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Rams take WR Burton:
Strengths: Possesses average height and has room on his frame to add bulk. Gets off the line of scrimmage quickly and can reach top-gear in a hurry. He adjusts very well to the deep ball. Will consistently catch the ball thrown over his head. Has outstanding leaping ability to elevate for the jump ball. Shows good body control and balance, particularly when maneuvering along the sideline. Lacks elite top-end speed but does show a second-gear in space to run away from some defenders after the catch (see: 2nd quarter TD reception vs. Louisville in 2006). Possesses outstanding vision as a runner and makes smooth cuts in the open-field. Runs hard and will break more open-field tackles than his lean frame would indicate. He was a big-play return specialist in college, particularly on KOR's. Is effective as a cut-blocker downfield. Gives a good effort as a blocker.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite speed. Is more quick than fast. Will struggle to get over the top as a vertical route runner at the next level. Still has room to improve as an intermediate route-runner. Takes too long getting in and out of breaks. Durability was an issue earlier in his career.
Overall: During his first three seasons at Kentucky (2003, 2005-'06), Burton played in 34 games (21 starts) and had 123 receptions for 1,635 yards (13.3 average) and 16 touchdowns. In 2007, he appeared in 12 games (11 starts) and finished the season with 66 receptions for 741 yards and nine touchdowns. For his career, Burton also had eight carries for 18 yards, 67 kickoff returns for 1,715 (25.6 average) and a score, and six punt returns for 90 yards (15.0 average). He broke his left wrist before the Wildcats' first game in 2004, appeared in two games, then sat out the remainder of the season, earning a medical redshirt. He missed four games in '05 after suffering a broken bone in his right foot (which later required two surgeries). He was bothered by an ankle sprain and knee strain most of last season, missing one game. Burton had some injuries earlier in his collegiate career but he was able to stay healthy the past couple of seasons. He is a well-built, strong and competitive receiver with good quickness and reliable hands. However, his lack of breakaway speed puts a ceiling on his NFL potential as a receiver and return specialist so he must improve the crispness of his routes in order to make it as a sub-package slot-receiver. Burton projects as third or fourth round pick.
Strengths: Possesses average height and has room on his frame to add bulk. Gets off the line of scrimmage quickly and can reach top-gear in a hurry. He adjusts very well to the deep ball. Will consistently catch the ball thrown over his head. Has outstanding leaping ability to elevate for the jump ball. Shows good body control and balance, particularly when maneuvering along the sideline. Lacks elite top-end speed but does show a second-gear in space to run away from some defenders after the catch (see: 2nd quarter TD reception vs. Louisville in 2006). Possesses outstanding vision as a runner and makes smooth cuts in the open-field. Runs hard and will break more open-field tackles than his lean frame would indicate. He was a big-play return specialist in college, particularly on KOR's. Is effective as a cut-blocker downfield. Gives a good effort as a blocker.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite speed. Is more quick than fast. Will struggle to get over the top as a vertical route runner at the next level. Still has room to improve as an intermediate route-runner. Takes too long getting in and out of breaks. Durability was an issue earlier in his career.
Overall: During his first three seasons at Kentucky (2003, 2005-'06), Burton played in 34 games (21 starts) and had 123 receptions for 1,635 yards (13.3 average) and 16 touchdowns. In 2007, he appeared in 12 games (11 starts) and finished the season with 66 receptions for 741 yards and nine touchdowns. For his career, Burton also had eight carries for 18 yards, 67 kickoff returns for 1,715 (25.6 average) and a score, and six punt returns for 90 yards (15.0 average). He broke his left wrist before the Wildcats' first game in 2004, appeared in two games, then sat out the remainder of the season, earning a medical redshirt. He missed four games in '05 after suffering a broken bone in his right foot (which later required two surgeries). He was bothered by an ankle sprain and knee strain most of last season, missing one game. Burton had some injuries earlier in his collegiate career but he was able to stay healthy the past couple of seasons. He is a well-built, strong and competitive receiver with good quickness and reliable hands. However, his lack of breakaway speed puts a ceiling on his NFL potential as a receiver and return specialist so he must improve the crispness of his routes in order to make it as a sub-package slot-receiver. Burton projects as third or fourth round pick.
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