NFL Draft 2007 - Round 1 #5 - Arizona Cardinals - Levi Brown
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James Joyner | Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Arizona Cardinals wasted little time in taking the best available offensive lineman, Penn State’s Levi Brown, despite several higher-rated players being on the board.
What the Experts Say:
- Rick Gosselin’s Final Ranking: 9th overall
- Mel Kiper Final Ranking: 5th overall
- Scout.com Final Ranking: 26th Overall
Evaluation: More of a finesse lineman, Brown has the physical, mechanical and intellectual tools to be a starting tackle at the next level. Must develop some consistent fire to his game, which will help him be a top-notch blocker.
STRENGTHS: Intelligence, Intensity
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Flexibility
Biography: Former defensive lineman who switched to offense as a freshman and then started at tackle the next four years. All-Conference choice after his junior and senior campaigns.
Pos: Nice-sized pass-protecting lineman with a good understanding of his position. Blocks with leverage, immediately gets hands into defenders, then controls them at the point of attack. Strong, easily holds his ground and rarely gives up an inch of room. Makes outstanding use of angles and body positioning, and effectively seals the edge. Flashes power and blocks with solid fundamentals.
Neg: Lacks adjustment and overall blocking range. Does not consistently play with a nasty attitude.
The Washington Redskins, who have only one pick left today, are on the clock.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Most draft analysts including ourselves didn’t see Brown going this high but it doesn’t come as a complete shock because his stock has been steadily rising over the past two weeks. In fact, some front offices saw Brown as an equal if not better talent than Joe Thomas heading into this weekend. Of course, the departure of Leonard Davis has created a vacancy at left tackle so getting Brown fills the Cardinals’ most pressing need. Brown should immediately step in as the starter opposite free agent signee Mike Gandy and for good reason. He is bigger and more physical than Thomas. His ability to open up holes and wear down opponents over the course of a game should please both RB Edgerrin James and new head coach Ken Whisenhunt who is expected to run early and often.
Though Brown isn’t an elite pass blocker and he needs to work on his footwork, he’s no slouch either so he should be able to hold his own depending on the matchup. More importantly, he has the athleticism and quickness to develop into an excellent pass blocker who can consistently hold his own on an island.
- NFL Draft 2007 - Round 1 #3 - Cleveland Browns - OT Joe Thomas
- NFL Draft 2007 - Round 1 #13 - St. Louis Rams - DE Adam Carriker
- NFL Draft 2007 - Round 1 #29 - Baltimore Ravens - OG Ben Grubbs
- NFL Draft 2007 - Round 1 #28 - San Francisco 49ers - OT Joe Staley
- NFL Draft 2007 - Round 1 #16 - Green Bay Packers - DT Justin Harrell
- NFL Draft 2007 - Round 1 #8 - Atlanta Falcons - DE Jamaal Anderson
- NFL Draft 2008 - Round 1 #26 - Houston Texans - OT Duane Brown
- NFL Draft 2008 - Round 1 #1 - Miami Dolphins - OT Jake Long
- NFL Draft 2007 - Round 1 #18 - Cincinnati Bengals - CB Leon Hall
- NFL Draft 2007 - Round 1 #4 - Tampa Bay Buccaners - DE Gaines Adams
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