BEREA, Ohio--The Browns added their second draft pick to the fold on Thursday.
The signing of third-round draft choice, linebacker Christian Kirksey was made by the Browns in a press release.
Kirksey (6-2, 235) Kirksey was selected in the third round (71st overall). He was selected with the first of the Browns' two third-round selections.
Kirksey is expected to compete for a starting inside linebacker position with Craig Robertson this summer in training camp.
Mike Pettine said he likes Kirksey's versatility. His speed will also allow him to cover backs out of the backfield.
"That's one thing we like about him is his position flexibility," Pettine said after the Browns drafted Kirksey. "We're in the business of adding outstanding football players who fit the 'play like a Brown' attributes, and we've always been one in our system to really cherish a player that can play multiple spots.
"He can play the MIKE (inside middle), play the WILL (weakside), play outside on the edge if he had to. He has some strong safety type attributes, which I think today's linebacker is something you're looking for given the athletic tight ends and the spread formations you're getting."
"I'm a nice, physical linebacker," Kirksey said after the Browns drafted him. "(I'm) a guy who's not afraid to stick his nose in, a guy that has a high motor and runs to the ball and never stops until the play is done. That's the type of linebacker I am, a linebacker that gives 100 percent effort, is willing to make plays and sacrifice my body for my team."
Kirksey is the second Browns draft pick signed after fourth-round cornerback Pierre Desir.
In 49 games in college at Iowa, Kirksey totaled 315 tackles, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles. He also returned two interceptions for touchdowns and one fumble for a score to become the third player in school history to total three defensive touchdowns.
