Running Back – Illinois

5’11, 205 lbs

Strengths

Coming out of Illinois, Chase Brown is a running back to keep an eye on in the 2023 NFL Draft. If Brown were playing two-hand touch football, he would have the same amount of yards rushing as he does now. His great change of direction allows him to pivot pursuit angles to set up his blockers.

Additionally, he is decisive when committing to a hole, being quick to turn the run upfield. He has home run speed with a track background. His speed will serve him well as a weapon in the downfield passing game. Finally, he could have a role in the NFL in the passing game when defenses are spread out, allowing him to work.

Weaknesses

As I said to start, his yardage would be identical if he had played two-hand touch. Brown doesn’t have a lot of yardage after contact. Once a defender grabs ahold of him, the play is basically over. He doesn’t shed defenders and doesn’t move the pile at the end of short runs. Also, he will wait for the perfect hole, so his success at the next level will be determined a lot by his offensive line. Finally, he doesn’t show nearly as many creative moves to avoid defenders. 

NFL Fit and Draft Capital

Brown checks in at 200+ pounds so he will pass the tests as far as size goes for a potential NFL running back. His speed will also show up well at the combine as well. Ultimately Brown could carve himself a role with a team primarily as 3rd down back who at best may work his way into a rotation.  His failure to work through contact though will leave you loving him more in dynasty fantasy football leagues than in the actual NFL, where teams will love him. On top of that, he is a redshirt Senior so as an older prospect.

There will be a debate between his production as a Doak Walker finalist and a prospect who is two years older than preferred. He’s likely still a middle-of-Day 3 prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft in what is shaping up to be a loaded running back class. 

As for his dynasty value, he should be a pickup in the third or fourth round of your rookie drafts. Brown should be given time to see how the backfield sifts out as he is capable of the big runs that are hard to keep a player off the field after a highlight like that has happened.

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