2017 NFL Draft Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Jayon Brown
By Ben Almquist
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking at inside linebackers in the 2017 NFL Draft. Jayon Brown form UCLA could be a solid addition to the roster.
One of the more popular positions for the Kansas City Chiefs in mock drafts has been inside linebacker. Many analysts and fans believe the Chiefs will get an “heir” to Derrick Johnson this year. I think they get someone for the other ILB spot, and that someone may be Jayon Brown from UCLA.
When I reviewed the Chiefs defense from 2016, the run defense was as bad as I remembered. A lot of people believed that was because Derrick Johnson had slowed down, and was eventually out. However, that isn’t what I saw. For me, the problems started up front at nose tackle. Dontari Poe simply didn’t command double teams. That has been seen to.
Beyond the defensive line though, the Chiefs had an issue at the “thumper” inside linebacker spot. Justin March-Lillard struggled to adjust to that role early on. When he went out, the role was left to a variety of players, none who fit any better.
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If the Kansas City Chiefs want to fix the run defense and address the inside linebacker position correctly, I think they should draft a “thumper”. Give the Chiefs that guy who can take on blockers and keep the playmaking inside linebacker clear. That’s what has worked for Derrick Johnson for years.
Specialists who warrant a late-round draft pick:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 24, 2017
Coverage LB: Jayon Brown
Run-stuffer: Stevie Tu’ikolovatu
Goal-line RB: Brian Hill pic.twitter.com/A4rOvqvKQs
Jayon Brown – LB – UCLA
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It was easy for people to overlook Jayon Brown because he played in the shadow of Myles Jack. However, Brown was a very productive player for the Bruins during his career. That is especially true on Special Teams where he received all conference honors. Brown is underrated, but should find a home in the NFL.
Jayon Brown shows good range in his play, going sideline to sideline. Plays patient and doesn’t over-commit himself. Will scraped down the line to attack the hole before the running back can. Very solid in pass coverage and shows a knack for reading the quarterback. Excellent Special Teams player with a lot of experience.
The biggest negative on Jayon Brown is his lack of size. Doesn’t hold his ground well, and can be moved out of the play. Doesn’t drive the ball carrier when making a tackle. Struggles to gain leverage, especially on bigger players.
Ultimately, I think Jayon Brown would be a poor fit in the Chiefs defense. He shows some great instincts and solid athleticism. However, he simply doesn’t have the girth and strength to do what KC needs at the “thumper” position. I see his future in the NFL as being a Special Teams player.
The Kansas City Chiefs are in a strong position in this draft. There are no immediate needs on the roster, which means they can draft largely based on the value of the player. That opens a lot of doors for John Dorsey and his staff. I expect the Chiefs roster to come out of the 2017 NFL Draft in a much stronger position.