the run and using his leg strength. He'll sometimes try to punish defenders rather then securely latch on and contain them.

Overview

Most mock drafts predict Brown will slip to the end of the first round and rightfully so. He's clearly not the best offensive tackle in the draft but most feel Brown has only scratched the surface on his full potential. He has a lot of room to grow and it may be best fit for him to learn under a veteran first.

The Cardinals do have a large need an tackle with the loss of Mike Gandy. Levi Brown is projected to slide to the left side, meaning right tackle is a question mark. Although defense is a need, Ken Whisenhunt may be hard-pressed to pass on the potential that Brown offers. What are your thoughts on Brown and should the Cardinals skip a defender in the first?