DraftAce

Aaron Burbridge WR Michigan State #16

Strengths: 6’0″, 210 pounds. Good overall size and bulk. Consistently puts himself in position to come down with the contested catch. Very strong hands and shows great concentration in traffic. Should become a reliable possession receiver and red zone target. Routes are efficient, but not explosive enough to lose defenders. Made huge strides during his senior year as Connor Cook’s go-to target.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal athleticism. Not a burner and struggles to create space. Lacks elite size to dominate against physical cornerbacks in the NFL. Despite success in contested situations in college, his modest height makes you wonder of he can maintain that success in the NFL.

Overview: Burbridge was behind Tony Lippett on the depth chart for much of his career, but far exceeded Lippett’s production when he took over as a senior. He was one of the most reliable possession receivers in the nation in 2015, but it’s easy to be skeptical give his height. 6’5″ receivers don’t grow on trees, but there are enough of them in the league that teams won’t want to gamble a high pick on a 6’0″ receiver who can’t create consistent separation. Anquon Boldin has proven a receiver his measurables and skill set can succeed at a high level, but Boldin is certainly the exception to the rule.