Survivor I - Ronnie Brown Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Positives - The second overall pick in the NFL draft, Brown possesses a great combination of size (HT: 6-1, WT: 223), speed (4.43 forty-time), strength, and pass catching ability. The Dolphins have a new coach and a new philosophy which should benefit the running game. The Dolphins have the potential to improve quickly with decent QB play and the multifaceted Brown as the centerpiece of the offense. With Ricky Williams suspended for the first 4 games of the season, Brown will have the opportunity to seize the starting job and never look back. The Dolphins have too much invested in Brown not to allow him to develop on the field.

Negatives - Brown never received a full rushing load at Auburn as he shared the job with Carnell Williams so it’s unknown whether his body will hold up over the course of a 16 game NFL season. Ricky Williams has performed at a pro bowl level in the past and could quickly step in should Brown struggle or wear down. There’s always additional risk taking a rookie as there is no certainty that they will be able to perform against the high level of competition they will face each week.

Draft Strategy - I was hoping to be able to draft a 3rd RB here in the fifth round to provide depth and possibly fill the flex position in the starting requirements. I was surprised to find Brown still available here 11 spots lower than his average draft position of 38. At worse, he’ll be a capable 3rd RB who should help out on bye weeks and have a few big games. If he lives up to his billing, he has top 15 potential and would give me a strong trio at RB along with Tomlinson and Green. This was a great value pick in the fifth round and allowed me to accomplish my plan to draft 3 RBs in the first 5 rounds knowing that the quality at RB would be gone before my next pick.