NFL draft analyst has former Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk among top 5 impact rookies
NFL draft analyst has former Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk among top 5 impact rookies
NFL draft analyst has former Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk among top 5 impact rookies
One NFL draft analyst thinks former Texas A&M receiver Christian Kirk will waste no time making his presence felt.
Texas A&M fans watched Christian Kirk’s game-breaking ability for three seasons in College Station. Now, one NFL draft analyst says a lucky franchise will get to do the same next season with Kirk.
The former Aggies receiver and returner, a First Team All-SEC selection in each of the last two seasons, is among the five players who will make the biggest impact as NFL rookies, according to draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
Here’s what Jeremiah had to say about Kirk this week.
“Some teams have Kirk as a late-first-round player, while others view him more as a second-round option. Almost everyone agrees that he’s one of the most polished players in the draft. He’s a refined route runner and should quickly emerge as one of the league’s most effective slot receivers. Cooper Kupp made a big-time impact as a rookie for the Rams working out of the slot last fall, and I expect similar results from Kirk in 2018.”
Kirk is in good company alongside some players who are considered early first-round selections, such as Penn State RB Saquon Barkley, Notre Dame G Quenton Nelson, N.C. State DE Bradley Chubb and Washington DT Vita Vea.
Kirk capped his historic college career with his best game as a pass catcher. Against Wake Forest in the Belk Bowl, Kirk recorded career-highs in receptions (13) and receiving yards (189) and receiving TDs (3).
Of course, everyone knows how dynamic he is as a returner. His career average of 22 yards per return is an FBS record (minimum 1.5 punt returns per game). During his three-year career at Texas A&M, he had 6 punt return TDs and 1 kickoff return TD.
He’s one of four Aggies who is scheduled to participate in the 2018 NFL Combine from February 27 to March 5, along with DT Zaycoven Henderson, P Shane Tripucka and S Armani Watts.
According to SEC Country’s mock draft, Kirk is projected to go No. 8 overall to the Chicago Bears, ahead of former Alabama WR Calvin Ridley.