Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Size limitations at 5'9" and 190 pounds significantly restrict his contested catch radius, often getting bodied out of position by longer corners who can match his physicality.
• Struggles mightily against press coverage from physical corners, lacking the play strength to consistently defeat hands at the line and getting redirected too easily.
• Concentration lapses have led to concerning drop issues, with eight charted drops in 2023 that often occur when he's trying to transition upfield before securing the catch.
• Gets stuck on contact mid-route and lacks the functional strength to disengage once a defender gets hands on him, particularly evident against top-tier competition.
• Limited blocking impact due to size and apparent reluctance to engage physically, showing neither consistent technique nor compensatory effort in this area.

Scouting Report: Summary

When the ball hits Burks's hands in space, you see the electric playmaking ability that will attract NFL attention – his short to intermediate route mastery creates consistent separation that translates immediately to the next level. Yet this same receiver who can make defenders miss in the open field becomes significantly less effective when physically challenged at the line or mid-route, where his slight frame becomes a liability rather than an asset.

His ceiling as an NFL contributor hinges entirely on usage and scheme protection. Deploying him from bunch formations, utilizing pre-snap motion, and keeping him away from boundary press coverage will accentuate his strengths while masking his physical limitations. The technical route-running precision Burks displays on tape—particularly in the short and intermediate areas—gives him third-down value that offensive coordinators will covet, but the complete package comes with clear restrictions.

The tape shows a receiver whose impact varies dramatically based on matchup and assignment. When allowed clean releases and operating in space, Burks demonstrates Day 2 value with his separation quickness and YAC ability. However, the same player disappears against physical corners who can disrupt timing and positioning through contact. His career trajectory will ultimately be determined by landing in an offense that creates favorable matchups through formation and motion while having the depth to avoid forcing him into unfavorable situations against press-man boundary coverage.