INDIANAPOLIS -- Minnesota defensive back Brock Vereen has unique insight into the NFL through his older brother, Patriots running back Shane Vereen.

The younger Vereen, whom Scouts, Inc. rates as the 18th best safety in this year's class, is at the combine this week.

Brock Vereen says having older brother Shane blaze a football trail for him has been a big plus. Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports

When asked if he aims to be drafted higher than Shane (a second-round pick in 2011), Brock had an interesting answer.

"I think the biggest part of me just wants to hit him," he said lightheartedly. "I just can't wait til we meet on the field."

While some siblings may dream of playing with each other, the younger Vereen conceded he hasn't spent much time thinking about that possibility.

"You know both of us want to play against each other so much that we haven't really talked about being on the same team," he said. "But if that were the case, it'd be a blessing."

The two played together for one season in high school, as Shane was a senior when Brock was a freshman.

No matter where Brock Vereen ends up, having had an older brother to guide him along the way has been a big help.

"I've been very fortunate as far as always having an older brother at the level that I was trying to get to," he said. "When I was in high school, he was already in college, and now with the situation here. Just to have that insight and to understand the ins and outs of certain things that they might not find out until they're actually in the NFL. It's definitely an advantage I think."

Brock Vereen said he is hoping to answer questions about his speed here in Indianapolis, noting that any time slower than 4.4 seconds in the 40 would be a disappointment for him.

He was named a first team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches for his efforts last season.