Ji'Ayir Brown

Summary

Ji’Ayir Brown was drafted in Round 3 (#87 Overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Penn State University. After transferring to Penn State from the JUCO ranks junior, Brown totaled 147 tackles, 10 interceptions (tied for 12th in program history), forced multiple fumbles over his final two seasons with the Nittany Lions. He earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors in both 2021 and 2022 and earned a reputation as a playmaker and a leader. Through 2025, he has logged over 135 career tackles, 5 interceptions, and 15 passes defended in the NFL showing growth as a two-way safety. Off the field and in the locker room, Brown is regarded as competitive, high-IQ, and tough — traits that helped him overcome junior college beginnings to rise at Penn State and earn a Draft day pick.

Strengths

• Ball-hawking & turnover production: Brown has a very nose sense for the ball based on his high interception and pass break up numbers in both college and the pros.

• Versatility / multi-role safety: He’s shown the ability to play deep safety, slot, or closer to the box — giving his defense flexibility.

• Run-support & physicality: Brown hits hard and is willing and capable in run defense; he closes quickly and provides a physical presence when coming downhill.

• Instincts & awareness — strong read of field: He processes plays quickly, reads the quarterback/receiver well, and often seems to arrive just in time to break on throws or react to runs.

Weaknesses

• Average linear speed & athleticism limitations: While instinctive and savvy, Brown’s measurable speed (e.g., 40-yard dash) and agility are more average than elite, which could limit his ability to consistently match up with speed demons or deep threats.

• Sometimes over-aggressive: His aggressiveness and downhill style may lead to him being caught out of position or misreading complex route concepts, particularly play-action or trick plays.

• Size / Length Limitations at Safety: Brown lacks ideal prototypical size for a safety in some matchups and leaves himself susceptible to a disadvantage in contested catches or matches against large receivers or tight ends.

• Technical work in progress: Although he has good ball instincts, there are occasional lapses in man coverage or deep zones; he’s more natural in zone or reading routes rather than tight man coverage.

Outlook

Brown projects as a versatile, starting-caliber safety in a modern defense — one that values flexibility to deploy safeties at multiple levels (deep, box, slot). His ball skills, instincts, physicality, and ability to contribute both in coverage and run defense make him well suited to a defense that mixes zone coverage, cover-3/man shelfs, and aggressive run-support packages. Looking ahead, if he continues to refine his coverage technique, maintains discipline against misdirection, and stays healthy, he could develop into a reliable three-down safety and core member of the secondary. To reach his full potential he’ll need to balance aggression with discipline and demonstrate consistency week in and week out.