Packers Question of the Day - Does Brandon Burks have an Actual shot?

It may be too early to ask, but after a formidable preseason outing against the Cleveland Browns, Brandon Burks opened some eyes. 

It isn't ruled out of the equation that Burks can compete for the third-string running back job and potentially win it over second-year running back John Crockett. With three preseason games to go, he'll have a lot more carries to showcase his abilities. 

Would you almost prefer to see Burks win out the job over Crockett? Or is Crockett's spot on the depth chart far beyond solidified?

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (31)

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 16, 2016 at 09:32 am

Burks was one of my dark horse players to make the 53. I think he has a legit shot at making the 53.

What impressed me was that he was able to get to the edge with ease, and that is with a bad ankle per reports.

What I like about Burks is he brings a different kind of skills to the RB position compared to who they have already. He has more speed to get to the edge and be a player that can be more effective in space.

He is one of the players I am looking forward to seeing the most Thursday night.

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Bear's picture

August 16, 2016 at 12:51 pm

40 yard times:

Burks 4.56
Crockett 4.62

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staffordsneckfat's picture

August 16, 2016 at 09:39 am

If Burks can compete on special teams why not keep both? Burks looks like he has some pop in his legs and catches the ball out of the backfield better than any other Packers back.

There is a long way to go before the 53 man is named, but right now I like the kid.

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egbertsouse's picture

August 16, 2016 at 09:40 am

He should. I'm not a fan of Crockett, he's too fidgety. He darts back and forth rather than pick an opening , cut upfield and go north-south. Barry Sanders could get away with it, Crockett can't.

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Point-Packer's picture

August 16, 2016 at 10:56 pm

But I thought Crocket was the second coming of Emmit Smith. Based on the opinion of some of the extreme homers, the 23 yards he gained last year were a sign of greatness to come. Unbelievable to hear he hasn't locked up the #3 RB slot by now. In fact, I thought he'd be competing for a starting job at this juncture.

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Point-Packer's picture

August 17, 2016 at 04:06 pm

Actual quotes:

Extreme blinded homer #1: "I see Crockett's running style similar to Smith from the Cowboys. It's a bold statement, but hes not fast as he is quick. He gets to that second level and is able to move and shake loose and get more yards." (one carry for over ten yards last season)

Extreme blinded homer #2: "I can't remember the last time I saw someone come into a game and create as much energy as Crockett did in the Lions game last year." (21 yards total last year on 9 attempts for a 2.3 average)

Extreme blinded homer #3: "Mark my words...this guy an undrafted free agent has a chip on his shoulders...with the addition meat on the front line....just a crease of an opening and this guy is gone!!!!!!!!!!!" (4.62 40 yard dash)

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Bedrock's picture

August 17, 2016 at 05:40 pm

I'm not sure how your EBH#2 really proves your point. Are you suggesting he didn't come in with energy that game? Or suggesting his energy was/wasn't that of Emmitt Smith? Regardless, proving your point with 3 quotes doesn't provide a representative sample of packer nation.

In light of calling people names, what label would you give yourself if they are on the "extreme blinded homer" side of the spectrum?

Also, 40 times are not indicative of playing speed or ability to get to the corner. Watch Bolt of Jamaica take his time getting up to speed. For him it isn't a 20 yard dash, it's a 100. For running backs, it's not a 40 yard dash either.

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Point-Packer's picture

August 17, 2016 at 07:47 pm

"Extreme realistic homer"

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 17, 2016 at 10:12 pm

LOL. Thumbs up, Point Packer

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Bedrock's picture

August 18, 2016 at 01:29 am

Paradox

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holmesmd's picture

August 18, 2016 at 05:17 am

I would go with " extreme pessimistic homer". Lol

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al bundy's picture

August 16, 2016 at 10:54 am

From the litfle I saw Crocket was same old crocket. Burks has the speed. Actually, I like him better than Starks. Starks has shone over the years he is just a backup. Nothing more. Burks can be that and run with speed. I want to see some new blood on this team. Mental mike likes the vets so he doesnt have to coach much

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lou's picture

August 16, 2016 at 11:59 am

Al you must have missed this stat on Stark's in 2015 - James Starks' 11.37 yards after the catch per reception led the entire NFL (regardless of position) by almost 2 yards. He may be a "backup" but he is rock solid, looks quicker every year, has had little wear and tear and was the key to getting them a Super Bowl title due to the injuries they had when he was a rookie. The 3rd RB is still up in the air, remember that Harris beat out Crockett last year, only a missed curfew brought Crockett back to the team. Although Crockett looks solid overall, a top pre-season by another RB could put his job in jeopardy.

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Handsback's picture

August 16, 2016 at 10:55 am

The difference between the two running backs is that Crocket got caught from behind by a DT on a screen pass. Burk wouldn't have been caught.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 16, 2016 at 11:06 am

I think Burks has a shot. I need to see if he can catch out of the backfield more. I am biased though: Crockett was my third choice last preseason.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

August 16, 2016 at 11:20 am

I want the best guy, be it Burks or Crockett who plays the best should win out. Its in TT and MM hands we just sit back and watch.

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croatpackfan's picture

August 16, 2016 at 11:27 am

I think we need to see more. One game and practices can not tell you all. After 3rd preseason game picture will be clear. I think, at the moment we can say that Burks made his case. I think it depends on him if he will continue to perform on that level.
What I would like to see is Burks with 1st or at least 2nd string O against same level D....

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staffordsneckfat's picture

August 16, 2016 at 12:42 pm

Agree here. Sample size is still currently too small. The guy had some fumbling issues at Troy, so let's keep an eye on that with more carries. If there is one thing McCarthy doesn't have patience for its guys who put the ball on the turf.

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Bridgett Hooks's picture

August 17, 2016 at 09:41 pm

Check your stats again. Burks DID NOT have a fumbling issue. Actually it was just the opposite. So when you post know who you are posting about. #factsdontlie

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Bridgett Hooks's picture

August 17, 2016 at 09:41 pm

Check your stats again. Burks DID NOT have a fumbling issue. Actually it was just the opposite. So when you post know who you are posting about. #factsdontlie

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 18, 2016 at 01:29 am

Yes, Burks had a fumbling problem at Troy. And yes, I checked the stats.

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holmesmd's picture

August 18, 2016 at 05:19 am

Are you Burks' gf? Lol

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Finwiz's picture

August 16, 2016 at 11:32 am

I'm pretty sure Burks won't make it, he's too small, and 4.56 speed isn't exactly burning up the field to say you'll keep him for his exceptional quickness. It was one game against arguably the worst team in the league. If he gains 50+ yards against the Raiders, then maybe you can start thinking about getting excited, but right now...paaa-lease. Crockett is just as good, plus he played last year so you know what you have with him. This is camp fodder that people are making into something remarkable.

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Bridgett Hooks's picture

August 17, 2016 at 09:52 pm

Check your stats again Burks is a 4.41 guy on more than one occasion. So he is consistent with that! He timed 6.68 secs in the L drill (3 cone drill). It would have been the fastest among RB at the NFL combine by 0.15 seconds.

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Bridgett Hooks's picture

August 17, 2016 at 09:52 pm

Check your stats again Burks is a 4.41 guy on more than one occasion. So he is consistent with that! He timed 6.68 secs in the L drill (3cone drill). It would have been the fastest among RB at the NFL combine by 0.15 seconds.

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Bridgett Hooks's picture

August 17, 2016 at 09:50 pm

Check your stats again Burks is a 4.41 guy on more than one occasion. So he is consistent with that! He timed 6.68 secs in the L drill (3cone drill). It would have been the fastest among RB at the NFL combine by 0.15 seconds.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 18, 2016 at 01:48 am

We had the same issue come up with Montgomery. Some scout hand-timed Burks at 4.41, but the others got 4.56 on both attempts. Draft scout reports 4.56. That is what I would use.

Burks: 2 fumbles in 201 carries, & 29 receptions in '15.
Burks had 2 fumbles in 96 carries, and 23 recs in 2014.
Burks had 5 fumbles in 134 carries and 36 recs in 2013.

2015 isn't bad for fumbles, but isn't great either. 2014 is bad. 2013 is horrific. Maybe he got better at not fumbling btw his sophomore and senior years, but fumbling is something to keep an eye out for.

Stats checked. Verdict - questionable evidence he is a 4.41 guy. Fumbling is worth keeping an eye out for. The stats suggest he can be a receiver out of the backfield. Worth keeping an eye on to see how natural he looks at it. Even at 4.56, he has enough speed, and his 10 yard dash is excellent. Appears he can catch - I know nothing about his blitz pick-up. Kids got a chance to be a player.

http://www.underdogdynasty.com/2016/4/25/11502644/brandon-burks-troy-rb-...

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=122284&draftyear...

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Archie's picture

August 16, 2016 at 06:36 pm

Burks is not a 4.56 guy. I believe I read 4.42. Just look at the CLE game and you can see he is not a 4.56 guy. Did you see him make the corner on opposite sides of the field on back-to-back plays? That was speed. To my eyes, Burks looks like the real deal. Better than Crockett. Reports say he blocked well too. And he is a good receiver out of the backfield. If he stays healthy, he makes the 53 or TT is blind, biased, or stupid, or all three.

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Colin_C's picture

August 16, 2016 at 07:20 pm

I really like Crockett as a person, and he's not a bad RB either, but from what I've seen (including college tape), Burks has got a more complete package. He's elusive, fast, has good hands, and reads lanes well. Crockett was very productive for ND State, but lacks speed, and doesn't really have the size to plow through defenders. As for who makes the 53, who knows? Last year I thought Rajion Neal was a lock, and then Harris made it over him. By the way, here's some of Burk's college highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkzozc356bo

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lucky953's picture

August 16, 2016 at 10:31 pm

I'd love to see a really fast, pass catching, shifty #3 back but I don't think either guy has it. Preseason will sort them out I guess.

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Archie's picture

August 17, 2016 at 10:01 am

Burks ran a 4.41 on his pro day. So he's at least a 4.45 guy. All I know is that when he runs, he is faster than the players in the other color jerseys. I'd be very surprised if he isn't our #3 RB. I think he will be able to compete on ST too given his speed and blocking abilities. Can he tackle? Don't know that.

Geronimo Allison will be hard pressed to make 53 due to lack of speed. But he could be a good guy to have in DEC if injuries strike.

All of a sudden looks like a logjam at ILB.

Unless Price can convince Pack he's worth keeping, DE is lacking while Penell is out. Maybe Nick Perry will have to go there.

Lots of good looking undrafted youngsters in SEC.

Week 3 we will get to see our new look offense - in vanilla play calling.

Punter looks ????

There will be some surprise cuts this year to make room for youngsters.

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