2023 Senior Bowl Scouting Notes: RB Chase Brown, Illinois

A transfer from Western Michigan. Chase Brown is a very explosive third-down back prospect. Entering Brett Bielema’s system may have hurt his effectiveness as he’s not particularly a downhill runner. His twin brother, Sydney, is a safety and NFL Draft prospect for the Fighting Illini. If he had the offseason hype, the media would be talking about him as one of the first running backs to come off the board. Brown looks like a day two player who I will be very surprised to see still on the board on day three.

HT: 5096
WT: 205
Year: Super Junior
High School: St. Stephen’s (Bradenton, FL)
Rating: 3-star (0.8403)

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— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 15, 2022

Chase Brown scouting notes

Pros:

Incredible speed. Very fast. Just explodes at times and takes you by surprise. Could run just under a 4.4.
Brown changes direction very well in small increments. Great jump cut. Has enough to get him multiple cuts and moves throughout a single run.
He has a variety of moves that makes him difficult to bring down.
Considering his size, Brown has some good brute strength. Looking at the position group, he’s about average.
Accelerates almost instantly. Incredible burst.
Very explosive. Difficult to contain with space. I can’t stress how explosive he is.
Typically reads blocks well. Doesn’t move to space as well as some, but has the speed to be effective enough at times to just make people miss.
Incredible contact balance. Runs low and with strength. He Breaks tackles very well.
Capable receiver out of the backfield, offering some RAC as well. Can stretch the field vertically from the backfield.
Has a sturdy plant that allows him to be effective in pass protection. Quick reaction. Picks up on stunts well.

Cons:

Doesn’t have much run power to work through first contact. Won’t be a yards-after-contact running back. Struggles to keep his feet churning at contact. Flashed the ability to put his head down and get a couple of hard yards – he does need a crease.
Want to see him protect the ball better while fighting through contact.
Runs good routes but wasn’t asked to run a lot of different varieties.