Ron Brooks to Bills: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Ron Brooks might be one of the more underrated defensive backs in this draft class. One reason: He wasn't even a starter at LSU.

It may sound damning, but there is no shame in being a reserve on such a talented team, or taking a back seat to players like Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu in the crowded secondary.

While some may view his inability to crack the starting lineup as a weakness, it gave him a chance to show something most draftable players don't: the ability to fit into a system, play a role and sacrifice individual success for team success.

Still, Brooks is an elite athlete with sub-4.4 speed. Even in limited playing time, he proved to be a valuable asset for Les Miles and Co. Over his last two seasons, Brooks totaled 63 tackles (12.5 tackles for loss), 5.5 sacks, nine pass breakups, and three interceptions.

Brooks also flashes a lot of ability with the ball in his hands, having returned all three career interceptions for a score (totaling 106 yards).

He is also an ace on special teams, having been LSU's gunner during the last two seasons, and showed a penchant for downing punts inside the 20.

Scouts Inc. loves Brooks' ability to contribute against the run:

"

Active, tough and scrappy in this department. Although undersized, has ample experience playing near the line of scrimmage in the slot and is effective in run support. Slips blocks well and avoid traffic to find the ball carrier. Display very good body control in the open field to adjust and secure tackle.

"

On the flip side, they have questions about his ability in coverage:

"

Needs to take a few extra steps to gather at the top of his backpedal when breaking forward. Also has a little bit of tightness in hips when having to make sudden 180-degree turn. Can be too physical at times and will need to adjust accordingly to the NFL rules in coverage.

"

Coming in around 6'0" and 180, Brooks isn't an elite "shutdown" corner, but he can go in and play in nickel and dime packages, tackle and cover secondary receivers.

Pick Analysis

LSU knows how to play defense, and Brooks was part of the reason for the Tigers' vaunted reputation over the last season. Ranked No. 72 on Matt Miller's Big Board, this is a solid fourth-round pick up. In a division with Tom Brady, it's always a good idea to think about upgrading the secondary.