Oklahoma wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is known first for his blazing speed on the football field and second, for being the cousin of former Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver Antonio Brown. The Oklahoma wide receiver recently was a guest on the ‘Move The Sticks’ podcast and was asked if he would have any issue if the Steelers decided to draft him, considering the fallout between his cousin and Pittsburgh. Brown shot down the notion that there would be any issues very quickly.
“I love Pittsburgh. They have a hall of fame quarterback. I would love to play there,” Brown responded.
Marquise Brown also revealed that his cousin, Antonio Brown, now enjoying life as a member of the Oakland Raiders, would also have no issue should the Steelers call his name during next week’s draft.
While the possibility of the Steelers drafting Brown seems very far fetched, the team did meet with the receiver at this year’s NFL Combine. Family issues aside, Brown brings a ton of speed and playmaking abilities to the football field. In his final season at Oklahoma, the wide receiver caught 75 passes for 1318 yards, along with 10 receiving touchdowns. In each of his two collegiate seasons, Brown has averaged over 17 yards per catch.
Brown has not had a chance to workout in front of teams or scouts, as a Lisfranc injury sidelined him from the NFL Combine and his Pro Day. Though, the Oklahoma receiver did return to the Combine last week for a medical re-check and according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the examinations on his foot were “excellent.”
It will be interesting to see how Brown’s Lisfranc injury affects his draft stock. NFL.com’s Gil Brandt has Brown ranked 19th in his Hot 150 rankings. Brandt has compared Brown’s skillset to DeSean Jackson, comparing their size and speed.
“He has not run in the pre-draft process due to Lisfranc surgery. At 166 pounds, Brown looks like DeSean Jackson when the veteran receiver was coming out of Cal. Brown has very good hands, which measured 9 inches. He’s very explosive and great running after the catch. He plays bigger than his size and runs good routes,” Brandt writes.
Our own profile of Brown is below and included is a highlight of his route running, elusiveness and vertical ability. Brown figures to be drafted on day one and might still be on the board when the Steelers are on the clock. It would be incredibly tough for the Steelers to pass up on a talent like Brown’s due to the team’s prior dealings with members of his extended family, but it won’t be surprising if that ultimately happens just the same.
