The Cleveland Browns have used the 189th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft to select defensive back Charles Gaines from Louisville.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Gaines had 7 interceptions over the past two seasons.
According to his draft profile at NFL.com, Gaines:
"“Came to Louisville as wide receiver and has unique feel for what’s coming from routes. Outstanding mirror/match work in man coverage. Extremely patient and confident in coverage. Maintains balance and body control in routes. Refuses to overreact or be tilted by head fakes and jab steps within the route. Allows receiver to declare his release before opening from press. Plays on bouncy feet with above-average twitch. Can break off backpedal suddenly and accelerate forward to challenge a throw. Not overly grabby downfield. Reads quarterback, looking for clues to jump throws. Flashes necessary recovery speed. Not fooled by playaction. Instincts above desired mark for cover cornerback.”"
CBSSports.com had this to say of Gaines:
"“Possesses light feet and a fluid turning motion which allow him to remain in the hip pocket of receivers. Shows good anticipation of receiver breaks, frequently undercutting routes to be in position to make plays on the ball.Willing to extend his arms when in press coverage but doesn’t rely on an initial jam, easily turning and running with receivers down the field. Good ball skills for the position, extending to pluck the ball outside of his frame and showing good timing on jump balls to compete despite his less-than-ideal frame. Experienced on special teams, returning a kickoff for a 93-yard touchdown in 2013, as well as serving as a gunner defending punt returns.”"
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The Browns once again decided to go defense with their first of three sixth-round picks. Gaines joins prior selections nose tackle Danny Shelton (first round), defensive end Nate Orchard (second round) and defensive lineman Xavier Cooper (third round) and Ibraheim Campbell (fourth round) as new defenders for the Browns.
The selection of Gaines is a little surprising, as the Browns are still in need of another tight end, and the Browns already have of the best secondaries in football.
However, Cleveland has yet to resign restricted free agent Tashaun Gipson, and 2014 first-round pick Justin Gilbert disappointed last season. The selection of Gaines could be seen as a depth move, but the Browns already have developing cornerback Pierre Desir on the roster.
Either way, Gaines brings solid athleticism and ballhawking ability to an already impressive secondary.
What do you think of the selection of Charles Gaines?