Houston Texans: 5 small school prospects to monitor at the NFL Combine

BOCA RATON, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Devin Singletary #5 of the Florida Atlantic Owls celebrates after scoring his fifth touchdown against the Bethune Cookman Wildcats during the first half at FAU Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FL - SEPTEMBER 15: Devin Singletary #5 of the Florida Atlantic Owls celebrates after scoring his fifth touchdown against the Bethune Cookman Wildcats during the first half at FAU Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – SEPTEMBER 2: Corner back Blace Brown #18 of the Troy Trojans grabs an interception in front of wide receiver Cedrick Wilson #1 of the Boise State Broncos during first half action on September 2, 2017 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – SEPTEMBER 2: Corner back Blace Brown #18 of the Troy Trojans grabs an interception in front of wide receiver Cedrick Wilson #1 of the Boise State Broncos during first half action on September 2, 2017 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

Blace Brown, CB, Troy

2018 stats: 13 games, 44 total tackles, 6 pass deflections, 1 interception

The Houston Texans need an outside cornerback and Blace Brown can be that guy. While he could stand to gain some weight on his 6-foot, 185-pound frame, Brown has the instincts and knack for playmaking that can make him a day one starter in the NFL. He also has the speed, agility and athleticism to be a standout at the NFL Combine.

The area that stands out with Brown is in zone coverage, whether it be deep or shallow. He is excellent while reading quarterbacks eyes, and has a knack for anticipating routes as he breaks them up using his outstanding burst and length.

In man coverage, Brown has shown that he is shifty, and flexible enough to stay attached to receivers hips, and will rarely get beat on a double move. Despite his lanky frame, he’s a willing tackler in space. He’s also a former high school receiver standout, which has transitioned well in terms of ball-hawking.

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Brown isn’t complete. His strength will be a weakness in press coverage and block shedding, but he’s a playmaker that has the potential to be a big-time player in the NFL.

Round projection: 2nd-4th round

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