Brown has 'NFL' written all over him

In previous columns, I’ve alluded to the two ideas crossing the minds of general managers and those in player personnel departments when it comes to the NFL draft: choosing the best player available and selecting an athlete who would best fill a team’s void.

After watching film on new Colts running back Donald Brown, I’m convinced team General Manager Bill Polian accomplished both to a certain extent.

Was Donald Brown the best player available when the Colts were on the clock with the 27th pick in the draft? I’m not so sure. Hakeem Nicks, who possesses blazing speed and great hands, may have been the best in the minds of some. To many and to myself, it was former USC linebacker Rey Maualuga.

But was Donald Brown the best running back available? I’m buying it as long as Brown’s film wasn’t manipulated by the Connecticut video staff.

Did the Colts fill a needed void? Absolutely.

When Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Indianapolis’ selection, many second-guessed it just as they had done in 1998 and 1999 when it came to Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James, respectively.

While the jury is always out until a newly drafted player hits the field, it looks as if Polian may have worked his magic once again.

Part of the reason many glitzy, hyped-up college running backs never live up to NFL-constructed standards is because those players are one-dimensional.

To this point, the golden example is 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. Proclaimed as the next Gayle Sayers, Bush has yet to become the franchise player many expected him to be. Bush had the wheels, moves and vertical to elude most second-level college linebackers and safeties.

In the NFL, it doesn’t work like that. Everyone is fast, everyone can change direction at world-class speed and everyone knows how to pursue someone of Bush’s caliber.

While Brown doesn’t possess nearly the speed of Bush, the NFL style of play fits him rather well.

He is a hard runner who can “get skinny” – that is, run through holes in the line even when there isn’t much space to work with. This is something the Colts have had trouble with ever since the career-threatening knee injury to Edgerrin James.

Brown’s ability to reach full-speed close to the line of scrimmage is something that will make defensive coordinators pull their hair out. After all, what’s a middle linebacker to do when there is not time to shed a block before the opposing ball carrier is already gone?

The one detriment to Brown’s game may be the speed factor. Running a 4.51 at the NFL Combine last February at Lucas Oil Stadium wasn’t an eye-opener. But when you look at the Colts’ system, it’s a great fit. The offense is built on zone-blocking, often leading to power running.

With the added depth in the backfield, look for a nice position battle later this summer in Terre Haute.