Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Illinois running back Chase Brown.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.
With Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon in place, the Green Bay Packers have their one-two punch at running back. Now, Brian Gutekunst needs to add a third back to the mix.
A player that Green Bay’s general manager could target in the 2023 NFL Draft is Chase Brown. The Illinois running back checks in at No. 28 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
A three-star recruit, Brown started his collegiate career at Western Michigan before transferring to Illinois for the 2019 season. In 2020, Brown rushed for 540 yards and three touchdowns. The following season, Brown rushed for 1,005 yards and five touchdowns. This past season, Brown rushed for 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns, while adding 27 receptions for 240 yards and three touchdowns.
“Chase Brown put himself in elite company in Illinois football history,” Jeremy Werner, the publisher of IlliniInquirer.com said. “His 1,643 rushing yards rank No. 3 all-time for Illinois behind two players who were drafted in the top two rounds of the NFL Draft: Mikel LeShoure (1,697 yards) and Rashard Mendenhall (1,681 yards). Brown did it in one fewer game than Leshoure and Mendenhall because he sat out the ReliaQuest Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft.”
Brown opened the season with nine straight 100-yard rushing performances. Against Michigan’s Top 10 run defense, Brown rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns.
“The Illini offense relied heavily on Brown, and he carried the load extremely well, rushing for 100+ yards in 10 of 12 games and he rushed for 98 in one of them,” Werner said. “His 140-yard performance against Michigan may have been the most impressive of the season against an elite defense that knew he was getting the ball.”
Brown is an outstanding athlete. It’s a big reason why he made an appearance on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list. The Illinois running back put on a show at the combine. Brown clocked a 4.43 40-yard dash with a 1.53 10-yard split. Brown’s marks in the vertical (40) and broad jump (10-7) were both the highest among running backs.
That athleticism was easy to spot on the football field. Brown’s a home run hitter that ripped off chunk plays at a high clip. According to Pro Football Focus, Brown had 23 runs of 15-plus yards this past season and 48 runs of 10-plus yards. When he gets out in space, not many defenders are going to catch him in the open field.
“Brown’s acceleration stands out the most,” Werner said. “We’ll see what he runs at the combine in the 40-yard dash, but his play speed in the Big Ten was top-notch. He had 23 runs of 15-plus yards and consistently beat opponents to the edge. He can change directions without slowing down much, and he has the speed to break away from defenders in the Big Ten.”
Brown has good vision, with great feel for the hole and he bursts through the opening. He has lightning-quick feet and he’s a smooth runner. He’s able to make lateral cuts without throttling down.
Brown has good contact balance with the lower body strength to run through arm tackles. With his explosiveness, he’s able to destroy pursuit angles. According to PFF, Brown forced 83 missed tackles and 935 yards after contact.
“While he’s only 205 pounds, Brown is ripped up and very strong and rarely goes down on first contact,” Werner said. “He fights through tackles and always looks to gain extra yards. He’s not a power back in between the tackles or the goal line, but in the open field, Brown is tough to bring down because of his strength. That’s mostly a credit to his work ethic. Brown has a leaner build but is really dedicated to his diet and workouts, and he has really maximized his physical potential.”
Brown showcased his ability as a receiver this past season, hauling in 27 receptions for 240 yards and three touchdowns. He has soft, reliable hands and had just one drop this past season. He’s alert and willing in pass protection.
“The passing game was an area Brown needed to really improve in 2022, and he showed great signs,” Werner said. “He was one of the Illini’s more dangerous receiving options, and just like on stretch runs when he gets to the second level, he can make plays in space. Brown only had one drop all season. I actually think Brown will be used more as a receiver in the NFL than he was in college because he most likely projects as a change-of-pace back to begin his career. Brown improved as a pass blocker this season, but I still think it’s an area he must improve. Again, he’s a bit smaller mass-wise, but he’s a very willing and physical blocker and was more consistent with it this season.”
Fit with the Packers
If Brown were to land in Green Bay his impact during his rookie season would likely be minimal. Barring an injury, Brown would see limited touches playing behind Jones and Dillon.
During Dillon’s rookie season, he carried the ball 42 times, as he sat behind Jones and Jamaal Williams. That number jumped up to 187 rushes during his second year in the league.
It’s reasonable to expect that if the Packers take a running back in the 2023 NFL Draft that they’d follow the same flight plan.
Brown checks all the boxes. He’s an explosive playmaker, with good vision and has showcased his ability to be a reliable target in the passing game. On top of that, he brings some special teams value as a kick returner (17 career kick return attempts).
“I think Brown will be a very good mid-round pick for someone who needs to add speed to the backfield,” Werner said. “He would pair nicely with a more powerful back, and while he likely is more of a change-of-pace back to start his career, Brown has the experience as a workhorse from his Illinois days. Another area Brown brings value is special teams. He played special teams most of his career and has some returner experience. But I cannot rave more about Brown’s work ethic and drive. He was one of the hardest workers and most respected players at Illinois, so he checks all the boxes for his character on top of his talent.”
Jones will turn 29 in December. Dillon is entering the final year of his rookie contract. If Brown were to land in Green Bay he’d likely not see many touches during his rookie season, but there is a strong possibility that he could be the starting running back for the Packers in 2024.
