2018 NFL scouting report: Scouting Texas A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk

One prospective player who may interest the Denver Broncos in the second-round of the 2018 NFL Draft is former Texas A&M wide receiver, Christian Kirk. He is a 5-foot-10, 200lb wide receiver who is considered one of the better wide receivers in the entire draft class. Kirk is ranked as the third-best wide receiver in the 2018 NFL Draft according to NFLDraftScout.com and is considered the 32nd best player in the entire draft.

Christian Kirk played three seasons at Texas A&M and put up some impressive numbers. During that three-year span, Kirk totaled 234 receptions, 2,856 yards, and 26 touchdowns. He totaled 48 kick returns for 1,048 yards. He also totaled one touchdown as well as 37 punt returns for 814 yards and six career return touchdowns. This past season, Kirk totaled 71 receptions for 919 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had one punt and kick return for a touchdown as well.

Kirk served as an offensive captain, starting in all 12 games in 2017 for Texas A&M. He was named a First Team All-SEC as an all-purpose and return specialist. He was tabbed as a Second Team All-SEC wide receiver for his 2017 season as well.

Christian Kirk, Junior, Texas A&M

Height: 5’10” Weight: 200 lb 40 time: 4.47 seconds

Arm Length: 30 3/8” Hands: 9 7/8”

Bench Press: 20 reps Vertical Jump: 35.5 inches Broad Jump: 115.0 inches

3-Cone Drill: 7.09 seconds 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.45 seconds

60-Yard Shuttle: 12.03 seconds

Film Room:

Scouting Report:

Strengths:

• Small (5’10”), but well-built and muscular
• Thick build and does not have a thin frame despite his height
• Not a burner but has good speed
• A quick athlete who runs smooth athletes
• Good route runner
• Soft hands and reliable pass catcher
• Good body control and a balanced receiver
• Intelligent player who can find the open holes in zone coverage
• Impact kick and punt returner
• Slot receiving weapon

Weaknesses:

• Shorter than you would like a receiver to be
• Likely limited to slot work in the NFL
• Struggles against press/physical corners
• Struggles when having to go up and get the ball
• Benefited from rub routes in college
• Lacks top end speed

Quotable:

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah on Christian Kirk who he has rated as his 29th overall player.

Kirk is a compact, muscled-up WR. He’s built like a running back and plays in the slot as well as outside. He’s an exceptional route runner. He understands how to leverage defensive backs, sell double-moves and cleanly enter/exit the break point. He has strong hands and tracks the ball smoothly. He does a lot of work in the middle of the field and doesn’t let the heavy traffic affect his concentration. I love his strength, elusiveness and will after the catch. Kirk reminds me a lot of Golden Tate coming out of Notre Dame, and I believe he can have similar success.

Does Christian Kirk make sense for the Broncos in the second-round of the 2018 NFL Draft?:

If the Broncos lack confidence in 2017 third-round pick Carlos Henderson, then yes, Christian Kirk makes for them at 40. It’s questionable that he will be there at 40, but if he is, then I could see the Broncos being interested.

The Broncos have two outside wide receivers already in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders but lack a third option at receiver. Henderson could be that guy, but he is coming off a disappointing rookie year so they could turn to Kirk to be that guy.

I don’t do pro comparisons often but I see Doug Baldwin when I see Christian Kirk. Undersized, “quicker than fast”, but a damn good wideout. Something the Broncos need and need going forward since Thomas and Sanders are getting up there in age.

Add in that Kirk can return punts and kicks and you have yourself a player who can contribute right away.

A lot depends on Carlos Henderson but if they have concerns over him, they should seriously consider Kirk if he is available at 40.