Washington Redskins Draft Profiles: Preston Brown, ILB

Preston Brown

Inside Linebacker

Louisville

Height: 6'1"  Weight: 251 lbs

40 Time: 4.86 sec (2nd worst among ILB's at the Combine)

Bench Press: 23 reps

Strengths: Has a prototypical body for an inside linebacker. At 251 lbs he's thickly built, allowing him to absorb contact and power through tight gaps.  For a linebacker he has long arms (33 1/2") and big hands (10 1/4"). His ability to take on blocks while maintaining gap discipline proves that he knows how to use his reach and hands effectively.  He's a solid wrap-up tackler who uses his size to lay the lumber on ball-carriers every now and then. Shows a knack for deciphering a run or pass play pre-snap. Brown has played in 52 college games and hasn't sustained any major injuries.

Weaknesses: Doesn't play as slow as the 40 number shows but he does seem a step behind when having to go sideline to sideline.  Will struggle to track down faster backs receiving out of the backfield. As more of a run-stuffing ILB, he struggles to maintain fluid movements in pass coverage.  Did not have an impressive showing in movement drills at the combine.

Bottom Line: Brown is destined for special teams, but his sure-tackling and awareness could allow him to grow into a starter quickly. I'd compare him to Vince Williams in Pittsburgh. Late-round linebacker who, given the right opportunity, could develop into a contributor. Drafting Brown is not going to excite the fan-base but every team needs its solid, not-so-flashy players as well.

***School Ties***: Coach Jay Gruden was a four-year letterman at Louisville.

Projected Round: 5th

Teams He Fits Best On: Dolphins, Broncos, Redskins, Patriots

Highlight Reel: Two plays after 1:37 show his run-stuffing prowess.

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(via TheCrunchZone)