Scouting Algie Brown
Over the last couple of days, the Jets have made a few roster moves and we've been taking an in-depth look at the new additions. Earlier today we looked at Jeremy Faulk and now we're moving on to look at rookie fullback Algernon "Algie" Brown.
The 25-year old Brown is 6'0", 235 pounds and is an undrafted rookie out of BYU. He was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks, who waived him last week. Brown was a halfback until last season, when he converted to fullback. He accounted for over 1,500 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns at BYU.
Background
Brown was originally recruited to BYU in 2010 but didn't actually play until 2013 as he took a redshirt year and then went on a two-year mission.
He was pretty productive as a back-up running back over his first two seasons, but then had to step into a more significant role in 2015 when Jamaal Williams left the program. Brown rushed for over 700 yards and 11 scores at an average of 5.6 yards per carry, including two 100-yard games. He also posted career highs of 14 catches and 139 yards as a receiver.
In 2016, Williams returned and Brown converted to fullback and more of a blocking role. He only played about half as many snaps and had just 18 offensive touches for 51 yards and no touchdowns, all career lows, but played a significant role in BYU's running attack.
Seattle signed Brown as an undrafted free agent and he initially attended camp with them but was waived last week.
Let's move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Brown brings to the table, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Brown did not attend the combine but ran a 4.63 40-yard dash at his pro day and did 22 bench press reps. His numbers were all below average for a running back, apart from his three cone drill which was a solid 7.06. However, those same numbers are average to above-average for a fullback.
Brown weighed in at 235 at his pro day, having been listed at 250 for his senior year.
Usage
In his first three seasons, Brown was primarily a halfback, but sometimes lined up as a fullback in two back sets. He rarely lined up out wide or in the slot or as a tight end.
In 2016 as he moved to fullback, he was in much more of a varied role, still seeing reps at halfback and seeing more action as a tight end, in the slot or out wide. BYU ran a lot of bunch sets where although he was in the slot, he'd still have been in a position to be a lead blocker.
Running ability
Brown's experience of carrying the ball gives him one advantage over the other current candidates for a roster role at fullback. Julian Howsare played defense in college and Anthony Firkser was more of a pass catcher who often lined up out wide.
He's been productive when asked to carry the ball, although he probably lacks the speed to be able to be successful at the NFL level other than on the occasional tendency-breaking dive play. However, he shows some good ability to break tackles and fight for yardage once he gets up a head of steam:
As you can see, Brown has some good power and a low center of gravity and keeps his legs churning to drive the pile:
Short yardage
Brown accounted for 11 of his 13 career rushing touchdowns in 2015 and several of these were from inside the 10, although only a couple were from one or two yards. His power and ability to fight for every inch are assets here and he could be a contender to get goal line carries at the pro level.
Run Blocking
Brown was a big part of the BYU rushing attack that averaged over 200 yards per game in 2016. Again, this is experience that Firkser and Howsare simply don't have.
Here's a good lead block which sees him seal his man to the inside to open up a lane for the first down:
On this play, he blocks in motion and drives his man out of the play with a kick-out block:
This one doesn't set up a decent gain, but he executes his assignment well, picking up the run blitzer and burying him to the inside:
This one sees him start off in the left slot and come up under the formation to pancake a defensive end:
In terms of negatives, there were times where Brown would step too far and allow his man to beat him inside and also he would sometimes overextend and lose leverage.
Pass Blocking
In 2015, Brown stayed in to pass block about 15 times per game on average, which was in the top ten nationally. He did surrender some pressure, although he only gave up one sack.
He wasn't in the game in as many passing situations in 2016 after his move to fullback, but again that previous experience is useful.
Receiving threat
Brown caught 35 passes in his four year career, mostly on dump-offs. They looked for him downfield, unsuccessfully, just once in the last three years. When he makes a catch, Brown is good at turning upfield and making extra yardage, as he does here:
He flashed some good pass catching ability in the Texas game in 2015, with a catch over the middle and a couple of catches outside where he fought for the first down:
Hands
Brown's hands are mostly reliable, although he's rarely been required to make contested catches. He's not immune to drops though. Here's one where he obviously heard footsteps underneath:
A bigger concern is the fact that Brown has fumbled six times in the last three seasons. He has said he's been working hard at ball security and did only have one fumble last year, but it's still a concern. On this play, he fights well for the first down only to then lose the ball in the tackle.
Special Teams
Brown has played some special teams over the course of his career, albeit not much over the last two years. He has 10 career tackles, including six in 2013. He also recovered a fumble on a punt in 2014.
Instincts/intelligence
Brown displays good vision as a runner and will have benefited from playing so many different roles. He has a direct style, so doesn't leave many yards on the field as a runner.
Attitude
BYU is renowned as a program that creates players with good character and Brown is no different. He's well spoken and his willingness to change positions for the betterment of the team will have impressed scouts. As noted, he went on a two year mission to Brazil from 2011 to 2013.
Injuries
Brown has been banged up at times over each of the last three years, including a knee injury that caused him to miss a few games in 2015. He was slowed by a bone bruise over the last few games last year.
Conclusions
Jets running back coach Stump Mitchell was insistent that the fullback role would be a productive one for the Jets in 2017, leading many to question who was going to get those reps. With Howsare and Firkser's lack of experience, someone like Brown comes in with a realistic chance of making a push for that role.
It perhaps doesn't bode too well that Seattle got rid of him, although they only did so after they re-signed Marcel Reece two weeks ago.
Brown's versatility and experience is useful but he wasn't particularly dominant in any area. It will be interesting to see if he will get enough playing time to contend for a roster spot in preseason.