Sean Brown, LB, NC State
Size:
Height: 5’11” (v) | Weight: 210 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
Three-star recruit
“Sean Brown fits the mold of a hybrid second-level defender whose skill set showcases the traits of a physical, downhill LB along with a rangy playmaker at safety.”
Strengths:
Versatility
Trigger
Plays a physical brand of football
Concerns:
Tight hips
Coverage
Film Analysis:
Sean Brown fits the mold of a hybrid second-level defender whose skill set showcases the traits of a physical, downhill LB along with a rangy playmaker at safety. He’s a former safety making the full-time move to linebacker in 2024.
Against the run, Brown is an instinctive defender who has shown the ability to bounce from gap to gap and explode through vacant alleys (5.0 TFLs in 2023). Does not have a ton of experience stacking/shedding linemen, but 2024 will paint that picture as he works consistently at minimized depth. Athletic enough to run sideline to sideline and Brown does an excellent job of bringing ball-carriers to the turf in isolated opportunities. Not the biggest or longest defender at the second level, but what he lacks in overall size, he makes up for in his willingness to hit and make plays near the line of scrimmage.
In coverage, Brown needs fine-tuning, especially when asked to work in man. He’s comfortable working inside the contact window against tight ends but must improve on mirroring his eyes with his feet as he can often get caught looking in the backfield on shallow-to-intermediate concepts (Virginia Tech). Has good enough footwork to turn and run, and has good instincts to make plays on the football down the field (two career INTs). He’s used to playing at depth which allows a longer grace period after the snap—it will be key for Brown to fine-tune his coverage ability as space and time to react decreases near the line. Very intriguing traits in zone that should translate well to the LB spot. Brown has good reactive athleticism. If he has a chance to get his hands on the football, it will more than likely land in his possession. Smooth, comfortable hands in the air.
Brown is also a dynamic blitzer and could warrant more snaps as a primary wide-nine on passing downs. He explodes off the line of scrimmage and is often the first man to the pocket. Has experience on delayed looks, as well as a twister on stunts up front.
Concerns remain about his comfortability in man and his production at a new position. Has had work at the second level in years prior, but more as an additional body in the box, not a primary LB.
Overall, Brown is a physical ballplayer with intriguing traits as a hybrid defender. His skill set is found on every NFL roster, painting the picture of a potential multiphase contributor at the next level. His comfortability and transition to production as a primary LB will hold weight in finalizing his prospect profile.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Notre Dame (2023), North Carolina (2023), Virginia Tech (2023)
