Pros

• Elite level run-after-catch ability. Reduces contact profile, slips off of tackles and bursts through defenses.

• Built like a modern Running Back with similar power and balance

• Legs are springy and active, Burden is at his best planting and making defenders react to him with the ball in his hands

• Can maximize to extend and pluck the ball and has comfortable hands though his frame length isn’t ideal

• Plus speed with shock in initial steps will help gain instant separation on shorter routes

• Outstanding down-to-down effort, fighting relentlessly with and for the ball.

Cons

• Tiny hands bring about lots of risk for catch consistency with more margin for error and disruption in the NFL.

• Not always a crisp and disciplined route runner. Burden can rely on his ability too much and round his way, or rush, through routes

• Lots of easy releases in the Mizzou offense

• Would be a menace with more tools in his route tree

Summary

In today’s NFL Burden looks like a WR1. He might line up everywhere, go in motion all the time, and get free releases out of the slot. He could be a target monster and torture defenses by continuously making first downs and leaving defenders gassed chasing him around. The risks? He needs to refine how he runs before the catch and buy in to becoming a master of his craft otherwise he’ll need the offense to manufacture more looks for him. The worst case outcome is Corey Coleman, but I’m a believer that he’s far more Deebo Samuel.