Watching Some Tape - Justin Brown

I know it's really hard to find time to track down game tape and sit and watch it, and as a result we forge opinions based on other people's opinions or a couple of highlight reels. I thought compiling real game film here might make it easier for people, as well as give us a thread to discuss each player. Hopefully by looking at these instead of highlight reels, we can get a more accurate picture of what these guys bring to the table. I love highlights, but only when I want to get pumped about a player, not when I want to really learn. Anyway, it's another thing to do to help last us through the summer.

I hope you find the time to watch some and let us know what you think!

Justin Brown

3 games: Iowa State, West Virginia, Oklahoma State
[video=youtube;fZOYFWyKTns]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZOYFWyKTns[/video]

 

My thoughts:

Good size and uses it okay when catching a ball, but doesn't take full advantage by going as high as he could. Seems like pretty reliable hands, but does miss some that an NFL receiver should make. Saw a lot of bad throws from his quarterba ...Can make great catches, and knows how to work his feet on the sideline. Seems to have decent college speed but ran a 4.6, so will be pretty slow by NFL standards.

He is clearly not afraid to go over the middle. I think I saw him do like 56 consecutive in routes against Oklahoma State. Will probably take some time to develop, considering he lines up exclusively out wide on the right and nowhere else, at least in these games, and there's also not a lot of variety in his routes.

Is a good blocker when defenders have to get by him, due to his size. With his wingspan he can usually keep the CB at bay. He's a lot worse when he has to block on the run or in space, anytime he doesn't have a clear-cut target. Is capable of the big blind block.

I'm not saying he's a good return man or a viable option for us there, but just the fact that at 6'3" he was the punt returner at all says a lot about him, and is a good sign for his movement skills, despite the fact that I didn't see a ton of YAC on the tape.

This was the first time I watched tape on him, and I have to say I'm happier about the pick now than I was before. I didn't expect him to be as natural as he is with his body, and I didn't expect so much over the middle stuff. I don't see him making an impact this year unless, as the only tall receiver outside of Plax, he gets some private time with Ben to work on 2 yard fade routes and they develop chemistry together.

 

i like brown and i think he'll become a fine compliment player. i like his blocking alot.

 

Yeah, it was just when he had to go inside to block that he struggled. Kind of loafing around like he didn't know what to do. Once he locked onto a CB he was very good at staying on, and not giving up ground either. I hope he makes the team.

 

I am very familiar with Brown, having seen him in every game last year with OU. He's reliable, deceptive speed, good hands and will go over the middle. He did not get as much practice time with Jones as they would have liked, stemming from his transfer from Penn St. Stayed at one position due to offensive system. He did return punts2 for TD's, but was put back there mainly because of his being sure handed. If he can make the team, it won't a slot receiver or punt returner. He is a good goal line option but needs to become more versatile ( more than one position ) to stick. He also needs to get better separation, at this level. Being 6' 3" helps and hopefully he'll have an opportunity to build chemistry with Ben.

 

He is a big receiver. You think he can beat out Plaxico? I'm not so sure. I hear Plax came to OTA's in tip top shape.

 

plax is also 35 or soon to be 36 years old. you can't let a wr like brown go to the PS to keep an old receiver for one year. brown would be snatched pretty quick from the PS.

it's going to be a fine line they will have to tread this season and not allow our future to be taken just to keep two older guys around for a season. i think cotchery would be the better to keep out of he and plax. i'm wondering if the steelers didn't think cotchery did that good of a job as the lockeroom vet last year amongst that group. maybe plax would do a better job of it.

we do though have a much more veteran coach from what we have had with the young money group as of late. he alone should have a better repore in the lockeroom with them,so maybe an old vet isn't needed at all.