32 for No. 32: This is the second in a series of looks at 32 prospects the Patriots may consider selecting with the 32nd overall pick at the 2015 NFL Draft.
Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
6-foot-2, 319 pounds
STATS
2014: 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks
2013: 68-2
2012: 25-0
SCOUTING REPORT
A two-year starter for the Longhorns, Brown has been a contributor to the team's defense since he was a true freshman in 2012. As a junior he was a first-team All-American, a finalist for the Bronco Nagurski Trophy as the best defensive player in the country, and a finalist for the Outland Trophy as the NCAA's top interior lineman. He's viewed by some as mature beyond his years, and he spoke openly at the combine about the inspiration he receives from his wife and two daughters.
THE GOOD
Brown is a powerful athlete who could potentially play a variety of roles on the defensive line in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme. He has especially strong hands, and he projects as someone who will make a living in opposing backfields.
THE BAD
He's described by some as sometimes having a less-than-relentless motor, and he could afford to add some strength to his lower body. But that's nitpicking. After Washington's Danny Shelton and maybe Oregon's Arik Armstead, Brown may be the top interior lineman in this year's draft class.
PATRIOT FRIENDLY?
Vince Wilfork will spend next season in Houston, meaning that the Patriots will lean on Sealver Siliga, Alan Branch and whoever they add between now and September to shoulder the load as the space-eaters on the interior of their defensive line. Defensive linemen Dominique Easley and Chris Jones should also play significant roles, but they will serve more as penetrating tackles than immovable boulders. Brown is somewhat of a hybrid interior defensive lineman with the athleticism to pressure opposing quarterbacks and the frame to handle double-teams. If he can move along the line -- playing on the nose, one-technique or three-technique -- and become a three-down player as a pro, then the Patriots might be interested in grabbing Brown as the franchise's Wilfork 2.0. Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia got an up-close look at Brown when he traveled to the Longhorns pro day earlier this month.
MOCKED UP
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com - No. 18, Kansas City
Charley Casserley, NFL.com - No. 21, Cincinnati
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com - No. 27, Dallas
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com - No. 17, San Diego
Todd McShay, ESPN.com - No. 17, San Diego
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com - No. 19, Cleveland
Matt Miller, BleacherReport.com - No. 23, Detroit