Once again on Saturday, we saw Carlos Brown's display of speed, acceleration, and vision. He had the third-longest run in Michigan history (90 yards) and had 187 yards rushing altogether. He's had good games against several middling opponents (Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern) and Michigan fans have been buzzing about him for a few years.
However, Brown has been consistently hurt throughout his 3+ years on campus. He sat behind Mike Hart for two years and finally seems to be healthy. We also saw my biggest frustration with Brown rear its ugly head on Saturday - he doesn't consistently break tackles, as evidenced by the soft breeze that felled him on his 30-yard run in the first quarter.
So what can we expect from Brown after this year? Does he get drafted late? If he goes undrafted, will anyone sign him as a UFA? Can a guy like him stick around for any length of time in the NFL? Is he perhaps an ideal third down back, a guy who can catch the ball out of the backfield, block adequately, or take a draw play 80 yards?
In my opinion, he doesn't run tough enough to be an every down back. But I can see him sticking around for a few years to return kicks, play on third downs, etc. I think he has more potential as an NFL player than Mike Hart*.
*No, this isn't revisionist history. I said from the beginning that Hart wouldn't make it in the NFL. So far that's held to be true.
He has virtually next to no miles on him entering the NFL.
I cant see him drafted unless he stays the #1 back all season long, but I think there are too many carries to split up for somebody not really on the NFL radar to suddenly pop up.
But, I think he has a chance to stick on a team if he can sign on with a camp and stay healthy through said camp. The latter a big If, of course.
Like I said at the top, he has no miles on him and that might help him stick around a la Fast Willie Parker for the Steelers.
But I think he's a longshot at this point.
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