Spencer Brown 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running back
Height: 6’0:
Weight: 220 Lbs.
School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Spencer Brown 2021 NFL Draft Profile
The University of Alabama at Birmingham power back Spencer Brown is looking to continue his football career in the NFL. At the UAB pro day, Brown showed his impressive physical skills. His 40-yard dash time may have only been 4.58, but for a power back, that is an excellent time. He only did the 225-pound bench 16 times but he makes up for it with his leg power. His vertical jump was 36.5 and his broad jump was 10’1″. For comparison, projected second-round pick Javonte Williams had an equitable 40-time, vertical jump, and broad jump. Brown’s numbers compare favorably to Williams, yet Brown is likely to be drafted much later.
The reason behind Brown’s low stock is what he brings to the table on passing downs. Brown was not asked to catch the ball very often at UAB. In eight games this past season, he only caught five total passes. Even when not running routes, Brown was often lost in pass protection. On play-action calls, Brown also seemed to play a bit too lackadaisical. At the next level, he will likely be asked to be a between-the-tackles runner. Brown averaged over 100 yards a game in 2020, with an average of 4.7 yards per carry. NFL teams needing a power-style running back could choose to ignore Brown’s limited passing options and elect to use Brown’s tough running.
Strengths:
- Power running
- Excellent Vision
- Ability to run through contact
- Durability
- Short yard work
- Ability to hold onto the football
Weaknesses:
- Pass protection
- Reading rushers
- Route Running
- Selling play-action
NFL Comparison: Malcolm Brown
Teams With Need At Position: Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets
Projection: 5th-6th Round
Last Word on Spencer Brown
Spencer Brown goes into the NFL draft after a very successful career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Brown averaged over 4.5 yards per carry in three of his four seasons at UAB. With almost 200 attempts in 2020, Brown also never put the ball on the ground once. He leaves UAB holding school records in yards, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns, and 100-yard rushing games. Brown also leaves UAB after putting up 4,000 career rushing yards, a feat that only one other player in the draft class (Travis Etienne) managed to do. Brown’s secure hands and production between the tackles will help his draft day stock. Brown’s lack of use in the passing game could be to his detriment. In today’s NFL, every down could in fact be a passing down for some teams. In order to truly make a difference on a team, he will need to prove he can pass block, run routes, and sell play-action.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
