Scouting report: Donald Brown

Donald Brown

5'10, 210 pounds | Connecticut | Running back

Strengths: An early entrant after a breakout junior season, Browns is a strong runner who has good balance and lean. He's always moving forward and to find his pads not square to the line is rare. Has possibly the best stiff arm in this class. Uses power and quickness in his stiff arm to knock opponents backward. Bursts into and out of holes with good speed. Uses his agility to avoid a lot of hard contact. Smart. Knows how to set up his blockers. Decent as a pass catcher. Known as a player who gives a lot of effort in the weight and film rooms.

Weaknesses: Only above average speed and it takes him some time to get up to top speed. Struggled some as a pass blocker and needs to be coached up in this area Brown's build is only average, but there are questions about how much bigger he can get. Needs to learn how to carry the ball better because he leaves himself open to fumbles.

Final word: Brown had an incredible junior season, rushing for 2,083 yards and 21 touchdowns. That led him to leave early for the NFL after initially deciding to return for his senior year. Brown came up big in Connecticut's biggest games. Ran for 281 yards in the International Bowl as a junior. Named the 2008 Big East Offensive Player of the Year.

Round projection: 2