Detroit Lions Draft 2017: A Linebacker for Every Round

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Sep 26, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Ohio Bobcats safety Nathan Carpenter (35) and linebacker Blair Brown (33) tackle Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Rodney Smith (24) at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5

Every year there are prospects who are overlooked for one reason or another, only to go on and make people wonder how that could have been the case. Ohio’s Blair Brown could be one such player from the 2017 NFL Draft.

IMO, if Ohio LB Blair Brown was about a half-inch taller -- to get to an even 6'0" -- he'd be getting Round 2 consideration. Superb film.
— Chris Trapasso 🏈 (@ChrisTrapasso) April 18, 2017

Lance Zierlein puts it this way in his prospect profile of Brown on NFL.com:

"Brown isn’t going to check off the “physical traits” boxes for teams who always prioritize height-length-speed at linebacker, but he gets a big check mark in the “find ball, get ball” box. He’s instinctive and has the play strength and leverage to fight through blocks and make his way into tackling position."

Regardless of size, a guy either can or can’t play and Blair Brown can play. He may not be a three down linebacker in the NFL but Brown can help a Lions linebacker corps in desperate need for some help.

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