Chargers rookies take the field for the first day of Rookie Minicamp at Hoag Performance Center.
Head Coach Anthony Lynn is constantly asked at press conferences about the team's players.
Yet his response to a query about undrafted free agent cornerback Tony Brown will certainly raise some eyebrows.
"It's hard to tell after one practice, but I was just watching him out there at corner," Lynn said about the Alabama product. "He can play some free safety as well. I thought he did fine. He's picking up the system. He's still learning (and) has a lot going on, but he's a very gifted young man. Very talented. His skillset is off the charts."
If anyone would know Brown's pedigree, it's Lynn. After all, he played alongside Brown's father and uncle at Texas Tech. Thus, learning what his head coach had to say holds significant weight as the cornerback insists he'll use it as a source of motivation.
"Honestly, it means the team has a standard for me that I have to uphold," he said. "I need to take advantage of this opportunity. I bring a level of aggressiveness that can be useful for any team. I'm a monster on special teams, and I can be a monster on defense. I bring a level of leadership and a winning mentality coming from Alabama."
It's clear Brown doesn't lack confidence in his abilities, which is why he never imagined himself in this position. The cornerback was shocked to not hear his name called during the draft, yet there he was fielding offers as an undrafted free agent once the seventh rounded hit.
"It was extremely shocking," he said. "You have a lot of emotions during the draft, and when it doesn't go the way you hoped, your mind goes crazy."
As you might imagine, Brown didn't lack for suitors.
Numerous teams sought out the 6-0, 198-pound speedster who ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the Combine. In addition, he impressed teams with his physical style of play against the run as well as in coverage.
"As a DB, I know you have to play with finesse," he explained. "But as a football player in general, there's a level of aggressiveness that needs to be had. I feel like I've been that way my entire life. I'm that alpha male who wants to dominate the opponent. To dominate, aggressiveness comes with that."
It's easy to see why team after team pitched Brown on signing with them as an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately for them, once he talked with the Chargers, the decision was a no brainer.
"You have to make a decision on what team (to go to) that puts you in the best situation, and that's the position I'm in right now," he said. "There were a lot of teams that wanted to sign me, but I felt this was the best place. I talked to Coach Lynn. I met him when I was a child, but I didn't know a lot about him. But when I talked to him, he let me know the relationship and reminded me of it. He let me know the opportunity I had to make the team here. I liked what he was saying."
Of course, he also sought the advice of his family members that know Lynn best. Their assurances sealed the deal.
"I talked to my mom, and I felt it was the right place for me. And I was right. I'm loving it!"
