Jammal Brown Official Website

First-round pick Jammal Brown, already penciled in as a starter at offensive tackle, has reached agreement on his first NFL contract.

 

The 24-year-old former Oklahoma Sooner, chosen with the 13th overall selection in this year's draft, will sign a five-year contract with a base value of $11 million. The deal includes about $8.5 million in guarantees. Brown was one of only three offensive linemen chosen in the first round and one of just two tackles.

 

Winner of the prestigious Outland Trophy for 2004, Brown is a massive (6 feet 6, 313 pounds) strongside blocker, a player who combines surprisingly good athleticism with great force coming off the ball. Noted more for his run-blocking skills, Brown has continued to improve as a pass protector.

 

The Saints will feature a totally revamped right side of the line, with former Eagles standout Jermane Mayberry, signed as an unrestricted free agent this spring, the new guard on that side. New Orleans originally added Mayberry to play tackle but, after selecting Brown in the first round, moved the veteran inside.

 

Saints coach Jim Haslett this spring compared Brown to perennial Pro Bowl tackle Willie Roaf, who also began his career on the strongside before moving to left tackle. It is not known if Brown will ever play the left side, but he should emerge in time as a Pro Bowl caliber player on the right side.

 

New Orleans plans to return to a power running game this season, and the combination of Brown and Mayberry on the right side should certainly help running back Deuce McAllister, who signed a lucrative new contract Thursday, have a big season.