BROWN EXPECTED TO BE FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICK TONIGHT

Tonight is expected to be a huge night in the life of Brenham-native Malcolm Brown.

Brown is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2015 N.F.L. Draft in Chicago.

According to the so-called draft experts, the former Brenham Cub and Texas Longhorn defensive lineman could go as early as #17 to the San Diego Chargers, or as late as #31 to the New Orleans Saints.

Brown, a 6-3, 320 pound junior at UT, started all 13 games this past season at defensive tackle.  He was a consensus first team All-American; named one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy; one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy; was a first-team All-America choice by the AP, FWAA, Sporting News, USA Today, CBS Sports and ESPN.com, and second-team choice by Walter Camp.

Brown led the team in sacks (6.5), tackles for loss (15) and forced fumbles (2), and tied for QB pressures (8).  He was sixth on the team in tackles with a career-high 72, and became the first defensive tackle to lead Texas in tackles for loss and sacks since Tony Degrate in 1984.

With the Cubs, Brown was a three-year starter who tallied 125 tackles, 66 tackles for loss, 91 quarterback hurries, 24 sacks, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries, helping Brenham post a 34-5 record over his three seasons.  He was named All-State and All-American while with the Cubs.

Brown would be the first Brenham Cub to be selected in the draft since Limas Sweed, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round in 2008.

Malcolm and his wife Faith have two daughters, Rayna and Mayah.