Samuel Brown Jr., WR, Miami
Size:
Height: 6022
Weight: 200
Arm: 31 ⅝”
Hand: 9 ⅜”
Accomplishments:
All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (2023)
“Samuel Brown Jr. is a smooth-moving pass-catcher with excellent route-running, hands, and a high-level athletic profile.”
Strengths:
Elite athletic profile (Mid 4.4 40 runner / 38-inch vertical / HS state runner-up in the long jump)
Size
Transitions
Extremely fluid athlete
Powerful hands
Concerns:
Presents large surface area off the line of scrimmage
Short-area quickness
Play strength to work through press-man
Film Analysis:
A transfer to Miami from Houston, Samuel Brown’s 2024 was a season filled with ups and downs despite Miami’s historic offensive success on the shoulders of QB Cam Ward. Oftentimes Brown would have flashes of dominance but would then disappear where his volume would waver. From a projectability standpoint, Brown is a smooth-moving pass-catcher with excellent route-running, hands, and a high-level athletic profile. Aligned primarily on the perimeter, Brown has experience as both a boundary (near sideline) and field (far sideline) wide receiver.
Brown is an extremely fluid and easy-moving athlete who can make corners look silly at the line of scrimmage. Brown can tempo his footwork at a high level, varying his release packages. He does a nice job of stacking corners and marionetting defenders at times. Excellent flexibility in his lower half to sit down routes and the fundamental explosiveness to accelerate out of his breaks. Does not have an elite top gear, but Brown’s long strides can pick up ground in a hurry to step on the toes of corners.
With the ball in the air, Brown can win contested battles in a variety of ways. He has the athleticism to win above the rim, hands to extend far beyond his frame, and the body positioning to simply out-leverage opponents. Brown should evolve into a dynamic red-zone threat at the next level along with his ability inside the 20s if everything comes to fruition. He's not overly dynamic after the catch but showcases the vision and creativity to warrant designated touches (305 yards after the catch). Also a willing blocker that uses his size well to take away angles.
Improvement is needed working off the line of scrimmage against man coverage. Brown will display a high chest against press-man, presenting opposing corners with a large amount of surface area to target. It's not a constant issue at this time and he has improved in this facet, but longer, more experienced corners could give him issues. Would also like to see more consistency over the middle of the field (Cal) when his body is exposed to larger amounts of force. Hauling in passes within the hashes will go a long way in earning targets at a variety of locations and depths, including in diversifying his full route tree which is nuanced at this point in time. He does a nice job in mirroring routes but can occasionally get off-balance in an attempt to sell movements. Has room to get stronger, as well.
Overall, Brown is a highly intriguing prospect whose fluidity as an athlete pops off the screen. His potential remains as lofty as any pass-catcher in the ACC and is an offensive weapon whose size, fluidity, and athleticism paint the picture of a potential top-100 player in the draft.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written by: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Cal (2024), Florida (2024), Georgia Tech (2024), Louisville (2024), Texas (2023), Texas Tech (2023), UTSA (2023)
