Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Every draft season we see some of the most prolific college weapons get drafted on day two of the draft and become the steal of the entire process. That guy in 2016 could be Michigan State wide receiver Aaron Burbridge. With superb athleticism and versatility, Burbridge would be a great addition for any team looking to add a playmaking slot receiver.

Measurables

Height: 6′

Weight: 210 lbs

Arm Length: 31”

Wing Span: 73”

Hand Width: 8”

Tape Watched: Penn State (2015), Michigan (2015), Rutgers (2015)

Strengths

As a slot receiver, Burbridge brings a lot to the table for NFL teams. With an excellent vertical leap and the added ability to high point the ball, Burbridge is a mainstay on college football highlight reels. He also adjusts to the ball down field and can catch in traffic with the best as he uses his above average speed to get downfield.

Along with the flashy aspects to his game, Burbridge gives you the basic fundamentals needed to succeed in the NFL. He runs a versatile route tree out of the slot, while also providing options out of the backfield and outside the numbers.

Balance, athleticism, and body control are some other keys to Burbridge’s game. Watch all of that come together on this touchdown reception.

A final positive on Burbridge is his blocking. For a team that runs bubble screens or utilizes the run game consistently, Burbridge could be a a valuable piece to more than just the receiving game.

Weaknesses

While there are a lot of positives that Aaron Burbridge brings to the football field, his negatives are just as key. A couple things I question are his separation down field, a lack of physicality with defenders, and body catches in short range situations.

Additionally, his Senior Bowl measurements show him to have the second smallest hands on both rosters.

Team Fits: Kansas City, Philadelphia, Buffalo

Final Thoughts

Aaron Burbridge is a late second to early third round pick. The body catches may hurt him, but I don’t see them to be as big of an issue considering he’s considered a deep ball threat who can high point. The speed off the line and versatility will take him a long way in this process and NFL fans should be thrilled if their team lands him.