Nebraska safety Omar Brown had a quality campaign in 2023. Brown totaled 51 tackles and four pass breakups en route to Honorable Mention All Big-Ten honors. A former Northern Iowa transfer, Brown exits college football with 21 career passes defensed and eight interceptions, helping the Cornhuskers defense allow a team-low 303.5 yards per game, the lowest season-log mark the program has allowed since joining The Big Ten.
The 6-foot, 201-pound Brown recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his week-long experience at the East-West Shrine Bowl, versatility in the defensive backfield, which NFL teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You were a standout performer at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl. What do you think you proved to general managers and scouts in attendance?
Omar Brown: I think I proved that I’m an all-around player. I was a vocal leader at the Shrine Bowl. I tried to be a standout guy without overstepping. I went there to do my job at a high level. I showed the coaches and scouts how complete of a player I am.
I played coverage near the line of scrimmage. I also played as a single-high type on the back end. I felt very comfortable playing in multiple spots. I can play with any caliber of prospect.
JM: You won the weigh-in process as well. You look the part as a rocked-up prospect. You measured in at 6-foot, 201 pounds. How do you use size and strength to your advantage on a play-by-play basis?
Omar Brown: I’m a bigger safety. There’s always that question about how us bigger-bodied safeties move around. This past season, I was covering some of the fastest playmakers on the opposition. I did what I had to do by locking them up.
I also came downhill and hit some running backs. I feel like I’m a versatile all-around player. I can guard fast guys, but I can also creep towards the line of scrimmage and lay the wood.
JM: You probably met with every team in attendance at Shrine. Did any of those team meetings particularly stand out? Did you get a great vibe from any teams in particular?
Omar Brown: I got a great vibe from every team I spoke with. A lot of teams asked me questions about my versatility. I had great interviews with every team. All of them went well. I had great meetings with the Chiefs, Packers, Broncos. Those three meetings stood out.
We talked about our defense at Nebraska and what my assignments were on specific plays. I had a good season. That’s just who I am. You have to be yourself in those meetings. There’s no point in lying or faking who you are.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. How do you look back on the decision to transfer from Northern Iowa to Nebraska?
Omar Brown: I think about that decision a lot. I feel like that was a great decision for me. I had to make that decision to get my life moving in the right direction. It was a personal decision. It wasn’t easy. Northern Iowa gave me an opportunity to play college football. I’m forever thankful.
I bet on myself when I made that decision. It proved to be a great decision. I wanted to play against better talent in a better conference. Making the move to Nebraska put more eyes on me. It worked out in my favor during my senior season.
JM: You leave college football with 21 pass breakups and eight interceptions. What is it about your game that allows you to get your hands on the football?
Omar Brown: I’m an athlete. I played wide receiver in high school. I’m very comfortable catching the ball. When I arrived at Northern Iowa, I felt like being a defensive back with great ball skills was my specialty.
I love playing the ball in the air. When it’s in my vicinity, I’m coming down with it. That’s the type of player I am. I love being around the ball. I love making big-time plays. That’s just what I do.
JM: What role do you see yourself filling at the next level? Are you most comfortable playing near the line of scrimmage, as a single-high safety, or so on?
Omar Brown: That’s a tough question. I probably see myself spending more time on the back end. I’m very comfortable playing in the post. I can come downhill and hit what’s in front of me, or anything crossing my face. I can identify targets when the ball’s in the air.
I’m that type of defender. I can also see a scenario where I’m a guy that comes downhill to be a great tackler near the line of scrimmage. I feel like I can’t make this decision because I love both roles (laughs). I slightly lean towards playing on the back end.
JM: I love that answer. I’ve appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on Omar Brown?
Omar Brown: I’m one of the best defensive backs in the 2024 NFL Draft. That’s honestly how I feel. I think I showcased that during the season and throughout my entire college football career, really.
I’m confident in my complete body of work. I’ve played multiple positions at two different programs and in two different conferences. I’ve made plays everywhere I’ve been. I’m one of the best defensive backs in this draft class. That’s why a team should draft me.
