Zach Brown, one of the better defensive free agent linebackers available signed a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins as Ian Rapoport shared earlier today via his Twitter. A free agent that the Raiders missed out on.
Source: The #Redskins have agreed to terms with FA LB Zach Brown, pending a physical. Big-name free agent off the market.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2017
The former second-round pick out of the University of North Carolina was second in the league in tackles in 2016 with 149 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception per PFR.com.
Brown also made the Pro-Bowl in 2016 and will immediately give a boost to a Redskins’ defense which gave up nearly 120 yards on the ground per game.
Brown’s a multi-dimensional linebacker who’s capable of not only being a factor in the run game but also dropping into coverage and covering running backs and tight ends.
Brown was brought in for a visit with the Raiders but left without a contract, and now the team will have missed out on a player with an impressive skillset that would’ve helped improve an overwhelmed defense.
Just look at what Walter Football had to say about Brown prior to joining the NFL.
Like many players who have come out of North Carolina in recent years, Brown is an elite athlete who has tons of physical talent. His unique skill set allows him to do things athletically that other players can’t do. Brown is capable of making game-changing plays because of pure natural abilities. He had huge games against Rutgers, North Carolina State, Wake Forest and Louisville in 2011. Brown flashed some Saturdays, but did not consistently dominate as much as he seems capable of.
Brown outproduced linebackers Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant in 2010. He had 72 tackles with three interceptions. He improved to 105 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, four passes broken up, three interceptions and three forced fumbles last year. Brown showed better instincts as a senior, but he still had plays where he seemed lost and reacted late. His speed made up for it at the collegiate level, but that won’t work in the NFL.
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