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Ji'Ayir Brown

Ji'Ayir Brown Player Profile

Summary

Ji’Ayir Brown was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2023 NFL Draft (pick 87) out of Penn State University. Brown is a versatile safety for who combines ball-hawk instincts with downhill physicality. Brown has shown flashes of playmaking ability and adaptability in different defensive roles. While he still has growth to do—especially in consistency, advanced technique, and aligning with the top tier of NFL safeties—his upside and versatility make him a compelling young defensive back.

Strengths

  • Playmaking+Ball Hawks Instincts

    • At Penn State, Brown demonstrated a nose for takeaways, including multiple interceptions and a big pick-6. Penn State - Official Athletics Website

    • His athleticism and closing speed allow him to make timely plays toward the ball. NFL Draft Buzz

      In the NFL, he has shown flashes of coverage strength, and his coverage grade (~69.5) in 2024 puts him in the upper tier in that metric. PFF

  • Versatility / Hybrid Usage

    • Brown has experience playing multiple spots: deep safety, box safety, slot/extra defender.

    • This allows the 49ers defense flexibility to deploy him in sub-packages, blitzes, and run-defense roles.

  • Physicality and Run Support

    • Though not enormous, Brown shows good physicality for his size and willingness to attack downhill, tackle in the box, and contribute against the run. NFL Draft Buzz

    • His tackling volume has been good for his position; he registered 59 solo tackles in 2024 and placed well among safeties. PFF

Weaknesses

  • Size / Length / Ideal Physical Profile

    • At 5′11″ and 202 lbs, Brown is a little smaller than many prototypical NFL safeties who roam the deep post or cover big-bodied receivers/tight ends over the top. This could limit his matchup versatility.

    • Some pre-draft scouting noted his combine/testing numbers (for example 40-yard dash, vertical) were underwhelming relative to elite athletes.

  • Consistency & Run-Defence Technique

    • While his tackling and physicality are positive, some evaluations flagged that at times his positioning or pad level in run-defense/scrimmage flow is inconsistent.

    • His run-defense grade from PFF in 2024 was about 53.6 (150th of 171 safeties) which suggests there is room for growth in that area. PFF

  • Depth of Experience / Division of Role

    • As a young player (3rd season) he still needs to develop consistency across full seasons and mature in reading advanced NFL offenses.

    • He has sometimes been shifted into hybrid or rotational roles rather than a full-time deep safety starter, which means he hasn’t yet maximized the volume or answered every question about his long-term role. This also opens questions about his ceiling and how high he can climb.

    Fit & Outlook

    Ji’Ayir Brown has the tools and the instincts to become a very good safety in the NFL—particularly the type who can be used in multiple capacities (coverage, box play, blitzing). He is already contributing for the 49ers and showing promise. The key for him going forward will be:

    • Improving his consistency, especially in run defence and against more physical receivers/tight ends.

    • Continuing to develop physically (strength, maybe body mass) and technique (reading offenses, leverage, tackling form) to maximize his impact.

    • Carving out a defined role (either as a starting free/strong safety or as a high-value hybrid piece) and sustaining performance across full seasons without big drop-offs.

    • Staying healthy and being locked in as the defense evolves around him.

    If he makes those strides, Brown has the potential to be a starting safety who can make big plays and anchor a secondary for years. While he may not yet be among the elite top safeties in the league, the trajectory is promising.