Can Chase Brown Elevate In A Crowded RB Tier?
Chase Brown
Illinois | Running Back | 5’9″, 210 lbs
2022 Stats
Rushing: 328 att | 1,643 yards (5.0 yds/att) | 10 TD | 4 fumbles
Receiving: 27 rec | 240 yards (8.9 yds/rec) | 3 TD
Chase Brown, a redshirt senior, finished his final collegiate season at Illinois with career highs in rushing attempts, receptions, total yards and total touchdowns. His collegiate career began at Western Michigan and from there he transferred his sophomore season to Illinois. Brown’s role grew notably in his junior season and his touches increased season-over-season from 110 in 2020 to 355 in 2022. As he enters the NFL draft, here is a look at what he does well and where he has room to grow.
Pros
Brown displays good burst out of the backfield, with the ability to break through arm tackles without much loss in momentum. The burst (4.43 40-yard dash) is supplemented by patience behind the line of scrimmage. Brown also utilizes sudden cuts to separate from would-be-tacklers as he reaches the open field.
Despite a smaller frame, Brown displayed an ability to withstand a full workload in 2022 and run effectively. On 328 attempts Brown maintained a suitable rushing efficiency, generating 5.0 yards per attempt. Brown’s rushing ability coupled with his receiving prowess aided in keeping him atop the Illinois backfield rotation.
While exceeding 14 receptions once (2022: 27 receptions), Brown displays capable hands. Brown’s receiving chops are not limited to dump offs, as he has shown the ability to get upfield and make more difficult catches as a true receiver.
Cons
Brown boasts a number of positive traits that helped propel him to college football’s fourth-leading rusher in 2022. However, other traits may hinder his NFL draft capital and ultimately his opportunity to produce for fantasy.
Despite a strong base, Brown is still more slight than the traditional three-down running back. Thus, this may limit Brown’s ability to be as powerful between the tackles at the NFL level. If running behind a poor offensive line, Brown would be better-served to bounce to the outside.
One glaring weakness, which hinders many running backs from gaining a sizable role in an NFL backfield, is Brown’s pass protection. This is highlighted by Zareh Kantzabedian in reference to a blocking rep from Chase Brown at the Senior Bowl. Given his smaller stature Brown is already at a disadvantage as a blocker so improving on his footwork in this area will help to minimize the negative impact on his future quarterback.
Summary
Chase Brown ended his lengthy collegiate career on a high note, displaying both his explosive burst and patience out of the backfield. While his receiving ability will boost his value as a member of an NFL backfield, his smaller stature and inconsistent pass protection could lead to a smaller snap share.
I see Brown in the same tier as Sean Tucker and Eric Gray. At the right price, I am willing to take a later-round flier on a running back that has enough positive traits to be a viable fantasy player.
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Ideal Role: Committee Back
Player Comp: More Bulky Matt Breida
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