Oct 27, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) plays defense during a 55-24 win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Manti Te’o has dominated the linebacker discussion in recent weeks, for obvious reasons. But there’s another guy we shouldn’t be sleeping on. It’s a guy who is rising quickly up draft boards and may be a target for the Vikings in the first round. I’m talking about Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown. Here’s what Tony Pauline posted about him on Draft Insider:
"Brown has been on a straight shot north since his outstanding pro day performance. Factor in the sliding draft stock of Kevin Minter/LSU and Manti Te’o/Notre Dame and Brown is looking more and more like a top 32 pick."
I’ve seen Brown mocked as high as 20 to the Bears. Would the Vikings consider this guy or are they locked in on Te’o? Consider the positives and negatives on Brown. On the positive side, he’s a very smart, instinctive player with good speed and plenty of physicality. On the negative, he’s a little undersized and doesn’t have a reputation as a great playmaker. But the size issue may not be an important factor. Consider other undersized linebackers like Curtis Lofton. Brown has actually been compared to Lofton, a guy who plays bigger than his size.
What attributes are the Vikings looking for in a potential starting MLB? That’s what you have to ask. We know they want sideline-to-sideline speed and good instincts. They also want someone who can drop in coverage. Te’o may be that guy, but there are doubts about him. Brown seems to have some of the same positives as Te’o without a lot of the negatives. The size issue is the main thing. If the Vikes don’t mind him being a little on the small side, he could be their man. He seems worthy of a first round pick. That’s what the experts are saying today. Get back to me tomorrow.
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