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Minnesota Vikings 2019 NFL Draft Profile: A.J. Brown – WR

By Matt Falk

OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 8: A.J. Brown #1 of the Mississippi Rebels points to the sky after scoring a touchdown against the Southern Illinois Salukis during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 8: A.J. Brown #1 of the Mississippi Rebels points to the sky after scoring a touchdown against the Southern Illinois Salukis during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) A.J. Brown
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) A.J. Brown /

A.J. Brown has been one of the best in the business in college football over the past few years. But is it enough to entice the Minnesota Vikings to use an early-round draft pick on him?

A.J. Brown is the type of guy that can take it to the house every time he gets his hands on the ball.  Making plays after the catch is what gets everyone so excited about the former Ole Miss receiver.

He has drawn comparisons to current Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and while that might be a little generous, that is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Brown entered the starting lineup at Ole Miss during his freshman season in 2016. But he really put himself on the map over the past two seasons as he hauled in over 75 passes and gained more than 1,200 yards each year to go along with 17 total touchdowns.

No question, he has been one of the best receivers in college football during the recent past.

Brown has been all over the map when it comes to his projection come draft day this year. He has been projected to come off the board anywhere from the top 10 to a third-round steal.

So while it might be a mystery on where Brown goes come draft day, one thing isn’t a mystery; this guy is going to be a very solid NFL receiver.

A.J. Brown – WR (Ole Miss)

Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 225 pounds

Pros:

  • Can make plays after the catch
  • Plays physical
  • Great hands
  • Crisp route runner
  • Makes tough catches over the middle
  • Technique above average for a receiver coming out of college
  • Should be able to produce as a rookie
  • Experience, started since freshman year
  • Natural athlete (Selected in the 19th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft by the San Diego Padres)

Cons:

  • Won’t knock your socks off with his speed
  • Not viewed as a true No. 1 receiver
  • Questions on how a team will use him (slot, outside)
  • Has the body to be a good blocker, but not there yet

Why he could fall:

Brown’s speed will be the biggest factor. There will be worry if he will be able to get separation at the next level.

Why he could rise:

He will be ready to make plays on day one. Brown is the type of receiver that will immediately help an NFL team.

NFL Draft Projection:

As of now, I think Brown goes off the board in round two this year. While I’m high on the former Ole Miss receiver, I’ll admit that I’m not as high on him as others.

Projection: Late first, mid-second round

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