Treylon Burks NFL Draft 2022
2022 NFL Draft class hasn’t garnered as much hype as the 2021 class mainly because of the lack of potential elite talent, especially at quarterback. Sure, there’s defensive back Kyle Hamilton and high-end pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but the group isn’t projected to compare to 2021’s prospects that boasted a group of six pro-bowlers headlined by Ja’Marr Chase, Kyle Pitts, and Micah Parsons.
In saying that, a position group that is stock full of quality, talented players again this year is wide receiver. One of those prospects is Arkansas Razorbacks Junior Treylon Burks.
The 21-year-old Arkansas native comes into the NFL standing 6’2”, weighing 225 pounds with 33 ½” arms and 9 7/8” hands. In 31 career college games for the Razorbacks, Burks put up 146 receptions for 2,399 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also added 38 rushing attempts for 222 yards and one touchdown.
Burks is expected to go somewhere in the mid-late first round in April and has been mocked by teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.
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NFL Combine Recap & Results
Burks had a better than average, given his size, 40-yard dash posting a 4.55. That time ended up being the high point of his weekend in Indianapolis. He put up a 122” broad jump along with a 33” vertical jump which put him in the middle to the bottom of the group of receivers in those categories. The most concerning part of his performance was the 7.28-second 3-cone drill which placed him near the bottom of the receiver group.
The 3-cone drill is structured to measure a player’s speed while changing direction. Burks’ low score in that category, given his size, will have some teams concerned. Normally, any number under seven will give teams pause. The 122” broad jump which is a measure of explosiveness wasn’t a great score either. Given his size, it could scare some teams who are worried about his initial break running a route.
Depending on the evaluation process of each team, Burks’ mixed NFL Scouting Combine results will have an impact on how he’s ranked. Luckily for him, not everything is based on the Combine and what players do in gym shorts. He had some troubling numbers but the tape speaks for itself, Burks is special.
Strengths
The Razorbacks receiver’s strengths are clear: size and speed. The combination of his 6’2”, 225-pound frame makes him a mismatch. Couple that with his ability to line up all over the field, Burks is a truly versatile weapon that can be used in multiple formations.
Normally for a receiver as big as him, running after the catch is a big concern. Not for Burks. He’s shown the ability on film to be explosive with the ball in his hands which makes him a dangerous player in the open field and one that defensive coordinators will need to account for.
Overall, Burks may be the most athletic receiver in the draft. It’s rare to find a receiver who’s big and strong but also has the ability to burn past defenders after the catch.
Weaknesses
An area where he can improve his route running, which aligns with his poor 7.28-second 3-cone drill at the combine. He doesn’t create as much separation as you’d like to see on tape. To be fair, Arkansas didn’t do him any favors by not asking him to run a full complement of routes in college. Teams will like those routes to be cleaner so he doesn’t have to cheat to get loose and will want him to expand on his limited route tree.
While Burks’ large frame can be viewed as a strength, it could also be a weakness. Being so big, he’ll have to manage his playing weight. If Burks doesn’t keep up with his body, and there’s no indication he won’t, it could be detrimental in the long run.
Burks has also been knocked for inconsistent effort which has led to him not finishing blocks. With his size and build, working on improving that part of his game will make it difficult for coaches to take him off the field in any situation.
NFL Player Comparison
Burks has drawn pro comparisons to Tennessee Titans receiver A.J. Brown by NFL Network Analyst Daniel Jeremiah and other NFL Draft experts. At the combine, San Francisco 49ers do-it-all offensive weapon Deebo Samuel was brought up as a pro comparison by non-other than Burks himself.
Jeremiah sees Brown as a little more explosive but thinks that Burks brings comparable physical play and toughness to his game. He loves the way both are able to work in traffic and how they become special once they get the ball in their hands. In saying that, the NFL Network Analyst suggests that he does need some time to develop despite having Brown-like upside.
The comparison to Deebo Samuel comes straight from the horse’s mouth. Burks explained at the Combine how he watches a lot of Deebo tape and focuses on the way he uses his versatility to play running back, inside and outside on the line of scrimmage. He let the media know that he tries to mimic his game after Samuel, which should make all NFL fans excited.
Best Fit: Philadelphia Eagles
How good would Treylon Burks look in a Philadelphia Eagles uniform? The Eagles own 10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, including a whopping 3 first-round picks. The Eagles can afford to take a swing on this potential game-breaker.
After drafting DeVonta Smith in 2021, Quez Watkins unexpectedly make an impact last season, and having Dallas Goedert earn a big contract, Burks could come in and complete the skill position overhaul under Head Coach Nick Sirianni. With all of the existing weapons, Burks won’t have to come in as WR1, which should take some initial pressure off the rookie.
Sirianni, a former wide receiver’s coach, was able to get Smith to 64 receptions, 916 yards, and 5 touchdowns last season along with Watkins’ line of 43 receptions for 647 yards and one touchdown with average quarterback play. Imagine what he would be able to scheme up with Burks in the fold.
Looking at the bigger picture for the Eagles, if they want to give Jalen Hurts the greatest chance to succeed, surrounding him with weapons is the best way to do it. By giving Hurts potentially the next Deebo Samuel, you can truly evaluate if he’s going to be the starter in 2023.
