Texas junior defensive tackle Malcom Brown has elected to enter the 2015 NFL draft, he told coach Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong (Twitter link via the Longhorn Network). Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net had reported last month that Brown was leaning heavily toward forgoing his final year of NCAA eligibility and turning pro.
In his third season at Texas, Brown compiled 69 tackles, and led the defense with 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss. He was a consensus All-American, as well as ESPN’s Big 12 defensive player of the year.
The 2015 draft class figures to see a number of defensive tackles come off the board early, with Brown expected to be a first-round pick. CBSSports.com ranks him as the fourth-best defensive tackle in the class, and the No. 25 overall prospect. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Todd McShay praises Brown’s motor and versatility, projecting him to come off the board with the 22nd overall pick.