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#71: Christian Kirksey, LB, Iowa

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kriegs

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Draft Analysis (via NFL.com):

"The Browns got a plan and they are not deviating from it. I think Kirksey can play inside or outside, and he'll play inside for the Browns. This is another good, solid pick for the Browns." -- Mike Mayock

Height: 6'2"
Arm Length: 32 3/8"
Weight: 233LBS.
Hands: 9 3/8"

Overview


Linebacker-fullback who won state titles in football and track as a Missouri prep. Saw limited action in 11 games in 2010, scratching six tackles, zero for loss and zero sacks. Did not play against Penn State (concussion) or Missouri in the Insight Bowl (right ankle). Stepped into the lineup in '11, starting all 13 games (first seven at weakside linebacker, final six at "Leo") -- produced 110 tackles, five for loss and a sack with two pass breakups and a forced fumble. Started all 12 at the "Leo" (played the weak side against Michigan) and totaled 95-3.5-2 with two pass breakups, two interception touchdowns and a forced fumble. Started all 13 games at "Leo" in '13 and recorded 104-5-2.5 with a pass breakup, an interception, two forced fumbles and a fumble return TD. Team captain. Did not run the 40, shuttles or 3-cone drill at the combine (right hamstring).

Analysis

Strengths


Agile and athletic. Flows to the ball when he has a clear path. Experience in space and over the slot. Has terrific personal and football character, including leadership traits. Two-time captain. Was a 21-year-old senior. Ran extremely well at his pro-day workout, recording superb sub-4.6-second 40-times and a 36-inch vertical jump.

Weaknesses

Undersized -- lacks ideal length and bulk. Looks like a safety at first glance. Outmuscled at the point of attack -- gets stuck on blocks and covered up. Average eyes and instincts. Needs to be schemed free as a blitzer. Not a playmaker -- just 3.5 sacks and 9.5 TFL in three seasons. Bench-pressed 225 pounds just 16 times, second-fewest among linebackers at the combine.

Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5

Bottom Line

Small-framed, athletic, finesse, run-around Will linebacker who will have to stand out on special teams to earn a reserve spot.

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Combine workout video: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap2000000333801/2014-Combine-workout-Christian-Kirksey


Highlights:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YpexWmetKRY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
Just looking at that guy, I really am struggling to believe he can be a good LB in the NFL. He looks smaller than a lot of safeties.
 
Looks like more of a hybrid type LB/S, will be interesting to see how they use him.
 
Looks like a tj ward replacement.
 
Just looking at that guy, I really am struggling to believe he can be a good LB in the NFL. He looks smaller than a lot of safeties.

This is the new NFL, it's about time the Browns woke up and joined the movement. Having a LB that can cover slot receivers and tight ends free up the safeties to make more plays....
 
I like the pick. He seems to really have a nose for the ball.
 
This is the new NFL, it's about time the Browns woke up and joined the movement. Having a LB that can cover slot receivers and tight ends free up the safeties to make more plays....

I like the pick, in the 3rd round it is great time to take a who may be more of a one trick pony. This guy can come in on 3rd down and blitz, or drop into coverage. If he can bulk up he could develop into more them a third down player. But he is a guy who can at right away, and make an impact on the team.
 
This is Ray's, 'I'm smarter than everyone else', cute pick of the draft. He might be a solid, instant contributor and good locker room guy.. 71st best player in the draft though? Undersized guy that they're projecting at a different position than what he played, and supposedly struggles taking on blocks.
 
Will be interested to see how this guy does.

He looks small, only weighs 230 lbs (which he does not really look at all) and had the second fewest bench reps of any LB at the combine. And we took him in the top 75 of a talented draft.

He deserves a chance but it was a bit of a head scratcher.

Thought there was far better value in someone like Tre Mason at that selection and then take an LB in the 4th.
 
This is Ray's, 'I'm smarter than everyone else', cute pick of the draft. He might be a solid, instant contributor and good locker room guy.. 71st best player in the draft though? Undersized guy that they're projecting at a different position than what he played, and supposedly struggles taking on blocks.

Source for the Browns projecting him at a different position?

And there is nothing close to a consensus '71st best player' in the draft. At this point in the draft there's going to be extreme variance between every teams board.
 
Not expecting this guy to make much of an impact - at all. At least not this season.
 
I watched his game against LSU this morning at DraftBreakdown. Iowa drops him back into coverage a lot. He seemed comfortable doing it, but no passes were thrown his way that game, so I didn't get to see how well he defends the pass.

He had a few plays where he bit on run fakes or overpursued. I wasn't that impressed with him against the run, but again it was just one game.

He had one sack in that game where he easily shed a block from the fullback and got the QB for a big loss.
 

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