Sep 14, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals cornerback Charles Gaines (3) celebrates with safety Calvin Pryor (25) after intercepting the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Louisville defeated Kentucky 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns have signed sixth-round draft pick Charles Gaines, the team announced on Monday.
Gaines becomes the third of the Browns’ 12 draft picks to reach contract terms with the club.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Gaines had 7 interceptions over the past two seasons with Louisville after switching from the wide receiver position.
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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While Gaines is a player who likes to talk on the field – “Once I get a receiver to pay attention or listen to what I’m saying to him, I just know I’ve won,” he told The Courier-Journal last summer – he is also a player willing to put in the hard work needed to be successful.
“I understand why I play football, why I run sprints, why I catch balls and why I wake up every morning,” Gaines told the newspaper. “I don’t just run for me. I run for my teammates and their families. They run for me and for my family.”
With Joe Haden, Tramon Williams, Justin Gilbert and K’Waun Williams already on the roster, Gaines will have to work hard to find playing time on the Browns defense.
But judging from his comments, Gaines should be up to the challenge.
Can Charles Gaines make an impact on the defense this fall?