Christian Kirk NFL Draft: Best and worst case scenarios for Texas A&M WR
By Jeff Shull
Former Texas A&M football wide receiver Christian Kirk had an excellent showing at the 2018 NFL combine. Did he do enough to be a top 10 pick?
Christian Kirk just got through putting up some incredible numbers at the 2018 NFL Combine, which could make it hard for teams to pass on him in the first round of the NFL Draft. He posted 4.46 and 4.48 40-times, repped 20 times on the bench press and jumped a 35-inch vertical.
Combining these measurables with his already impressive game tape, it is not hard to make the case for Kirk to be drafted on the first day.
He is one of the more explosive receivers in the class. Kirk finished his Aggie career with 234 catches, 2,856 yards and 26 touchdowns and he adds the return game element with his seven career return touchdowns.
Despite his obvious value in the NFL, there will be some who are worried about his limitations. Is he tall enough to make it in the NFL? Given the league’s shift to passing offenses and the value of a slot receiver, the answer to that should be “absolutely.”
Is it possible Kirk was a system guy? Anything is possible. Kevin Sumlin’s offense did do a lot to get Kirk open looks, but the speed he displayed at the combine should erase any doubts about his ability to get separation at the next level.
Having said all that, let’s take a look at his best and worse case scenario for the NFL Draft.
Best case: No. 8 overall to the Chicago Bears
The Bears finished dead last in passing yards per game in 2017. They need to add weapons for their young franchise quarterback. Kevin White has not been able to stay on the field and it’s clear the Bears missed Alshon Jeffery, who starred for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
You could make the argument the Indianapolis Colts or Cleveland Browns need a receiver. However, they have other pressing needs that should trump taking Kirk at their spots.
Even if the Bears can get something out of White, he’s a traditional wide out with his 6-foot-3, 216-pound frame. Kirk can be a monster on the inside and someone who will move the chains for Mitch Trubisky.
Worst case: Falling to No. 64 or 65 to the Cleveland Browns
It’s absolutely cliché to say going to the Browns would be a worse case scenario, but Kirk should definitely be disappointed if he falls all the way to the bottom of the second or top of the third round. His tape suggests he should go much higher than that.
Obviously he could fall even further than this, but it’s hard for me to believe his floor is much lower. According to Walter Football, some NFL executives believe Kirk is only worth a third round pick. I guess that’s why some executives get fired every year.
The Browns have had a 20-plus year revolving door at quarterback and nothing suggests they will find one any time soon.
Next: Will Shane Tripucka be selected in the 2018 NFL Draft?
The Bears are not exactly a quarterback factory either, but Trubisky at least showed flashes when they let him turn it loose, which was rare, and Chicago hired a good, young offensive-minded coach in Matt Nagy who should be able to turn things around.
Jeff Shull is a Site Expert for the Gig Em Gazette on FanSided. Follow him on Twitter, and be sure to follow the Gig Em Gazette on Facebook and Twitter.