One rookie that never got the kind of credit he deserves is linebacker
Kaluka Maiava. For a guy that was selected in the fourth round, with lingering doubts about his size, Kaluka made an impact in his rookie season. He played in every single game for the Browns. He had 45 tackles, 2.5 sacks (for 6 lost yards) and 2 forced fumbles. And he really rose to the occasion against division rivals – he had 5 solo tackles againat the
Pittsburgh Steelers in week 5, 6 solo tackles against the
Baltimore Ravens in week 10, and another 3 solo tackles against Pittsburgh in week 14.
Equally important, the coaches and his defensive teammates speak highly of Maiava. He is a smart player who approaches his job in a business-like, no-nonsense manner. He plays much tougher than he appears. The competitiveness at USC prepared him well.
It is always a pleasure to land a player beyond the third round of the Draft who makes an immediate impact and who has the potential to become one of the better players at his position on the defense. Kaluka fits that bill.
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