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. He still found ways to shine out, becoming a valuable player over his time as a starter at Illinois, especially in his final season. His twin brother, Sydney, is a safety for the Fighting Illini. 

I don’t see a whole lot of upside to Chase Brown’s game. I guess he can improve his route running a bit by expanding his route tree, but Brown is about a finished product. 

Give me Chase Brown in the 4th round to replace Pollard. pic.twitter.com/CgwDzNRiqT

— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@es3_09) January 26, 2023

Was injured in 2022 but didn’t miss any time. Has stayed very healthy throughout his career. 

Chase Brown’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (37)

Speed/Athleticism: 15 – 

• Speed (6/7) – Incredible speed. Very fast. Just explodes at times and takes you by surprise. Could run just under a 4.4. 
• Change of Direction (3.5/4) – Brown changes direction very well in small increments. Great jump cut. Has  enough to get him multiple cuts and moves throughout a single run. 
• Body Control (3.5/4) – Has a variety of moves that makes him difficult to bring down. 

Power/Strength: 10 –

• Run Power (2.5/5) – 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 – does need a crease. 
• Brute Strength (2.5/5) – Considering his size, Brown has some good brute strength. Looking at the position group, he’s about average. 

Burst/Explosion: 12 – 

• Acceleration (5/6) – Accelerates almost instantly. Incredible burst. 
• Explosiveness (5.5/6) – Very explosive. Difficult to contain with space. Can’t stress how explosive he is. 

Running Back Traits (25)

Field Vision: 15 – 

• Reading Blocks (7.5/10) – 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. Moves very well with the shifting hole. 
• Understanding Defenders (4/5) – has a very solid understanding of how to set up and manipulate defenders. Very good one cut ability. 

Contact Balance: 10 – 

• In Power (4.5/5) – Incredible contact balance. Want to see him protect the ball better while fighting through contact. Runs low and with strength. Breaks tackles very well. 
• In Space (4/5) – Stays low enough where he’s difficult to bring down. 

Passing Game Ability (33)

Catch Ability: 15 – 

• Natural Hands (7/10) – Capable receiver out of the backfield, offering some RAC as well. Can stretch the field vertically from the backfield. Proved to be an effective receiver all across the field. Has a lot of issues with concentration drops, showed a lot of those issues at the Senior Bowl. 
• Catch Through Contact (2.5/5) – I don’t see a whole lot of contact ability. Wasn’t really tested in those areas but I don’t see a whole lot there. 

Route Running: 5 – 

• Route Running (3.5/5) – Runs good routes, but wasn’t asked to run a lot of different varieties. 

Pass Block Ability: 13 – 

• Power (3.5/5) – Has a sturdy plant that allows him to be effective in pass protection. Whiffs on assignments from time to time. 
• Quickness/Bend (4/5) – Quick reaction. Picks up on stunts well. 
• As a Chip Blocker (1.5/3) – Doesn’t look like he’s a very effective chip blocker.

Overall: (78.5) – 3rd/4th Round