Kaluka Maiava's role in his first two games with the Cleveland Browns has been on special teams, but that doesn't mean the rookie linebacker and 2005 Baldwin High School graduate can't be a factor on defense this season.''I think both (rookie linebacker David Veikune) and Kaluka are moving forward a little bit each week,'' Browns coach Eric Mangini said at his news conference Thursday. ''And, they've gotten work with the unit, the defensive unit, through the course of practice.''
Maiava, a fourth-round draft pick out of Southern California, has two tackles through two games --- one on kickoff coverage and one on punt coverage.
Cleveland faces the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
When asked further about Veikune, who led the University of Hawaii in sacks last season, Mangini said: ''He's got some versatility, which is positive. So, he's worked outside. He's worked inside. He needs to keep improving with his overall understanding of the defense, of that week's opponent and contributing on special teams. Sometimes, you go to the game and you may not get any defensive reps, or offensive reps, but you make a real impact on teams. What we're look for, ideally, is everybody that goes to the game has an impact in whatever role they're asked to play.''
