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Steelers Draft Watch: WR Noah Brown

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:45 p.m. ET

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Let’s take a look at a Steelers Draft target who is quickly rising up draft boards: Ohio State WR Noah Brown.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a rough week for Steelers fans. After Pittsburgh took an absolute beating from the unexpectedly 3-0 Philadelphia Eagles, the Super Bowl hype surrounding the Steelers has begun to fade and the amount of concerns surrounding the team has exponentially increased.

The defense is terrible. Ben is done. Everyone is injured. The season is over.

While I am obviously hinting that many members of the media and Steeler Nation are being overly dramatic after this past week’s loss, there are undoubtedly several areas that the Steelers will have to address in the near future.

While reinforcements may not be coming in 2016, in our next “Draft Watch” article let’s take a look at a possible Steelers Draft target at WR: Ohio State’s Noah Brown.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

WR Noah Brown, Ohio State

While many of you have probably seen “The Catch of the Year” in College Football, I bet the vast majority of you haven’t heard of Ohio State’s Noah Brown. Only a red-shirt Sophomore, Brown has started his 2016 campaign with a bang, and has thus launched himself into consideration for the 2017 NFL Draft.

In a highly anticipated matchup vs. Oklahoma, Brown stole the spotlight and reeled in 4 touchdowns in the victory.

Strengths

First of all, have you seen Brown’s catch above? I’ll admit that it was my first introduction to Brown and how he first ended up on my radar. After diving into his performance vs. Oklahoma, I learned that Brown was not just a “one catch wonder.”

Noah Brown possesses impeccable concentration while at the catch point. Brown excels at tracking passes while in the air and adjusting his body to be in a position to make a play. As displayed in his miraculous catch above, Brown also has incredibly strong hands that allow him to execute one-handed catches.

Another facet of Brown’s game that impressed me was his quick footwork and sharp route-running. Brown breaks off his routes with excellent suddenness, putting his impressive change of direction skills on display. Also, Brown has demonstrated the ability to cut on a dime and easily create separation for himself. Brown’s combination of twitchy routes and NFL size make him a deadly red zone combination.

To compliment his effective route running, Brown has a big frame that allow him to box out DBs and win in jump ball situations. Brown dominates his opposition at the catch point and attacks the ball in the air with an aggressive mindset. These aforementioned traits additionally make Brown a dominant back shoulder target.

Lastly, you have to love a WR who gives great effort as a blocker. Brown is a willing and effective blocker in the run game, and never takes a snap off. Overall, Brown’s combination of technique, size, and physicality make him an intriguing draft prospect.

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Noah Brown (80) cannot make a catch as Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) defends during the second half at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Weaknesses

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While all of the traits are surely there, I have a feeling that NFL evaluators will want to see more out of Brown. Decision makers will want to see Brown’s continued production throughout the rest of 2016, and possibly into the 2017 season in order to warrant spending an early-round draft pick on the Ohio State product.

Ultimately, Noah Brown’s limited experience, having barely played during his freshman year in 2014, may ultimately force him to return for his Junior season. With a limited amount of tape and an entire season missed due to a broken leg, Brown has to absolutely terrorize his competition in order to give himself the option to declare for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Fit

Because Brown is only a redshirt Sophomore, there is no guarantee that he’ll declare for the 2017 NFL Draft. In actuality, Brown may decide to take a year, or even two, to improve his craft at Ohio State. However, if Brown decides to enter the draft as a underclassman, I would expect the Steelers to be all over him.

First of all, there is the Ohio State connection. Every knows that the Steelers love their Buckeyes. They have spent high draft picks on Ryan Shazier, Cam Heyward, and others in recent years.

Secondly, with the status of Martavis Bryant uncertain the Steelers could surely use another big-bodied WR. While Sammie Coates has shown promising signs of improvement with his big play ability, adding another vertical threat would never do an offense any harm.

As I noted in our previous “Draft Watch” article regarding the possible addition of Christian McCaffrey, I believe the Steelers would greatly benefit by adding yet another offensive weapon to spread the field and take Pittsburgh’s offense from great to “special”.

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