Is Arkansas WR Treylon Burks the WR1 in the 2022 NFL Draft?

After another strong performance against Auburn, is Arkansas WR Treylon Burks the WR1 in the 2022 NFL Draft?

The Arkansas Razorbacks’ early season magic hasn’t hung on, as their latest loss to Auburn makes them 1-3 in the SEC. It’s tough to see with a team that’s been a joy to watch on both sides of the ball. The bright spot for this Arkansas team is that they have a trio of 2022 NFL Draft prospects to watch, the most notable of those being wide receiver Treylon Burks.

Burks had another strong performance on Saturday in the loss, catching nine passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Saturday marks his fourth game above 100 yards receiving this season, and that brings his total on the year to 38 catches, 628 yards, and five scores.

Back in the summer, many analysts were looking at Burks as the potential WR1 in the class, even here at NFL Mocks. The potential was there in a player with great size, speed, and fluidity for his size.

It’s so far, so good for Burks in 2021. He obviously poses a great threat after the catch with the speed to erase angles and the build to bounce off would be tacklers like a pinball. He’s even willing to drop the pads on occasion with the ball in his hands. Burks is dominant at the catch point as well, as he showed with yet another spectacular grab against Auburn for a score. His body control, hands, and ability to adjust in the air are special blend for a player of his size.

So is Treylon Burks the top receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft? For some, he is. This writer believes that nothing is definitive just yet. Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson definitely deserves to be in that conversation, and there are other receivers making a name for themselves this season as well. Ultimately, it could come down to preference for analysts, scouts, and teams. If someone wants a size/speed combo to mold into a potential “X” receiver who’s a nightmare post-catch, it could be Burks. If someone wants a true separator, maybe it’s Wilson. Still, Burks is playing well enough to be included in that discussion.