Looking Ahead: Treylon Burks Could Be WR1 in 2022
Throughout studying the 2021 NFL Draft class, certain future prospects have stood out on film. One of those prospects this season is Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks, who will be eligible to enter the NFL Draft in 2022.
Burks led the SEC in passer rating when targeted, a conference that included wide receivers such as DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, George Pickens, Elijah Moore, Kadarius Toney and Seth Williams. Burks’ production during SEC games was beyond impressive.
Arkansas played 9 games this season, all against SEC opponents. On 6 occasions, Burks finished the game with 90+ receiving yards and at least 1 receiving touchdown. Listed at 6-3 and 232 pounds, Burks is a physical freak who can overpower opposing defensive backs.
For NFL prospects with that physical profile, it’s important that they’re more than just possession-style receivers to find success in the NFL. The difference between DK Metcalf compared to N’Keal Harry or Laquon Treadwell is Metcalf’s ability to win at all three levels of the field, and create after the catch. Treylon Burks has the well-rounded traits that projects him closer to a DK Metcalf type, giving him WR1 upside for the 2022 NFL Draft class.
Burks averaged 7.6 yards after catch per reception last season, showing off a complete profile with the ball in his hands. Burks will avoid the first tackler after the catch, show off enough speed to beat angles in space and have power through contact. His athleticism really jumps off the film as a ball carrier.
So far in his collegiate career, Burks has 19 receptions caught 20+ yards past the line of scrimmage. Not only does he have the speed and acceleration to separate vertically, he has an understanding of leverage during his stems to gain better position on defensive backs.
He can uncover down the field either due to pure athletic traits or based on technique, making him a dangerous deep threat. Here is an example of both, with Burks aligned as the left slot receiver for both reps:
Possibly the most impressive trait for Burks is his body control at the catchpoint. Numerous times, you’ll see him work the boundary with acrobatic toe-taps. He can fully extend to the football, expanding his catch radius both above the rim and along the sideline. He’s an accuracy-fixer who makes highlight-reel worthy receptions away from his frame.
With Treylon Burks’ skill-set and projection as an athletic specimen, his potential as an NFL Draft prospect is sky-high. He can provide explosive plays in a number of ways, either with his vertical receiving or his exciting ability after the catch. On top of that, he has a promising presence in the intermediate and along the sideline with his body control.
Burks will enter next season with the potential to be one of the first wide receivers drafted in 2022.