Scouting report: Ron Brace

by Dan Kadar on Feb 14, 2009 9:16 PM EST in 2009 NFL Draft

Ron Brace

6'3, 326 pounds | Boston College | Defensive tackle

Strengths: Brace possesses the size of a two-gap plugger, but the quickness to of a one-gap tackle. He uses that size and quickness to stuff the run nicely. He has a powerful base and is hard to move around. Because of that, running backs have to adjust where they're going or run right into Brace. Strong against the double team. During the 2008 season, Brace would regularly take up two blockers so teammate B.J. Raji could burst into the backfield. Uses his power to collapse the interior of the pocket. Good agility, which allows him to slide down the line really well.

Weaknesses: Not especially productive. Had only 27 tackles as a senior, which is just over two a game. Really not a factor rushing the pass unless he can push a blocker back or gets an open lane. Some questions about his durability due to recurring back ailment in 2008. Pursuit and effort are lacking at times. Doesn't always fight hard to get through double teams. Inconsistent with his technique. Will get too upright at times negating his his strength.

Final word: Brace is a top run-stopping tackle who was often overshadowed by Raji. He may not be much of a pass rusher, but his ability against the run warrants such a high grade. A second-team All ACC member in 2008 and honorable mention in 2007. Has some versatility because he's a multi-technique tackle.

Round projection: 2

Tweet Comment 4 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Huh?

“Strong against the double team”

“Doesn’t always fight hard to get through double teams”

Contradict much?

by session55 on Feb 15, 2009 3:30 PM EST reply actions

I read it as

he shows the ability, but not always the effort to beat double teams.

or thinking about it a bit more

that he doesn’t get cleared out or taken back off the line by double teams, but double teams keep him from getting into pursuit or after the QB.

I'm so fly,
I take this parachute off
I might fall and die
-Young Jeezy "Go Crazy"

by shake n bake on Feb 15, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

Shake has it right, basically.

It’s poorly written. The “Pursuit and effort are lacking at times” line should have better segued into “Doesn’t always fight hard to get through double teams.” When Brace works hard, he can break those double teams. But he doesn’t always give great effort.

Thanks for keeping me on my toes!

by Dan Kadar on Feb 16, 2009 7:41 AM EST up reply actions

I don’t agree he has the burst to play as a one gapper. Brace is your prototypical space eater. I think he definitely has potential as a nose tackle in the 4-3 or 3-4, but I don’t think he has the penetration skills to play the three technique.

I also think you sell Raji a bit short. He had to deal with plenty of double teams. He beat them on his own.

Lead Writer
Gang Green Nation
SB Nation's Jets Blog
ganggreennation.com

by John B on Feb 16, 2009 10:22 AM EST reply actions