The only thing a fan can ask their team to do during a draft is address their greatest need. That’s exactly what the Indianapolis colts did when they drafted running back Donald Brown out of Connecticut in the first round with their 27th over-all pick. Indianapolis ranked dead last in rushing during the 2008 season. In his first season without Marvin Harrison, Peyton Manning could use a much needed boost to the Colts running game. Owner Bill Polian obviously believes Brown is the boost, describing him as a “game breaker” in the Colts press conference following the 2009 NFL draft.
Donald Brown enters the NFL after a junior season at UCONN that can be described as nothing short of remarkable. He led the nation in rushing with 2,083 yards and 18 touchdowns. His efforts were enough to earn him the All-American and Big East Offensive Player of the Year awards. He was named the MVP of the International Bowl after cranking out 261 yards on the ground.
On paper, and on video, there is no one characteristic that stands out when looking at Donald Brown. He stands 5’10” and weighs in at 210 lbs. He turned in the 5th fastest time of any running back at the NFL combine, running the 40-yard-dash in 4.51 seconds. He uses his speed to explode through the line of scrimmage and can consistently get to the second and third levels of defenses. He may be the most patient running back coming into the NFL this season. He reads blocks extremely well and has no problem allowing a play to develop before attacking a hole.
Despite his well rounded play, some questions follow Brown into the NFL. He has been criticized for his lack of receiving skills. However, he showed decent skills and followed the ball well at the NFL combine. He also looked very impressed tracking and catching the ball at UCONN’s Pro Day. He benefit’s from being able to develop these skills with arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play the game in Payton Manning.
Manning will no doubt take a lot of pressure off the rookie who’s looking to fill the hole left by Dominic Rhodes. Teams should be looking to put pressure on Manning as he adjusts to life without Marvin Harrison. If the offensive line can turn things around and stay with their assignments, look for Brown to capitalize on blitzes and over pursuits