The Cardinals selected Barion Brown the speedster out of Kentucky hoping to add some fire power to a lackluster offense. We are going to look inside at some of the scouting info on him dating back to his high school and college days.
Above average height with a lean, wiry build that should hold some more mass in college. Proven three-phase playmaker with big-play ability fostered by great functional athleticism. Long-striding gait that builds top-end speed, but does not hinder above average short-area change of direction. Varied positional background with snaps at quarterback (largely wildcat), running back, receiver, defensive back, and kick/punt returner. More subtle than violent when stringing together moves but more than capable of doing so for chunk yardage. Good downfield ball-tracking concentration. Possesses press traits at corner and flashes closing speed and arriving conviction in pursuit. Elite track profile for a football player with a 10.49 100 and 21.37 200. May not play quite that fast on the field, but nevertheless is the fastest player on the field in vast majority of situations. Has some slippery strength but lack of mass affects contact balance. Beats high school opponents with superior physical traits/athleticism and will need to hone technical side of playing receiver. Majority of touches have come in the run game so getting reps as a route runner and hands catcher will be key. Outstanding projection at cornerback, but current signs point to playing receiver, which still provides a great fit with high-ceiling upside. Provides great special teams value as a return man and potential coverage gunner. Big-play machine who projects to the high-major level as a possible difference-making weapon with a ceiling beyond the college game.
The former Pearl-Cohn High School standout excelled in multiple positions, earning the Tennessee Titans Class 4A Mr. Football Award. Brown’s track prowess as a back-to-back state champion in the 100- and 200-meter dash foreshadowed his impact on the gridiron.
At Kentucky, Brown quickly made his mark. As a freshman, he set records with 628 receiving yards and 50 receptions in a season. His sophomore campaign saw him earn All-America honors and break school records for kickoff return average. Brown’s versatility shone through with 539 receiving yards, 147 rushing yards, and three kickoff return touchdowns in 2023.
Standing at 6’1″ and 166 pounds, Brown’s slight frame belies his explosive impact. Born on April 24, 2004, the young wideout has already etched his name in Kentucky’s record books. His game-breaking ability on special teams, (has four career kickoff return touchdowns), has drawn comparisons to the best NFL return specialists and put him squarelo on the radar of pro scouts.
SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS
- Elite straight-line speed and acceleration, consistently threatening defenses vertically and turning short passes into chunk plays
- Exceptional kick return ability, averaging 36 yards per return and tying the SEC record with three touchdowns in a single season
- Quick-twitch athlete with the agility to make defenders miss in open space and create yards after catch
- Versatile offensive weapon, capable of contributing as a receiver, runner, and returner in multiple schemes
- Demonstrates good body control and adjustment skills when tracking deep balls, maximizing his frame to make plays
- Possesses the burst to separate on intermediate routes, particularly on crossers and out-breaking patterns
- Shows potential in route running, with the ability to threaten defenders with his speed and create separation at the stem
- Able to find soft spots in zone coverage and manipulate defenders with crisp route running
