Steal or bust? A look at Treylon Burks
The Packers have been rumored to be interested in Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks. Should Brian Gutekunst and the front office pull the trigger?
By GunnarDavis
The first day of the NFL draft is almost here, Packers fans.
Admittedly, I've been a bit behind with learning about all the top draft prospects, reading the rumor mill of what's going on around the league and which teams could make a surprising splash.
But the NFL draft is a beautiful mystery that many analysts and experts think they have figured out. In reality, your best guess is as good as mine.
All I know is, much like most Packers fans, I would very much like to see a talented wide receiver drafted with the franchise's two first round draft picks. It's a shocking revelation, I know.
One of the top pass catchers that the team from Titletown was most recently rumored to be interested in? Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks.
There have been many pre-draft mixed reviews on Burks, with some comparing him to Deebo Samuel and AJ Brown -- and others calling him a likely bust.
Similar to Samuel in Kyle Shanahan's system, Burks was used heavily in the Arkansas offense. If you watched any SEC football from the past couple years, you definitely saw Burks make more than a few highlight-worthy plays. A true swiss-army knife, the Razorbacks used him in the backfield, split out wide and all the in-between. He accounted for just over 37% of the team's receiving yards over the past two seasons, recording 820 in 2020 and 1,104 last fall.
Brian Gutekunst has openly admitted in the past that the front office and coaching staff would rather draft bigger, more physical receivers to play in Green Bay. At 6 feet, 2 inches, and 225 pound, Burks definitely fits that mold.
And Matt LaFleur and his offensive staff could definitely find ways to use Burks in the system in 2022.
The knock on Burks? Plain and simply, he didn't test well.
Watch him play in an SEC football game, and you'd see he was one of the top athletes on the field at all times. For whatever reason, it didn't necessarily translate to his combine numbers. He ran a 4.55 second 40-yard dash, and his three-cone drill was 7.28 seconds. For context, Allen Lazard's pre-draft three-cone drill was 7.11 seconds.
There have also been some questions about how sharp his route running is.
My opinion? I'll trust my eyes and the tape on this one.
There have been more than a few cases of players recently not testing well before the draft that went on to become solid NFL players (i.e. DK Metcalf, Orlando Brown Jr.).
I think Burks' do-it-all talent and YAC ability would be a great fit in LaFleur's offense, and I would be excited if Green Bay makes that pick at No. 22 or No. 28.
Bring on the draft.
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Gunnar Davis is a lifelong Packers fan and a recent graduate of Simpson College, where he was a 3-year letterwinner on the offensive line and graduated with a degree in multimedia communications. You can follow him on Twitter at @Gunnar57Davis.
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Comments (108)
Ya_tittle
April 27, 2022 at 12:21 pm
Interesting....
dblbogey
April 27, 2022 at 04:52 pm
Concise.
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2022 at 12:22 pm
I take Burks ASAP.
"He didn't have a high RAS". Well, he caught everything and put up a ton of yards and TDs.
"But his 40 was only 4.55." Well, his YAC and avg per catch was elite in a top conference.
"Come on, did you see his 3 cone?" Well, during his college snap opportunities, where did he not perform at a high level?
"He doesn't have an NFL prototypical WR build." Well, he's 6'2" and is 225 lbs. and was successful wide, in the slot, and even from the backfield. Who else does this?
Yep, ASAP which is 22, then take Christian Watson at 28.
Next up for day 2 and 3 with remaining nine picks...OL, Edge, LB, S, TE and DT and STs.
"Good night, Ladies. Good night, sir!" (Full Metal Jacket)
Renllaw
April 27, 2022 at 04:39 pm
Could not agree more on Burks. But I'd go best trench player available at 28 OT or DL
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 27, 2022 at 05:24 pm
Oh no....Burks ran a 4.55!
Guess what Adam's ran in the 40? Will just share it was slower than Burks!
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 05:31 pm
Burks is stronger and heavier than DA too. Just saying.
Coldworld
April 27, 2022 at 05:40 pm
Adams long speed was never good. His short area mobility is off the charts. Burks’ vertical was poor, his broad jump barely adequate and his 3 cone was bad … for a TE. Burks is not as heavy as Rodgers or as tall as Lazard. He’s not small by any means but he’s hardly a physical monster. The question is bad day, poor focus or lack of ability?
I don’t know personally (yes I’ve watched film). He chose not to redo his 40 or 3 cone at his pro day. He did improve his vertical a little. Legitimate questions are out there. Ones only personnel people have the information to make a call on.
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 05:44 pm
Tape doesn't lie though. We've all seen him produce. I don't think we'll have to worry about it anyway, because I think he goes @ 21, no matter who has the pick.
Coldworld
April 27, 2022 at 05:53 pm
What do you think are the chances Drake London drops? He’s another with similar questions. I can see someone loving Burks and people passing on London.
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 05:50 pm
In fact, I'm so confident I just changed my Predict the Pick to put Burks in the 21 slot. I don't think BB would pass on him, but I do think BB would move back to 24 with the right offer from the Cowboys.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2022 at 10:01 am
David Bell ran a 4.65 but many want him. Yet, he doesn't have Burks overall size. I and many others would love to know Londan's 40, but I am guessing it isn't any faster than Burks yet he is projected quite a bit higher.
Not advocating Burks as he isn't my top couple WR guys. My point is I would not rule him out because he is a 4.55 guy.
dobber
April 28, 2022 at 10:03 am
Bell is just a good football player. He'll play a long time in the league.
Coldworld
April 27, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Well that’s the million dollar question isn’t it? Burke’s looks great against college opposition but tested at a level that could easily negate his skills against NFL players. The odd thing for me is that he declined to take the opportunity of his pro day to improve key metrics on a pretty awful combine. Poor long speed, poor vertical ability, poor explosiveness and agility. Given that NFL players are the elite of college ranks, less than 1% make it, that could be a killer.
So does the film deceive and did he just have a bad day at the combine? That’s one only a veteran scout can answer in my book. I find it disconcerting he rested on the combine 40 and 3 cone, but that’s something an insight into the man must shed light on. That maybe the reason for the visit. Over to you FO. Never mind our gut feelings: over to you. This isn’t one any armchair viewer can answer. I only hope that you can. He’s a different kind of boom/bust proposition than most. He is largely what he is, he’s a pretty polished player, it’s just not clear what that is.
jannesbjornson
April 27, 2022 at 12:29 pm
I put him in the Bust category on the risk chart.
MarkinMadison
April 27, 2022 at 05:03 pm
Let's look at his game log against top competition:
@ Alabama(2): 8 REC 179 YARDS 2 TDs Long 66
@ Georgia(2): 3 REC 10 YARDS 0 TDs Long 5
Texas A&M(7): 6 REC 167 YARDS 1 TD Long 85
MooPack
April 27, 2022 at 12:34 pm
Neither.
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Didn't your "final" draft have Watkins at #28?
MooPack
April 27, 2022 at 12:50 pm
You mean Watson. This is for Burks.
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2022 at 01:15 pm
Gottcha. (yes Watson😏)
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2022 at 12:38 pm
Some discount Watkins because he is just a RAS freak. (He's not a project, excellent football skills)
Some discount Burks because he wasn't a RAS freak, in spite of his on field performance. (He's a good athlete but an even greater football player)
But let's take a swing on the injured Williams and see what we have in 2023?
I cannot wait until late Thursday evening!
Coldworld
April 27, 2022 at 12:51 pm
I presume you are referring to Christian Watson
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2022 at 01:00 pm
Yes, I am getting my names confused. I will be a mess if the Pack somehow drafts Wilson, and then Watson and then Weston on day 3 to join Watkins in the WR room.
Wa wa wa wa!
MooPack
April 27, 2022 at 01:08 pm
It's not even draft day yet. Hitting the brew a little early? Kidding of course. Lol. My head is swimming with all the names as well. I just hope they put in the correct name of Zach Tom instead of Zachary Thomas.
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2022 at 01:18 pm
Well Moo...if the Pack has that WR room with the 4 W's come Saturday evening...early brew will be on the menu!
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 04:43 pm
I'm to the point no matter where Watson and Pierce go, I'm too invested not to follow their careers... Love both of them. It would just be easier if they were Packers... ; )
Coldworld
April 27, 2022 at 08:07 pm
Lol. The perils of draft participation
MooPack
April 30, 2022 at 05:46 am
How about 3 W’s.
dblbogey
April 27, 2022 at 04:56 pm
I just hope they don't draft any more 3 (MVS, ESB) initial players with impossible to pronounce names.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 27, 2022 at 05:03 pm
That's rude and more if you're serious. Those are great names and very easy to pronounce.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2022 at 09:00 am
I dont want any of those guys. Give me David Bell in the 2nd round.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2022 at 09:00 am
Delete
mnbadger
April 27, 2022 at 12:41 pm
I've never seen him play, so in Gutey I trust. Until he shatters my faith on draft night again.
Although after the dust settles and the calendar turns over at least once, Gutey's picks seem to beat the average NFL GM.
GPG!
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2022 at 12:44 pm
If you have time, watch Burk's game vs the Tide.
Almost as good as Olave's vs MSU.
Turophile
April 27, 2022 at 01:53 pm
If you telegraph where you are going before you go there, NFL level DBs will eat you alive.
dobber
April 27, 2022 at 02:02 pm
One of the most polarizing prospects in this draft, and most people who don't like him are hung up on his Combine testing--none of which actually happens on a football field--while those who love him point to his film and productivity.
I've mostly been pro-Burks. His body of work in the nation's top conference speaks for itself...my concern was with the fact that--by reports--he did nothing special to prepare for Combine testing. Most prospects had been preening and training for months, and studying for the exam (so to speak), but for many, the player that showed up at Indy isn't the guy who has been on the field, and WON'T be the same guy come August. Burks apparently walked in and took the test cold and didn't do much to train for Combine specific testing...and he created some controversy for it. He kinda shit on the DIC...which doesn't hurt my feelings.
He's been healthy, he's been productive against top competition, and he represents a type of player and skill set the Packers don't currently have. I have questions about the mindset (or the people who have his ear) if the talk about the Combine is correct, but he's a no-brainer at 28 and a credible pick at 22, IMO.
TedThomson
April 27, 2022 at 03:39 pm
Great insight about the info on the testing. I wish I knew what reports that came from, thank you!
Coldworld
April 27, 2022 at 04:12 pm
The problem with such info is that it’s just as likely to be explanation after the fact as it is to be a valid reason for what happened.
croatpackfan
April 27, 2022 at 03:41 pm
This question about productivity against SEC teams are ridiculous.
I remember one player who played for Alabama substantial role, who was name one of two best in the position, and played most of his games versus SEC opponents.
He was not the pick all of the fans wanted, but as I remember it was somewhat 60% for pick him if he falls to Packers. Other 40% was for another of two best in the position in that draft. Those two was Pryor and Clinton-Dix.
Well Pryor was at Jets and he did not even finish his rookie 4 year contract. Clinton Dix stayed little longer in NFL, I believe he is already out.
Conclusion - Crystal Ball Business. Combine test vs eye test? Even if player passes both, he might be bust...
dobber
April 27, 2022 at 04:23 pm
I actually agree with you, Croat.
It's all projection. We trust that the scouts got it right. It's all cashing lottery tickets.
...and we have no idea how things change for these guys once they get a little money in their pocket and whether that kills the fire in their bellies.
Johnblood27
April 27, 2022 at 04:35 pm
Just a kinda random thought on why accomplished college players who have good combine numbers bust out.
Speaking of 2 in particular that were Packer draft selections...
HaHa Clinton Dix and Oren Burks... both from the SEC, both pretty accomplished college resumes against the best competition inn the nation.
Both failed to live up to expectations on an NFL field of play over years of opportunity.
Both had extensive goals off the football field, Clinton-Dix in law enforcement and Burks in public policy.
Coincidence? Like the draft, nobody knows for sure...
dobber
April 27, 2022 at 05:13 pm
Does hog hunting count as an off-field goal?
Johnblood27
April 27, 2022 at 05:57 pm
That is one that counts as a positive since it most probably wouldn't be a post-NFL career type of occupation.
one caveat... the hunt must be done with only dogs and a knife...
dobber
April 27, 2022 at 06:08 pm
When I lived in GA, my next door neighbor was a hog-hunter, and he had a special permit to hunt on the nearby AFB...so civilians couldn't bring firearms. Just dogs and hand-weapons. He had some great stories.
Johnblood27
April 27, 2022 at 07:54 pm
I think i dated his daughter...
We were always home on time...
greengold
April 27, 2022 at 09:16 pm
Yeah. Kind of like Tom Brady winning 6 Super Bowl rings, throwing to the likes of these guys:
Wes Welker 5-9 185 4.65
Julian Edelman 5-10 198 4.52
How many Packer fans asking themselves while watching those Super Bowls, “Why can’t the Packers have receivers like that?”
Because we don’t fucking take them.
Supreme route runners, like David Bell. Not the fastest, like David Bell. QB’s best friend because they were always open. Like David Bell.
Maybe it’s time we started taking the guys who always get open, always run good routes, always make the tough catches…
Fuck the RAS milk drinkers.
Give me the whisky drinkers. The football players.
I hope Max is smiling somewhere…
Johnblood27
April 28, 2022 at 07:06 am
...and Bobby Layne
LLCHESTY
April 27, 2022 at 05:00 pm
Not training for the combine doesn't seem like the best way to maximize your value but I give him credit for running the agilities when so many players don't these days. He still was faster than Adams at 13 lbs heavier, quite a bit of difference for a WR.
This is all I need to know about his speed.
https://twitter.com/HAFFnHAFF_TPL/status/1515715932123025415?t=qkhYxipAu...
LLCHESTY
April 27, 2022 at 05:23 pm
He also had the 2nd highest YAC rate despite the 2nd lowest ADOT among draft eligible players this year.
I wouldn't trade up for him but would be fine with drafting him at 22 and especially at 28.
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 05:23 pm
I think Jerry Jones will. Trade up for him I mean.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 28, 2022 at 04:58 am
The other report about Burks is an inability to maintain his weight. Not that he has to bulk up, I gather, but that he is a risk to eat himself out of the league.
That is a "does he want it" issue.
That makes him a no at 22 and a I trust Gute at 28, though I suppose it should be a I Trust Gute to check this issue out for both spots.
greengold
April 28, 2022 at 06:25 am
That’s a good point, TGR. That “want it,” factor, which leads me to:
Burks ranking #104 in Contested Catches (7), which might be another concern. For a “tough guy,” that raises questions. Of his 6 100 yd receiving games, 3 of them were against teams with losing records.
Really, just kicking tires at this point. Trying to figure out what we’re really buying here… and I find him to be a player I can’t figure out.
The majority of his catches are BEHIND the LOS … that’s his hot spot, and he’s got YAC skills, ranking #4 in YAC (9.2 YPR) clearly turning those into big gains. Burks ranks #25 in Deep Catches with 12.
His average Depth of Target is 9.7 yds, ranking #185.
He catches the ball with only 4 drops and a 5.8% Drop Rate. But, if they’re Contested, that’s another story.
How many are going to be contested behind the LOS? If majority of his work comes from there, and his ranking in Contested Catches is that poor, #104, it makes me wonder how he will project to having success at the NFL level, running our route tree..?
That’s worth considering. For #22 and #28…
(For reference: Drake London ranks #1 in Contested Catches with 19. Chris Olave ranks #32 with 11. Jalen Tolbert ranks #20 with 12. Garrett Wilson ranks #77 with 8. Jameson Williams ranks #234 with 4. Christian Watson is unranked with 3).
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2022 at 07:01 am
Just bag Watson and Pierce and be set for years. Two guys who are bigger, faster, smarter with great hands.
I would not over-think this stuff. You only contest catches that are high-points from a QB hanging them out to dry. London would be a candidate for cracked ribs at the next level. Hit the guys in stride.
Coldworld
April 28, 2022 at 08:24 am
I’ve been on the fence about Burks for a long time. Physically and latterly mentally. I really don’t understand him not preparing for the combine (supposedly) given his teammates were and players from his program do as a matter of course particularly. Having put up a frankly dreadful 3 cone and pretty poor 40 and sub splits, he then didn’t take the opportunity to redo on his pro day. I find that perhaps odder.
Is it arrogance/self belief? If so that can be a positive if harnessed or destructive. It’s dubious to me because he has stated he’s been training with an organization that prepares prospects. Is it an inability to grasp the significance? I don’t know about the veracity of the weight issues or inability to learn an offense forcing them to plan around him. There is some reason that he was so often schemed open.
Maybe the scouting process has teams in a position to answer some of those questions. I can’t. I see film, but I see questions. If there is doubt, I look to see if there’s a player I like equally based on the obvious with less significant unanswered questions. I think that in this draft there are.
For that reason, he’d have to be clearly better than an alternative WR but also a player at another position of need. On reflection, I’d pass him up in this draft in the first round. I maybe wrong but I just have too many questions and enough alternatives. The Packers may have answers to those and think differently, but I don’t and can only guess from there.
greengold
April 28, 2022 at 09:29 am
I’m seeing BUST all over this guy. WAY more than the word, “YES.”
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2022 at 09:32 am
I watched a few of his games. A scheme fit. Red flag guy. Just hope somebody else in the room is in charge of selecting the WRs, not Gute.
BirdDogUni
April 28, 2022 at 08:01 am
I'm not worried about his weight. Once he's in the Packers system, I think he'd be fine. I just don't think Dallas will let him get to the Packers. I think they'll trade up with us or the Pats if Burks is still on the board.
Jerry Jones and a Arkansas Alumni at a need position is like a Perfect Storm.
Coldworld
April 28, 2022 at 08:31 am
Weight, if true, is not necessarily trivial. We all know of a certain RB who ate himself out of the league while on the Packers (with a brief delay elsewhere) and there have been others. Medical conditions aside, it plays into desire in my view: how much does he want it. Lacy was darn good for a short span, but that’s not what we are looking for from a first round pick is it? Lacy was the 61st pick. The risk might have been justified there.
beerandbrats
April 27, 2022 at 02:15 pm
Playing in the SEC, this is a talented young receiver who had success against some of the best CBs in college football. Getting one of the top 3-4 receivers in this draft is going to be tough at 22. You got to get'em while the gettin's good!
Galacticat
April 27, 2022 at 02:27 pm
Couldn’t care less about the athletic testing, the real concern with Treylon is his apparently lackluster route running. If Aaron can’t trust a WR to be in rhythm and on the spot he anticipates him being, that WR simply isn’t getting the ball no matter where he was drafted or what his testing numbers look like. RUN. YOUR. DAMN. ROUTES.
jannesbjornson
April 27, 2022 at 03:36 pm
He may be better in a power scheme like the Titans or Pittsburgh.
DocHoliday
April 27, 2022 at 02:33 pm
I think there are a number of warning flags with the receivers in general this year. Key is whether the coaches and QB can take advantage of what they do well.
If Rodgers doesn't like certain WRs, take them off the board. Last thing we need is QB doing everything to embarrass a 21-22 year old kid trying to adjust to the NFL.
whysoserious
April 27, 2022 at 04:11 pm
Just let A-Rod do the drafting. You have given him basic control over the team anyway. Draft a receiver based on Rodgers and not talent? Plain stupid!
greengold
April 27, 2022 at 02:48 pm
I don’t know. AND, at this point we should know, shouldn’t we?
I did some digging in their schedule and Burks’ game logs. For the most part, his big numbers came against weaker foes, for the most part.
He had good numbers against Alabama, but, if you dig deeper into the play by play, the game was pretty much a runaway train after the first of two Burks TDs… probably the biggest game of his career, and half of it earned in garbage time - Alabama’s garbage time.
Give me Pickens, and a couple more dynamic additions after to take some of the pressure off him. Transform the WR room with the tough players. The proven players WHO PROJECT to the NFL skill sets.
I say no to Burks. Everything schemed for him specifically at Arkansas. Big fish in a little pond. Look at their schedule. His impact in the NFL, where some DBs might be bigger than him? Faster?
Have you seen where he gets the majority of his catches? Behind the LOS. I don’t think he’s got it. NFL defenses sniff out screens like it’s nothing today. Can he take the top off a defense? No. Very limited route tree. Too many red flags.
No.
LambeauPlain
April 27, 2022 at 03:02 pm
The SEC is not a "little pond", GG.
So when I watch the video, I see Burks taking the top off the D rather well. What are you viewing? And he does it from outside, slot, even RB. I see him as a great match for the Packer O.
I know a few folks who aced the test, but could not perform in their careers. Combine testing is an indicator...but only one of many Gutey must analyze.
whysoserious
April 27, 2022 at 04:19 pm
Nobody "Knows" for sure on any of these receivers. The experts all say that this years class is deep but not as talented at the top as the last two drafts so how can anyone know for sure about any of these guys. Busts every year and later round picks who shine.
LLCHESTY
April 27, 2022 at 05:37 pm
I heard last night Pickens could be the biggest slider in the draft. Some teams have taken him off their boards after he came off as "immature and arrogant" on team visits. The over/under on when he is picked is 36.5. Heard a guy last night talking about draft bets said the over is free money and Pickens is more likely to be taken in the 3rd round than the 1st. Maybe the Packers are comfortable with him but he certainly doesn't seem like their type.
Being involved in an accident on Sunday where another Georgia player was arrested and Pickens suffered lacerations to his face probably doesn't help his cause any.
stockholder
April 27, 2022 at 07:38 pm
I still believe Picken's Injury history and off field issues will play into this. Greg Jennings was small school. And he became a great player. So Watson will be the Choice before Pickens. The other thing is the speed. The packers haven't had a James Lofton for years now. Watson will be as good as Lofton.
Coldworld
April 28, 2022 at 08:39 am
He could be. He isn’t now. Al Davis, in his latter years used to pick WRs in speed, size and potential. How did that work out?
croatpackfan
April 27, 2022 at 03:30 pm
Gunnar, just 2 words - Crystal Ball!
ricky
April 27, 2022 at 03:42 pm
"The only question is, do you feel lucky? Well, do you, punk?"
Yes. Trust the tape. Too many "underwear athletes" turn into draft busts. Just give me players, not guys who did well running a straight line, without any gear on Give me the guy who was on the field, playing in the third quarter with someone running alongside them trying to distract them while thousands of fans are screaming their heads off. Players, not workout warriors.
murf7777
April 27, 2022 at 04:36 pm
"Too many "underwear athletes" turn into draft busts."
Thanks for the laugh and so true. Too many of us and mock drafts get way over the top on 40 yard dash and other numbers. Many of those prospects are busts or late draft picks.
Give me a successful collegiate football guy who loves to play football, plays it 100% at all times, over some numbers guy who's in it for just the money.
Good luck Gutey and staff!
Coldworld
April 28, 2022 at 08:47 am
I’m leery of football players who seem not to like contact. It’s so integral to the game. As a WR, don’t seek it but meet it head on if necessary. This is particularly true for bigger body types who should win in contact. If I am scared if contact, I’m actually more likely to get hurt than one who anticipates it and embraces it and handled his body accordingly.
mrtundra
April 27, 2022 at 03:59 pm
Everything depends on who Gute and Co values and where they value them. How the board falls, to Gute and Co, determines a lot, as well. Trades by teams needing the same positions as GB, may affect how Gute and Co picks or moves around the board, too. Nothing is written in stone and we will have to wait and see what happens on Thursday night.
jhtobias
April 27, 2022 at 04:25 pm
Burks has produced for multiple yrs against the best Corners in college while Christian Watkins is a guy none of us could have picked out of a one man line up until.the combine.
Christian Watson has way more of a bust chance than burks . Personally I wouldn't spend the 22 on butks if a devin llyod , jordan davis was sitting there but taking Watson in the first is a huge huge reach .
Now if we are talking 3 rd round on watson ok but burks at least is a producer against nfl talent exile Watson was playing ham and cheese state every week.
Johnblood27
April 27, 2022 at 04:40 pm
I could have picked him out of a one man line-up.
points for "ham and cheese state'
LLCHESTY
April 27, 2022 at 05:36 pm
Supposedly some teams are worried about Watson having multiple surgeries on the same knee. That could be more of a smokescreen than the Pickens stuff but you never know.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2022 at 09:10 am
Agree with everything you said about Watson, but I dont want Burks either. He played an overwhelming majority of his snaps in college out of the slot and had an offense designed to get him easy touches. Thats not going to happen in GB with the offense going back to more of a static rpo style offense last season. He would be expected to do something he really didnt do in college (lineup wide and beat tough coverage regularly) which makes drafting him pure projection. That kind of risk isnt worth a 1st round pick.
stockholder
April 27, 2022 at 04:31 pm
I like him. Better than Olave. And truthfully, I haven't heard anyone say he could be a bust.
murf7777
April 27, 2022 at 04:41 pm
"All I know is, much like most Packers fans, I would very much like to see a talented wide receiver drafted with the franchise's two first round draft picks. "
I don't think most of the Packer's fans want both of the first-round draft picks used on a WR, especially since we have 2 more picks in the second. I for one want one of the picks used to build the trenches or a top safety.
dobber
April 28, 2022 at 08:13 am
I'll want to see the draft in whole before thinking too much about any individual pick, but I'd be surprised if the Packers don't come out of days 1 and 2 with two WR. I might not be too terribly surprised if the Packers don't take a WR tonight.
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 04:54 pm
I have a feeling we won't have to worry about drafting Burks. I have a feeling Jerry Jones is going to try to trade ahead of us to draft Burks. He's a big, strong Arkansas Alumni and we all know how Jerry loves those. Thinking Dallas will trade with Patriots and take Burks right ahead of us.
stockholder
April 27, 2022 at 05:18 pm
I Would. Doesn't he have the upside, when you watch his tape? Olave wasn't a leader. Burks was.
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 05:30 pm
Olave doesn't fit what the Packers want to do. He doesn't excite me at all, but if he lasts to 22, there is probably a reason.
Coldworld
April 27, 2022 at 05:49 pm
My guess is he doesn’t: if he does drop maybe we do too. Alternatively we might have a plan for him. In reality I think we’d trade back a spot or two and take an edge, S or DL.
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 07:25 pm
If Gutey can find a trade partner, I firmly believe he will, no matter who is on the board. (There are a few exceptions of course, and I won't list them all here, but we all know if a few guys fall, Gutey will pull the trigger.)
I do believe if Gutey could trade down for an extra 1st next year, he'll do it in a heartbeat. No matter what happens and who Gutey drafts, it's going to be a fun night! I won't even be disappointed if he were to trade out of the 1st round with both our 1st round picks.
Whatever Gutey has to do to make the Packers a better football team. Future draft picks are always welcome, and Green Bay has made hay with 2nd rounders who weren't highly touted, (DA, JN, GJ) but became super stars for the Pack.
I almost hope Gutey trades down 4 times so one of LLChesty's mock drafts can come to fruition.
GPG
Duneslick
April 27, 2022 at 06:09 pm
Metcalf not testing well He ran the 40 in the low 4.3's
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2022 at 05:49 am
That was my reaction as well! Plus a 40" vertical. :-D He had an amazing combine!
relleum61
April 27, 2022 at 06:53 pm
If both Olave and Burks are available at #22, I take Olave. To me, he is Greg Jennings redux. Olave runs all the routes, has the speed to threaten deep and is just the more complete receiver. Jennings had significant rookie contributions to the offense. Burks looks like more of a risk and will have initial limitations in his ability to run all the routes. It will be interesting to see what choices will be available to Gutey.
Coldworld
April 27, 2022 at 08:11 pm
We will all know tomorrow. Thank the stars!
greengold
April 27, 2022 at 08:27 pm
Good. If the Packers pick Watson, I’m so buying you a jersey, Dude.
Coldworld
April 28, 2022 at 08:53 am
I will love watching Watson, for all the reasons I was excited about what he could become as a late round pick in January. If we draft him in the first then I will just see that as a huge gamble that makes no sense when we signed Rodgers and need WRs who can help now. He will possibly be out of the league or the number one for Rodgers’ successor though. Is that the pick we want this year?
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 09:00 pm
Just had a thought. I don't think Olave will be there at 22, but Burks might be. I know Dallas would be willing to trade up for Burks. I am sure Gutey and Dallas have had a conversation about it. It would be just like Gutey to trade down two slots for a 4th or or 5th round pick.
What do you think? Think Gutey has the balls to let Dallas trade up to take a WR? Or do you think Gutey would tell Dallas they have to trade up to 21 so the Packer fans don't go crazy?
; )
Coldworld
April 28, 2022 at 08:56 am
My answer to to the Olave or Burks choice was going to be extra picks.
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 09:18 pm
Knowing BB, he probably already has a deal with Dallas to jump ahead of us... (Should've known that...) Lol
BirdDogUni
April 27, 2022 at 09:21 pm
In fact, I could see BB trading down with Dallas so they can take Burks, and if we don't take Watson, Pierce, or Pickens at 22, BB drafts one of them, or Skyy Moore... Obviously we don't know how BB has the WRs ranked, but if we don't take a WR at 22, those 4 would definitely be there IMO...
ImaPayne
April 27, 2022 at 08:58 pm
Olave will not be available at 22. Pickens probably will be the best option at 28 because gutt will take an o lineman at 22 because there are not a lot of good ones left after the 22 pick.
Coldworld
April 28, 2022 at 08:57 am
I don’t know that I agree with you on the lack of OL. This draft has quite a number. DL maybe.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2022 at 09:14 am
I think Skyy Moore is the Greg Jennings clone more than Olave. Not a huge Olave fan.
dobber
April 28, 2022 at 09:18 am
Agreed.
greengold
April 28, 2022 at 09:21 am
James Jones was raving about Skyy Moore yesterday. FWIW. He’s remarkable after the catch, and has that QB’s best friend quality, for sure. That’s one very reliable player right there.
Rossonero
April 27, 2022 at 08:50 pm
I like Burks. He has the unique size-speed combo, also excellent play speed, and big hands -- great Yard After Catch (YAC) ability. He can work the middle of the field and has a physical presence to his game that would fit in well with Matt LaFleur's scheme.
He ran a 4.55, which is fast enough. He runs WAY faster on tape -- he had a 75 yard touchdown vs. Alabama, so yeah, he has speed. Keep in mind, DeAndre Hopkins ran a 4.57, Michael Thomas ran a 4.58....with the 40 times, you gotta be careful about using that as a basis for judging wide receivers, because WR in the NFL is not about straight line speed.
Burks' tape is really good. In fact, he has 2 years of quality tape in the best conference in the country, against a lot of guys who are future NFL prospects themselves. I would be happy if the Packers took him.
ImaPayne
April 27, 2022 at 08:56 pm
I'd pass, way too many tall fast receivers besides this guy. The combine is when you need to show you stuff and baring being injured, if you dont show up you shouldnt be in the first round mix
gsd3
April 28, 2022 at 03:55 am
He ran a 4.55 forty. Davante Adams ran a 4.56. Speed isn't an issue. The player he is compared to most often is Deebo Samuel. Deebo is 5'11 214 and had a prospect grade of 6.4. Burks is 6'2 225 with a prospect grade of 6.5.
Trust the tape. Manufactured touches? We currently don't have anyone to manufacture touches for. If you use him as a weapon regardless of how you get the ball in his hands, doesn't that open things up for others?
Could he be a bust? Of course. So could Olave or anyone else. A combo if differing skill sets could be deadly if one were to double up and pair him with Pickens or Moore.
Swing hard in case you hit it.....
Coldworld
April 28, 2022 at 09:17 am
The comparison to Deebo is ridiculous. Deebo was known for his explosiveness, speed and burst going into the draft.
“Samuel projects best into an offense that can feature him in additional ways, whether that's from the slot, as a move/chess piece and especially in the return game.” Draft network.
Ever heard any of that said about Burks? Watson would be a better comparative in terms of getting him involved. Amari Rodgers had similar RAS scores to Deebo and projected as a similar type. We didn’t use him like that and he hasn’t shown that ability, but it seems that’s likely the thinking behind drafting him.
slant_route
April 28, 2022 at 06:04 am
Super excited to see how it plays out. No secret Gutey's history is the high athletic scores guys. WR's Watson or Pickens at 28 and a big dude in the trenches at 22, Penning if he is there. Will be fun regardless.
greengold
April 28, 2022 at 06:41 am
slant, I’d run up with the card if Penning is there. No question. I just can’t see that happening with so many OT needy teams ahead of us, but, stranger things have happened.
LB Devin Lloyd is another I wouldn’t hesitate on at 22. Pull that trigger. Same with Wyatt. Karlaftis is another. And… I wouldn’t be surprised if Gutekunst goes rogue for a difference making Safety either. Dax? Hamilton, should he drop?
Can’t wait to see how the Packers work their board.
Agree, this should be a lot of fun.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2022 at 07:23 am
One Sports Writer made the following assessment of the Wide receivers: two guys ready for the glue-factory in Watkins and Cobb, an Unproven stiff in Amari and a Slow Lazard. Need a high dose of talent infusion in that room. I have Watson at #22 ( the rest will be off the board. London and Burks are not on my board), bag the best RT with Lucas @ #28 since he's moving up the list. Move UP in the 2nd round and snag Pierce. Next guy is an EDGE or DT/five tech. I am not thinking about Safety, LB or Guard anywhere near the top four guys. Then I hunt CBs , OT and a safety in the third and fourth. KR/PR may come in the third also. Bo Melton, Velus Jones , Austin are moving up. Fix the Problems. Get Playmakers, not projects, Play to Win the Big Game. The Future is Now....
Ronnie1fan
April 28, 2022 at 01:56 pm
A true gamer athlete. Played every position every sport in high school. Hog hunted with a 4 inch knife and no dog. Absolutely doesn't care about hype, hence, no pre combine camps. Has a bad start first 5 yard takeoff. His 10 to 25 yard speed is way above average. Some say was a better lb than a wr in high school. A top 20 talent with zero doubt. I talked to the kid, he is really country. Better make sure he has a place to fish. My only concern is he cares more about outdoor woods life than football. I also could see titans, or dallas trading up with new England for him. Odds are he will be fishing and not in vegas.