Tuesday’s NFL draft decisions: A&M WR Kirk to go

— The Sports Xchange —

Texas A&M junior receiver Christian Kirk, a potential first-rounder who adds value as a return man, announced Tuesday he would enter the 2018 NFL Draft.
NFLDraftScout.com senior analyst Rob Rang had Kirk going 16th overall in a first-round mock draft this week.
Kirk’s numbers dipped a bit this season because of the Aggies’ uneven quarterback play, but he finished with 66 catches for 859 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kirk (5-foot-11, 220 pounds) has six career punt return touchdowns and one kick return score, which came this season against Arkansas.
Wrote NFLDraftScout.com about Kirk:
“An explosive and controlled athlete, he has a knack for creating separation before and after the catch with his outstanding start/stop quickness and quick-thinking movements.
“Although unproven as an outside receiver threat, Kirk thrives in the slot and has room to improve when he adds polish to his route-running. His mature character will be welcomed in an NFL building, carrying himself with positive energy regardless if the cameras are on him. Overall, he needs to hone his finishing skills as a receiver and return man to take his game from good to great, but all the traits are there for Kirk to be an immediate slot weapon and return man.”
Kirk caught 229 passes for 2,796 yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons.
Other underclassmen declaring for the draft Tuesday were Nebraska offensive lineman Nick Gates, Southern Miss wide receiver Korey Robertson, Stanford tight end Dalton Schultz and Oregon State running back Ryan Nall.
Gates was a three-year starter for since-fired coach Mike Riley, including at left tackle the past two seasons. Robertson (6-2, 210) caught 76 passes for 1,106 yards and 12 touchdowns as a redshirt junior.
Schultz caught a combined 45 passes in the past two seasons in Stanford’s pro-style offense. Nall ran for 2,216 yards with the Beavers.
Also on Tuesday, Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards announced he would return for his senior season. The 2017 All-American made 81 tackles, including 11 for loss, and intercepted four passes this season.