Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30-31

[hawaiiansteel]

Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers on March 30-31

Mon, Mar 21st, 2011 by DePaoli

Latest Steelers Draft Buzz



The NFL draft is quickly approaching, just 5 weeks away, and the Steelers are aggressively looking at the cornerback position with their focus expected to be on the cornerback position in rounds 2-3 and possibly round 1.

The team has begun scheduling draft visits and the team will host Texas CB Curtis Brown on March 30-31 for a two-day visit, a team source tells Inside Pittsburgh Sports.

Brown whose regarded as a 2nd round prospect, is a player the Steelers are said to be very high on.

Brown is a fit on several ends in regards to what the Steelers look for in cornerbacks.

Brown has good size at 6’0” 185, and is an above average run stopper, an attribute the Steelers regard highly with their corners.

Brown ran a 4.51 at the combine and posted a 39.5 inch vertical. His draft stock is on the rise.

[url="http://insidepittsburghsports.com/story/source-texas-cb-curtis-brown-to-visit-steelers-on-march-30-31/36282/"]http://insidepittsburghsports.com/story ... -31/36282/[/url]

[steelerkeylargo]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

I think Brown becomes a target if we trade out of the first.

[PSU_dropout43]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

Brown has good size at 6’0” 185, and is an above average run stopper, an attribute the Steelers regard highly with their corners.

Interesting.

Read somewhere Curtis Brown isn't a great tackler.

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

Brown has good size at 6’0” 185, and is an above average run stopper, an attribute the Steelers regard highly with their corners.

Interesting.

Read somewhere Curtis Brown isn't a great tackler.

I am a firm believer that tackling is an actual skill that can be taught/learned, even if it means breaking a few bad habits. Brown is not the tackler that Dowling is, but he is better than average, and will get even better if drafted by the Steelers. We already have a great tackling CB in McFadden, and I think we all know how that worked out. What Brown brings to the table is a very quick back pedal and an even quicker forward break on the ball, something McFadden has never and will never possess. I would gladly give up a couple more rushing yards to gain a couple actual defended passes. In fact, I personally would draft 2-3 more pure cover corners with no tackling ability, if it would entice teams to run the ball more against us.

[The Sodfather]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

Reminds me of Devin McCourty.

[Oviedo]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

Brown has good size at 6’0” 185, and is an above average run stopper, an attribute the Steelers regard highly with their corners.

Interesting.

Read somewhere Curtis Brown isn't a great tackler.

I am a firm believer that tackling is an actual skill that can be taught/learned, even if it means breaking a few bad habits. Brown is not the tackler that Dowling is, but he is better than average, and will get even better if drafted by the Steelers. We already have a great tackling CB in McFadden, and I think we all know how that worked out. What Brown brings to the table is a very quick back pedal and an even quicker forward break on the ball, something McFadden has never and will never possess. I would gladly give up a couple more rushing yards to gain a couple actual defended passes. In fact, I personally would draft 2-3 more pure cover corners with no tackling ability, if it would entice teams to run the ball more against us.

Being the greatest tackler in the world doesn't help when the WR is running away from you because you can't cover him. Ask our current WRs not named Ike.

I would rather default to CBs with some cover skills and ball skills and teach them to be better tacklers. Maybe someone needs to clue in Coach LeBeau that this has become a predominantly passing league and we need to start getting players that help us defend against that not mini-LBs who are "strong against the run" but can't cover a bed with a blanket.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

Ask our current WRs not named Ike.

We don't have a WR named Ike.

If Ike Taylor were a WR, his hands would make Limas Sweed look like Jerry Rice by comparison.

[grotonsteel]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

I would rather default to CBs with some cover skills and ball skills and teach them to be better tacklers. Maybe someone needs to clue in Coach LeBeau that this has become a predominantly passing league and we need to start getting players that help us defend against that not mini-LBs who are "strong against the run" but can't cover a bed with a blanket.

With new rules being proposed like you can't hit a QB when he is trying to throw will make this league more pass happy. I would not be surprised if we see 4-5 QB going beyond 5000 yards/season in 2011 if there is a season.

I think Steelers need to make a change now. If they keep going after CB who are slow and can't cover but great in run support its a recipe for disaster.

Give me CB with great ball skills and speed.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

Steelers Might Get A Draft Day Turkey


Since the 2011 NFL Combine, I have spent hours pouring through draft prospect profiles and game clips on as many top ranked draft hopefuls that match the needs that the Steelers have. My second Steelers mock draft reflects that work, but one player in that mock has caught my eye more than any other. That player is Texas cornerback Curtis Brown. Brown also carries two nicknames, "Turkey" and "Jordan".

While at Texas, Brown made 28 starts and played in 52 games while wearing a Longhorn uniform. He intercepted two passes, had 32 pass unofficial pass break ups, forced one fumble and registered 3 thrown for losses. In addition to his cover skills, Brown also made 120 tackles, 86 of which were solo. If his defensive play was not enough, Brown also played on every special team during his career. Certainly a plus as far as what the Steelers look for in young player.

While at Texas, Brown matched up against current NFL receivers Dez Bryant and Michael Crabtree. His first career start came against Bryant, who he held to just 74 yards on 6 catches in 2008. Brown did not fare as good against Crabtrree the following week and he missed a tackle on a last-second, game winning pass play to Crabtree. Brown certainly learned from that experience I am sure as that loss was heart breaking. In addition to the opposing talent he faced on game days, Brown also went up against Jordan Shipley in practices. Shipley was drafted by the Bengals in 2010 and has had a pretty good start to his career in limited playing time.

Including Brown, Texas has three cornerbacks who all look to be drafted in the top half of the draft as Aaron Williams and Chykie Brown are also draft eligible. Williams looks to be a better fit as a free safety at the next level, while Chykie is regarded as a 4th or 5th round talent. At his recent Pro Day, Brown participated in some drills despite being sick with the flu. He stood on his combine measurables and at least gave it a go. The coaches and scouts pretty much saw what they needed to see from him a few months ago, but likely appreciated the effort.

Of course I am not the only one that Brown has caught the eye of as he seems to turned quite a few heads since the praising Deion Sanders gave him during the defensive back drills during the NFL Network combine coverage. Since that time, Brown seems to be inching his way up the analyst draft boards and easily in the second tier of the cornerbacks in this years draft class. Brown loves man-to-man and press, but also looks like he can adapt to zone and cover 2 coverages as well. His tackling skills are above average and he is not afraid to come up and hit the ball carrier. This will really help him stick out in the second tier group of corners. Like most young corners he needs some technique work, but new Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake showed at UCLA he can work with young talent and Brown would be a great first student. Brown lacks the elite speed, but breaks fast on the football and also shows good awareness and recognition. He looks like a complete corner that could contribute instantly on special teams as well as sub package situations at the nickel spot. He plays bigger than his size with his great leaping ability.

The draft is still a good 27 days away as I write this and Brown is scheduled to make a pre draft visit to Pittsburgh. There will still be quite a bit of shuffling with the top 40 players overall and Brown should easily crack that in my opinion, if he hasn't already.

The Steelers pick at 31 and the corner position certainly will be in play in either the first or second round for them. It is not out of the question that by draft night, the Steelers could call his name in the first round. The Steelers will also entertain several phone calls when they are on the clock and it is not out of the question that they trade down a handful of spots to take Brown in the first part of round two. Should they miss out on him altogether, I think Brown will be a name you will be hearing for quite a few years.

Who knows, the Steelers might just catch them a Turkey on draft night to play corner for the next several years. I really think he best fits what the Steelers look for in a corner where they draft at. Should the Steelers draft him in the first or second round, several in Steeler Nation will be celebrating as if it is Thanksgiving. Me included.

POSTED BY DAVE BRYAN ON FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2011

[url="http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/04/steelers-might-get-a-draft-day-turkey/"]http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/04/st ... ay-turkey/[/url]

[flippy]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

I had a feeling he was the reason we were well represented at Texas. This kid has Mike Tomlin written all over him.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

I think 31 is too early for Brown and 63 is too late to get him. I see him as a mid-2nd round value, likely to come off the board in the 40's or 50's.

[StarSpangledSteeler]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

I think 31 is too early for Brown and 63 is too late to get him. I see him as a mid-2nd round value, likely to come off the board in the 40's or 50's.

Agreed... As much as I like him, it's going to take a trade down to get him. And personally if I was taking a CB in that range I'd rather have Ras-I.

[flippy]

Re: Source: Texas CB Curtis Brown to visit Steelers March 30

This is why I'm leaning more and more toward the idea of us trading down. I don't see huge value for us @ 31. But I also see some major talent that could fall into the second round or even 3rd.