The 2012 NFL Combine wraps up today in Indianapolis, and we'll be looking at one player from six different positional groups of interest to the Buffalo Bills that stood out this past week. Zach Brown, an outstanding athlete hailing from North Carolina, headlined several strong performances at linebacker.
Brown, a 6'1", 244-pound senior, was highly regarded for his athleticism entering the 2011 season. Then he accrued 105 tackles, 5.5 sacks and three interceptions, and entering the Combine, his would be one of the most highly-anticipated performances of the weekend, especially at linebacker.
Brown did not disappoint. His official 40-yard dash time was 4.50 seconds, but NFL Network unofficially timed him at 4.44 - after stumbling and appearing to let up during his run. He was dynamite in positional drills, showing off the superb, rare athleticism that made him so highly touted in the first place.
There's a strong chance that Brown will be universally regarded as a first-round pick; linebackers with his abilities are not common, as he's a true three-down presence. He is not necessarily a great fit for Buffalo - he's a best fit for the position Nick Barnett currently holds down - but that need exists, and Brown is clearly an excellent long-term investment.