Why Fans Should Be Excited About Christian Kirksey

Coming into the offseason, one of the biggest needs for the Packers was to find more athleticism and speed at the inside linebacker position. Many fans and media experts expected them to address their need in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Blake Martinez was a tackling machine last season for the Packers. However, he was unable to make plays across the field. That was obvious against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game when Raheem Mostert shredded the Packers for 220 yards and four touchdowns.

In order to take the next step defensively, a player like Kirksey needed to be brought in. The move is not receiving a ton of hype due to the unknowns surrounding his health.

Assuming Kirksey is able to stay healthy in 2020, the Packers are going to have signed one of the biggest steals of the offseason. He has proven himself capable of being a sure tackler, solid pass-rusher, and also the ability to make plays in coverage. Kirksey could be a massive X-Factor for Green Bay.

Green Bay was just a piece or two away from a Super Bowl appearance last season. Kirksey is excited to join a team that he can compete with after multiple disappointing seasons with the Browns.

“I’ve never even had a winning season in my career … Just to be on a Zoom meeting and hear a head coach say we’re going to be the hunted, I was excited, I was revved up.”

This move may end up backfiring on the Packers if Kirksey struggles to stay on the field again. The best skill is to be available to play. But, this is a move that comes with low-risk and potentially extremely high reward.

Expect to see Christian Kirksey come in with a chip on his shoulder looking to prove that he is capable of being the impact player that the Packers think he can be. A chance to compete for a championship will fuel him even more. Kirksey is an exciting addition and could be a difference maker in Green Bay.