Browns agree to deal with 3rd round pick Christian Kirksey
By Peter Smith
Sep 28, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Christian Kirksey (20) holds up the ball after intercepting a pass in the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Browns have reached a $3.04 million deal with third-round linebacker Chris Kirksey that includes a $662,500 signing bonus
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 5, 2014
The Cleveland Browns have signed third round pick Christian Kirksey to his rookie contract according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Kirksey becomes the second draft pick for the Browns to ink their deal along with Pierre Desir as the team works to get all of their picks signed.
Kirksey, on the surface, is a coverage linebacker that should be able to help the Browns in nickel situations, which is something they have lacked for years, but if he can pick things up quickly, he could end up starting next to Karlos Dansby. Even though he played four years at Iowa, Kirksey is one of the youngest players in the class as he is just about to turn 22 but was a permanent captain for the past two seasons for the Hawkeyes.
The Browns have put a significant emphasis on getting better in coverage, range and the ability to cause turnovers, which is something Kirksey should be equipped to do as he prepares for his rookie season with the Browns.