Zach Brown Scouting Report

While the suspended players on North Carolina's 2010 defense garnered most of the headlines, Brown emerged from a host of backups to be the leader of the bunch. The linebacker had been overshadowed by star players like Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant, but he made a name for himself by finishing second on the 2010 team with 72 tackles despite starting only five games. As a senior in 2011, Brown led the team with 62 solo tackles and 105 total tackles. He was also tops with three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and seven passes defensed. Brown was second in both tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (5.5).

Brown has a ton of experience, having played sparingly as a freshman before starting six games at weakside linebacker in 2009. His physical assets are not particularly impressive (he stands at 6'2'' and 230 pounds), but he makes up for any size deficiencies with speed. A member of the track team, Brown set a school record in the indoor 60-meter dash last season and he has been clocked as fast as 4.40 in the 40-yard dash. That is almost unheard of quickness for a linebacker. Furthermore, he is very strong despite his relative lack of build and is a sound tackler. He will be best at outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. Brown should be a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.