Chicago Bears Draft Prospect Preview: Linebacker Arthur Brown
By Heather Pink
Oct 13, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) moves in to make a tackle against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Kansas State defeated Iowa State 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
For the next week and a half, the million dollar question for Chicago Bears fans will be, “Who will be the Bears first round pick?” With the Bears defensive leader, Brian Urlacher, out it leaves room for a new sheriff in the Windy City. If Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree is taken by the Chicago Bears first pick, Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown might just be the next best new face for the Bears defense.
Stats of Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown from NFLDraftScout.com and Sports-Reference.com:
Height: 6-1
Weight: 241 lbs.
40-yard dash: 4.67
Bench Reps (225 lbs): 21
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.31
Stats from KSU:
2011: 57 solo tackles 44 assisted tackles 101 total tackles 2.0 sacks 1 interception
2012: 65 solo tackles 35 assisted tackles 100 total tackles 1.o sack 2 interceptions 1 touchdown
Outsides of his stats, Arthur Brown first committed and attended Miami (FL) before arriving at Kansas State. Brown struggled his first two years at Miami recording only 17 tackles before transferring closer to home to KSU. Brown sat out for the 2010 season due to transfer rules, then flourished at Kansas State. Also key to note is his height, 6’1″, which seems to be holding him back from being part of the top tier prospects club. Good news for him, he sure doesn’t play like he’s just over 6-feet.
There’s no doubt that the Chicago Bears are interested in Brown, seeing as Brown did have a private workout with the Bears already. He played in a 4-3 traditional defense with superior run, chase, and coverage skills. What’s most impressive is his sideline-to-sideline range, which is outstanding. For an aging Bears defense, Brown would be an amazing fit at linebacker, where Lance Briggs is probably getting old of being the guy chasing down men from across the field.
Out of all the linebackers to choose in the 2013 NFL Draft, Brown might be the most instinctive. Something that the Bears will prize, and hopefully it will mean that he can make an impact during his rookie year. His speediness combined with his ability to read the play make him quite an intriguing first round pick and an explosive linebacker. Scouts have him posted at an outside linebacker, but played two years at middle linebacker and seemed to be able to hold up the job.
After losing the face of the franchise, the Chicago Bears are looking for a face to replace Urlacher with. A young, level-headed guy that has the durability to last just like Urlacher. With Ogletree having some off-the-field issues, Marc Trestman should be vouching for Brown as their first round pick. With a new collection of talent at the linebacker position this year in the Windy City, it could be a time for Brown to establish his position among the many one-year signees this year. With the Bears offense constantly on a roller coaster, we pride ourselves in the defensive game. Brown might just be able to give the Bears a fresh start, in conjunction with Trestman, to a new era of the Chicago Bears.
Chicago Bears fan, what do you think? Do you think Arthur Brown will be THAT guy for the Bears? Make sure to comment!