Barion Brown
Barion Brown  WR  Kentucky | NFL Draft 2026 Souting Report - Portrait Image
Barion Brown
Height
6-1
Weight
182
College
Kentucky
Position
WR
Class
Junior
Home town
Nashville, TN
82.1/100
Player Rating
13
PositionRank (WR)
4.28
FortyYD Time
Receptions
29
Rec YDs
361
Rec TDs
3
Rec AVG
12.4

Barion Brown WR Kentucky | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Barion Brown WR Kentucky
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

ROLE: Outside X-Receiver
Last Updated: 12/06/2024
Draft Year: 2026
40 time: 4.28 seconds (98%*)
Measurables:
Height: 6-1 (52%*) Weight: 182 (10%*)
Forty: 4.28 (O) (98%*)
0% 100%
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other (HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
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ROLE: Outside X-Receiver
Last Updated: 12/06/2024
Draft Year: 2026
40 time: 4.28 seconds (98%*)
Measurables:
0% 100%
Height: 6-1 (52%*) Weight: 182 (10%*)
Forty: 4.28 (O) (98%*)
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other
(HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
Overall Rating: 82.1 / 100
Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced
Defense Rating:
75%
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects.
QB Rating When targeted: 70.9
Hands:
51%
Short Receiving:
68%
Intermediate Routes:
65%
Deep Threat:
76%
Blocking:
65%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 4th
Overall Rank: #102 Position rank: #13
College Games: 36 College Snaps: 1317
Grade: 4 ESPN  Stars 4 ESPN  Stars ESPN RATING: 83/100
Grade: 247 Sports 4  Stars 247 Sports 96 Stars 247 RATING: 96/100
Grade: 4 Stars 4 Stars RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
Player Comparison* (Similarity level)
Ihmir Smith-Marsette - Iowa
77%
Danny Gray - SMU
70%
Jalen McMillan - Washington
68%
Draft Profile: Bio
Barion Brown, a Nashville native, burst onto the scene at Kentucky with electrifying speed and playmaking ability. The former Pearl-Cohn High School standout excelled in multiple positions, earning the Tennessee Titans Class 4A Mr. Football Award. Brown's track prowess as a back-to-back state champion in the 100- and 200-meter dash foreshadowed his impact on the gridiron.

At Kentucky, Brown quickly made his mark. As a freshman, he set records with 628 receiving yards and 50 receptions in a season. His sophomore campaign saw him earn All-America honors and break school records for kickoff return average. Brown's versatility shone through with 539 receiving yards, 147 rushing yards, and three kickoff return touchdowns in 2023.

Standing at 6'1" and 166 pounds, Brown's slight frame belies his explosive impact. Born on April 24, 2004, the young wideout has already etched his name in Kentucky's record books. His game-breaking ability on special teams, (has four career kickoff return touchdowns), has drawn comparisons to the best NFL return specialists and put him squarely on the radar of pro scouts.
Scouting Report: Strengths
  • Elite straight-line speed and acceleration, consistently threatening defenses vertically and turning short passes into chunk plays
  • Exceptional kick return ability, averaging 36 yards per return and tying the SEC record with three touchdowns in a single season
  • Quick-twitch athlete with the agility to make defenders miss in open space and create yards after catch
  • Versatile offensive weapon, capable of contributing as a receiver, runner, and returner in multiple schemes
  • Demonstrates good body control and adjustment skills when tracking deep balls, maximizing his frame to make plays
  • Possesses the burst to separate on intermediate routes, particularly on crossers and out-breaking patterns
  • Shows potential in route running, with the ability to threaten defenders with his speed and create separation at the stem
  • Able to find soft spots in zone coverage and manipulate defenders with crisp route running
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
  • Significantly undersized for an NFL receiver, raising concerns about his ability to withstand physical play and remain durable at the next level
  • Struggles against press coverage due to lack of play strength, often getting knocked off his routes by more physical corners
  • Inconsistent hands, with a tendency to body catch and occasional focus drops, particularly in traffic or when bracing for contact
  • Limited route tree at this stage, relying heavily on his athleticism rather than refined technique to create separation
  • Can improve spatial awareness and leverage understanding to better exploit defensive coverages and create throwing windows for his quarterback
Scouting Report: Summary
Barion Brown projects as a dynamic offensive weapon and return specialist at the NFL level. His game-breaking speed and elusiveness make him a threat to score every time he touches the ball, particularly in space or on special teams. Offensively, Brown fits best in a scheme that can maximize his ability in the short passing game and create opportunities for yards after catch.

While his slight frame may limit his effectiveness as an every-down outside receiver, Brown's versatility could make him a valuable chess piece for creative offensive coordinators. His elite return ability adds significant value to his draft stock, potentially carving out an immediate role while he develops as a receiver.

To reach his full potential, Brown will need to add functional strength and refine his route running. If he can improve his ability to beat press coverage and expand his route tree, Brown has the potential to develop into a dangerous slot receiver and occasional deep threat. His unique skill set and game-changing speed make him an intriguing day two prospect with the upside to outperform his draft position.
Written By:
Wyatt Brooks (SEC)

How other scouting services rate Barion Brown (Overall Rank)

All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
137.5
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
15.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance. For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.

*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.