Kirlew Signs with Broncos

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TheBroncosand seventh round draft pickJammie Kirlewhave come to an agreement on a four year $1.84 million dollar contract with a $50,000 signing bonus. With this signing, Denver has signed both of their seventh round draft picks from the 2010 draft. Last week Denver and cornerbackSyd’Quan Thompsonfrom Cal came to terms on a four year $1.8 million dollar contract.

Kirlew was a three year starter and two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection atIndiana University. He tied for third on the school’s all-time sacks list with 23 and tied for second on its all-time tackles for loss list with 52 1/2. In 2009, he tied for sixth in the nation with five forced fumbles and had three fumble recoveries. Kirlew ended the year with 62 tackles and 6 1/2 sacks making second-team all-conference. At 6-foot-3 and 264 pounds, Kirlew has talent as a pass rusher and held his own against the run in theBig Ten conference.

Jammie is a tweener prospect that will be converted into a 3-4 linebacker in Denver’s Fairbanks-Bullough 3-4 scheme. He is the type of playerJosh McDanielswants, a tough, hardnosed player with tremendous work ethic and intelligence. He always plays with a high motor and typically wins matchups due to this rather than with athleticism. Jammie has been known to make plays off the edge, but he doesn’t have that initial burst or quickness to close in on the ball. He doesn’t work well in the “phone booth” which is another reason why he will be converted to a linebacker. If you don’t work well in the “phone booth”, you can’t successfully play defensive end in the NFL. Scouts say that he is the typical overachiever and his skill set may not translate to the next level.

Even though Kirlew will be converted to linebacker, he will have to fight for playing time due to his lack of great athleticism. In order for most seventh round picks to make any team in the NFL, they have to be able to contribute on special teams. That’s most likely the path that Kirlew will have to take to make the opening day roster for the Broncos. One thing to keep in mind though, it takes three to four years for college defensive ends to make the transition to outside linebackers in the NFL. So don’t give up on Jammie or sell him short of one day becoming a good or great linebacker for the Broncos.James Harrisonis a prime example of how a late round pick is usually given up on too early and then becomes a force in the league.