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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Willie Brown (College Stats) - 1964 NFL Draft Pick #32 by RAM

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Willie Brown (1964 NFL Draft)

Willie Brown was a standout player coming out of college, showcasing impressive skills that caught the attention of NFL scouts. Below is a summary of his college stats and an analysis of his potential as he entered the 1964 NFL Draft:

  • Position: Cornerback
  • College: Grambling State University
  • Height: 6'1"
  • Weight: 185 lbs

College Stats

  • Interceptions: 10 career interceptions
  • Pass Deflections: Numerous pass deflections showcasing his ability to read plays
  • Tackles: Strong tackling ability, contributing to both pass defense and run support

Strengths

  • Coverage Skills: Brown demonstrated exceptional ball-hawking skills and the ability to stay with receivers, making him a valuable asset in pass defense.
  • Physicality: His size and physicality allowed him to match up against larger receivers, which was a rare trait among cornerbacks at the time.
  • Intelligence: Brown's football IQ was evident in his ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate plays, leading to many of his interceptions.

Concerns

  • Level of Competition: Some scouts questioned whether his success at Grambling State would translate to the NFL, given the difference in competition level.
  • Injury History: There were concerns about his durability and whether he could handle the physical demands of the NFL.

Overall Assessment

Willie Brown was regarded as an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling. His combination of size, speed, and skill made him a potential starter in the NFL. While there were some concerns about the transition from college to the pro level, many believed that with the right coaching, he could develop into a premier cornerback.

As the 1964 NFL Draft approached, Brown was poised to make a significant impact in the league, and teams were eager to see how he would perform at the next level.