Today, we continue our 2022 Prospect Profile series where we break down each prospect’s outlook for their potential rookie campaign in the NFL by assessing their individual strengths and weaknesses, reviewing potential landing spots, and giving our assessment of their potential fantasy relevance in the coming season.
The next player to continue our 2022 Prospect Profile series is one of the most hyped wide receivers in this class, and a Dynasty Twitter favorite – Treylon Burks, wide receiver, Arkansas.
Projected Draft Spot
Mid-to-late first-round
Potential Suitors
Eagles, Saints, Packers, Patriots, Cowboys, Chiefs
Strengths
Treylon Burks is a fairly unique prospect. The Arkansas product is a big-bodied, versatile, explosive receiver with excellent YAC ability. Measuring in at 6-foot-2 and 225 lbs Burks wins with his size and frame, possessing good hands and body control. Given his physicality, he makes it difficult for defenders to tackle him in the open field and possesses big-play ability with the ball in his hands. His impressive 9.3 yards after the catch per reception recorded last season represented the fourth-highest figure amongst draft-eligible receivers with at least 50 targets, according to PFF. To see his full capabilities, look no further than Burks’ 179-yard performance against Alabama last season – one of his six 100-yard games last year.
Weaknesses
Burks was the focal point of the Arkansas offense, accounting for almost 40% of their 2021 receiving yards. Due to his aforementioned YAC ability, the team looked to get the ball into his hands at every opportunity and saw just 24% of his snaps out wide last season, according to PFF. As a result, Burks is a raw prospect compared to his counterparts likely to be drafted in this year’s first-round and will need to develop his route-running.
Player Comparisons
“A linebacker sized version of Deebo Samuel” is how the Athletic’s Dane Brugler recently described Burks. Following San Francisco’s success in exploiting Deebo’s YAC ability, other organizations will almost certainly look to replicate it. Given his capabilities with the ball in his hands, and while he develops as a route runner, there is a very good chance we see a continuation of his college usage. He is, however, also built in the mold of AJ Brown and DK Metcalf as a prototypical no.1 receiver. Therefore, once he is more refined as a receiver Burks could become a more complete offensive weapon across the field in the long term.
Best Case Drafted By: Green Bay Packers
I’ll admit this is a fairly biased pick as a Green Bay fan, and an obvious one too given the clear needs at the position following Davante Adams’ blockbuster trade. Given his usage at Arkansas and his skillset, landing with back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers, together with Matt LeFleur’s creativity, would be a match made in heaven for dynasty managers. A move such as this, or a comparable situation such as the Chiefs, where he could command over 100 targets in his rookie season, would almost certainly cement him as the WR1 in rookie drafts for most people.
Worst Case Drafted By: New Orleans Saints
One place I would be much less enthusiastic about is New Orleans. The Saints now have two picks in the late teens after their trade with the Eagles, with the offensive line, quarterback, and wide receiver likely to take priority. There is an obvious need for offensive weapons and the team recorded the fewest passing yards in the league last season with just 3,186 yards, equating to just 187 per game.
There is now also a strong chance that Jameis Winston is the starter this coming season or a rookie from an underwhelming quarterback class. With no first-round pick next year because of the trade, it means the likelihood of a significant quarterback upgrade next year is also unlikely. With no Sean Peyton and uncertainty under center, it’s a situation in which we may need to temper expectations early on.
Fantasy Relevant Next Season?
In recent years we have been spoiled with receivers becoming consistent fantasy-relevant starters in their first season. I am generally of the belief we should always temper expectations for rookie wide receivers and we should not expect elite production, particularly early on. Given his skill set, however, Burks has every chance to hit the ground running, especially if he secures a favorable landing spot that will be able to utilize him fully.
