The Green Bay Packers made 11 picks during the 2018 NFL draft and signed several other contributors during college free agency, adding an influx of first-year talent to the roster. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be going through and reviewing the 2018 season for all of the Packers’ top rookies.

Next up: Tony Brown, an undrafted free agent cornerback out of Alabama:

Season Stats

Brown saw action in 11 games, starting three games at cornerback. He recorded 34 total tackles, one tackle for loss, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Brown racked up over half (19) of his total tackles in the last four games.

Snap counts

Brown played 287 total snaps on defense and 178 on special teams. During the final two games of the season, he played 100 percent of the defensive snaps in each contest (60 and 73 snaps, respectively). He also logged snaps on defense during each of the Packers’ final eight games. His 178 special teams snaps were eighth-most on the team.

Best game

Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons. The entire Packers defense feasted on Matt Ryan and the Atlanta offense, but Brown had a notable performance. Brown played 83percent of the defensive snaps and only gave up three catches for a combined 23 yards, none of which went for a first down.

Best play

We’ll highlight two third-down stops, one in coverage and one against the run.

On the first, Brown broke up a quick slant intended for former first-round pick Devante Parker, disrupting the pass at the catch point and getting the Packers off the field against the Miami Dolphins.

In Week 16 in New York, Brown diagnosed a third-down run play, chased down the Jets running back across the line of scrimmage and made the stop for no gain.

Season recap, future outlook

An undrafted free agent, Brown was originally signed by the Los Angeles Chargers in May of 2018. He was added to the Packers practice squad before Week 1 and elevated from the practice squad after Week 3. Brown first saw action in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills but was thrust into a more prominent role the following week against the Detroit Lions, where he recorded his first pass breakup of the season in the third quarter. Unfortunately, right after that play, Brown was flagged for taunting and the Lions were awarded 15 yards and a first down. He was fined $10,026 for the infraction. The next week against the San Francisco 49ers, Brown was called for another 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.

Despite his two untimely personal fouls, the Packers stuck with Brown and he managed to turn his season around. He began seeing more snaps on defense – partly due to Green Bay’s injury situation, but also because of his competitiveness and effort. Brown gave up his fair share of big plays and has plenty to work on, but his raw potential is obvious. At the very least, the Packers have a solid backup at cornerback and special teams contributor going into next season.

Season grade

Brown had a rocky start to his rookie campaign but ended with promising potential. His effort can never be questioned, especially in run defense. Brown was always willing to take on blockers and stick his nose in the action on running plays. His coverage skills need improvement, especially when it comes to getting his head around and locating and the ball. He relies too much on his athleticism.

All in all, Brown has already had an above-average career for an undrafted free agent. He has the potential to be the next Tramon Williams or Sam Shields (both former UDFAs) if he does everything right. A year in the offseason program will do wonders for Brown, who just needs coaching more than anything. B-

Previous rookie reviews

Cornerback Jaire Alexander

Cornerback Josh Jackson

Linebacker Oren Burks

Receiver J’Mon Moore

Punter JK Scott

Receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Receiver Equanimeous St. Brown

Defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster

Linebacker James Crawford