Summary

Spencer Brown was selected in Round 3 (#93 Overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Northern Iowa. At Northern Iowa, he was a dominant run blocker and team captain, earning First-Team All-MVFC honors and drawing attention for his upside despite limited exposure to top-tier competition. In the NFL, Brown quickly became a multi-year starting right tackle for Buffalo. Through the 2024 season, he has started 50+ career games, protecting Josh Allen in a high-volume passing offense while continuing to develop technically. Brown is widely regarded as a high-character, tough, and resilient professional, praised for work ethic, accountability, and perseverance through injuries and early-career inconsistencies. Brown is known as an assassin on the field who combines an intense demeanor and fiery disposition to take it personally out against anyone who tries to touch his quarterback.

Strengths

• Absolute Frankenstein: Massive 6’8” frame and almost 35” arms creates natural edge protection without even having to move much.

• Unicorn Athlete: Perfect Athletic score (25.00). Exceptional movement skills for his size and effective climbing to second level.

• Run-Game Power: Most tall lean tackles with great athleticism play a finesse game - but not Brown. Generates displacement on down blocks and drive concepts and anchors against powerful bull rushers.

• Competitive Toughness: Plays with edge and physical intent. Takes the game personally and delivers malice and has shown improved availability after early injury challenges.

Weaknesses

• Pad Level Consistency: Tall frame leads to leverage issues. Occasionally oversets versus speed rushers.

• Hand Placement: Can be late or wide, allowing counters. Huge area of emphasis coming from an FCS program to starting in the NFL.

• Penalty Risk: Height and reach lead to holding when beaten. Performance can fluctuate snap-to-snap against top competition and goes down a mental well if he starts getting beat early and often.

• Footwork Discipline: Needs continued refinement against elite edge rushers.

Outlook

Brown is well suited for Buffalo’s athletic, quarterback-centric offense, where tackles must protect extended plays and function in space. His movement ability complements Josh Allen’s play style, particularly in scramble situations and play-action concepts. Brown is most effective when allowed to use length, power, and athletic recovery, rather than relying purely on precision footwork. Looking ahead, Brown projects as a long-term starting right tackle with upside. While technical refinement remains the determining factor between solid starter and upper-tier performer, his physical traits provide a high ceiling that few linemen possess. With continued coaching and consistency, Brown has the tools to become a cornerstone tackle for Buffalo’s offensive line and a stabilizing presence for a championship-caliber offense.