Christian Kirk, Texas A&M: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Texas A&M’s Christian Kirk is an explosive athlete and one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Christian Kirk is on the shorter side for the position, but makes up for it with his quickness and route running ability. Kirk is a balanced athlete who easily gets in and out of his breaks. These clean cuts allow him to create a ton of separation.
His route running ability includes locating open holes in the defense and working his way back to the quarterback.
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Kirk features excellent hands and routinely plucks the ball away from his frame. He’s a reliable target who knows how to get open and provide the quarterback with an open target. His speed also makes him a big-play threat.
He features the quick-twitch ability to outpace defenders and stretch the field. Kirk does a great job tracking the football and running underneath.
Texas A&M also asked him to run a lot of wide receiver screens and reverses. In this role, Kirk was able to create thanks to his shiftiness. He is someone who can take a short pass and turn it into a big gain. Overall, he’s playmaker who adds an explosive element to the offense.
Kirk’s explosiveness is utilized in the return game where he can break off long big gains. His reliable hands also give the coaching staff a sense of security. They don’t have to worry about him muffing a punt.
Despite his lack of height, Kirk is able to out battle defensive backs. He plays with toughness that also extends to his run blocking skills.
Kirk may not fit the recent trend of bigger receivers in the NFL, but he is someone who produces. There will always be a place for elite route runners and playmakers in the NFL. His playing style reminds me a little of Bradin Cooks.