Oregon’s Pharaoh Brown Signed by Oakland Raiders

Oregon tight end Pharaoh Brown was signed by the Oakland Raiders following the 2017 NFL Draft from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The 6-foot-6 UDFA signee finds himself in one of the most potent offenses in football, alongside a top-tier quarterback. This could be interesting.

Many “experts” didn’t believe Brown would be chosen, even after a pro day that elevated his stock. They were right. However, I thought he would hear his name called late in the draft. The talent is there.

This is the first time since 1985 that no Oregon player was selected in the NFL Draft.

Brown received a score of 4.96 at the NFL Combine. In fact, the former Duck led the tight end class of ‘17 in both the bench press (24) and vertical jump (34.0). He is clearly an explosive athlete with underrated strength and hands.

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After a horrific injury that nearly cost him his leg, Brown rehabilitated for a 2016 senior campaign in Eugene. The 255-pounder finished the season earning All-Pac-12 honors. Brown caught 33 balls for 426 yards and five touchdowns.

His breakout game of 2016 came against Arizona State from Autzen Stadium. True freshman quarterback Justin Herbert found Brown seven times for 129 yards (18.4) and two scores. He recorded a long of 72 yards on one play.

Prior to his injury, Brown was a first-team all-conference selection during his junior year. He inhaled 25 catches for 420 yards and six TD’s. He started five games as a sophomore.

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For his Oregon career, Brown registered 70 grabs for 1,011 yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged an incredible 14.4 yards per catch over his 4-year Duck career.

It was a collegiate portfolio that made you wonder, “what if?” It was never a question of talent or passion, only health and “off” field behavior. Regardless, Brown will have a brand new opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.

The Raiders currently have a few tight ends on their roster and added Jared Cook this offseason. He will be the starter, but there is no question that Brown can catch the eye of Derek Carr as a secondary option. Especially with someone as gifted as Carr, he spreads the wealth. This is a great fit for PB.

We here at ATQ want to wish Pharaoh nothing but the best on his journey! It was a pleasure watching him the last four years. Always us.

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