New York Giants: Grading every pick in the 2020 NFL Draft

Round 6, Pick 183: Cameron Brown, LB, Penn State

Grade: C

This was a pick you want to make when looking for a special teams contributor who can develop into something more. The former Penn State linebacker has tools that make him a promising developmental prospect. For starters, his length aids in the possibility of him coming off the edge as a blitzer. He‘s a downhill rusher who doesn’t shy away from contact.

However, due to his thin frame, he’ll have a hard time in the league. He does have a solid first step and the quickness to close in on backs and quarterbacks. Despite playing in space, he doesn’t have ideal reaction skills or fluidity you want in a coverage backer. Nevertheless, it’s hard to overlook how his wing-span and solid athleticism limits opposing players’ catch radius.

If he can continue to develop as a coverage backer he’d make for an excellent sub-package defender. He’s used to playing in the slot covering tight ends; he could carve out a role for himself with the Giants in that regard. If he can get stronger and learn to use his length to help him rip and shed, he could be a solid weapon.

The major issue with Brown is instincts, which is why Giants can’t use him outside of being a rusher or cover guy in spurts. Not having great reaction skills stunts his development and this grade.