The Indianapolis Colts have a fair weapons group at Daniel Jones' disposal in wide receivers Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, tight end Tyler Warren, and running back Jonathan Taylor. Could they use a seasoned veteran at wideout? Sure, but the free agent landscape appears dry.
The Colts are likely to run with the current starters and depth they have listed on their depth chart now at wide receiver, including who they selected in the draft, Deion Burks. For Jones, this weapons group is the best he's had in his seven-year NFL journey, but Burks' addition might add some further flair.
Burks' role with the Colts isn't yet cemented; comments from team general manager Chris Ballard suggest the former Sooners wideout could see action in the return game. However, Burks' scouting report suggests that at least where wide receiver is concerned, he's got the talent and the skill set, even though production overshadowed his college run.
Indianapolis Colts' Deion Burks scouting report lays out the good and the bad, but more good to develop than detrimental
Perhaps a lack of production held Burks back from posting higher numbers at Oklahoma and Purdue. According to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, despite Burks' talented upside, which showed out in college, his lack of production may have hindered his development.
"Fifth-year slot receiver who is savvy against zone coverage and crafty after making a catch," Zierlein said of Burks. "Burks does a good job of utilizing his straight-line speed when the ball is in his hands. He struggles to win on vertical routes, though. He creates windows underneath by crisply breaking off short routes. He’s a compact, short-armed target who secures catches through contact. However, his production left something to be desired during his time at Purdue and Oklahoma. Comebacks and curls are often swallowed. Coaching and route work could lead to improvement in those areas. Burks lacks standout measurables, but better quarterback play could unlock a more productive player."
Clearly, there is an abundance of good in Burks' game as a pass catcher, despite some evident areas that will need growth. But the elements of his game that will help Jones at quarterback the most are Burks' abilities to create windows underneath and make catches through contact. Jones is a quarterback who needs his receivers to play their roles to the T for him to succeed.
We saw it with Pierce last season, and we're bound to see it again next season. Burks' playing time won't match that of Pierce or Downs, but if Burks gets on the field, those two strengths will really come in handy. As for the weaknesses pointed out by Zierlein, if a lack of production were the case, that shouldn't knock Burks for what he struggles with.
The Colts will need to take up the responsibility for developing Burks in those specific areas. While he's not the biggest wide receiver, his speed and play strength are perfect starting points, though. The growth and development will come in time, but Burks, despite being a late-round pick, is walking into the Colts organization with tons of upside ready to be used immediately.
On top of that, the confidence in Burks has been there from the start, as Ballard spoke to shortly after the draft.
"We didn't think was going to be there in Burks, who's extremely talented," Ballard said. "Why he was there, I don't know. Fortunate for us. He's fast, he's explosive. We think he's got a real chance to help us and we'll try to get him worked in the return game, too. Even though he hadn't done a lot of it, we think he's got upside as a returner."
This should be fun for Colts fans.
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