Draft Analysis: Dyami Brown

February 15, 2021 /
  • Height: 6’1″
  • Weight: 185lbs
  • College: UNC
  • Tape watched: Virginia Tech 2020, NC State 2020, Syracuse 2020, Boston College 2020
  • NFL Comparison: Nate Washington

Pros

  • Deep Threat
    Dyami Brown was one of college football’s premier deep threat receivers. Accumulating two straight seasons over 20 yards per catch, Brown is a true field-stretcher. He has a great release, and his acceleration dominates all off-coverage. The way he ran by cornerbacks it can be assumed his 40-yard dash will impress at UNC’s pro day, if he chooses to run it.
  • Blocking
    Though he doesn’t have an overwhelming frame or strength presence, Brown is “about that life” when it comes to blocking. He gets his feet and shoulders square to the defender and initiates a good first punch/clamp. He runs his feet and repositions them effectively throughout. Brown shows smart technique, letting go and shoving away defenders when they twist or the ball carrier changes lanes. This is an A+ trait for Dyami Brown.
Brown’s stalk block and drive warranted two highlights. This is how you find extra playing time on crowded rosters, especially in the NFL.
  • Release
    Dyami Brown has some of the best release tape I have watched so far. He wastes no time with his setup, and as soon as he finds a favorable path he explodes through his route stem. Brown keeps defenders away from him with his hands and quick footwork.
Hesitations, one-step, two-step, diamond, any release you can name, Brown can effectively perform. His footwork is art. Defenders rarely execute a solid punch upon snap.

Cons

  • Hands/Contested Catches
    Extremely evident on hitches, Dyami Brown has some issues with defender contact at the catch point. He needs to work back to the ball and use his hands first before he lets the ball into his body.
    To avoid being labeled as just a deep threat, Brown has to find ways to come down with more contested balls. He is not a natural hand catcher in all situations, and had a few concentration drops on film when trying to catch and run as well. As it stands, Brown might struggle to be a factor in the redzone as a result. Drops are a huge red flag with Brown.
This play exemplifies Dyami Brown’s abilities. He has a perfect release off the line, shows off his speed and vertical threat, but drops the easy catch.
  • YAC
    Dyami Brown won’t create much after the catch in the NFL. That should not be an issue as most of his impact yards are through the air, anyways. Brown is usually tackled on first contact, and doesn’t have elite elusiveness after the catch. He can take crossing routes to the house with a little space due to his speed, however.
  • Route Tree
    Dyami Brown ran almost exclusively vertical routes, with slants and digs sprinkled in. He is best left to open his stride and show off his speed. He will be a primary boundary receiver in the NFL, and should be able to keep safeties honest by respecting his speed.

Overview

Bottom line: The NFL will always covet speed. I would guess an NFL team pulls the trigger to draft Dyami Brown on day 2. He has fantastic speed, footwork, and is an incredible blocker in the run game. To stick in the NFL however, you have to catch passes or impact special teams. Brown can hopefully improve on his hands while expanding his route tree to become a more versatile offensive weapon.