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Green Bay Packers: Pros, cons and predictions for Oren Burks

By Mike Wendlandt

OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 26: Chad Kelly #10 of the Mississippi Rebels avoids a tackle by Oren Burks #20 of the Vanderbilt Commodores during the fourth quarter of a game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 26: Chad Kelly #10 of the Mississippi Rebels avoids a tackle by Oren Burks #20 of the Vanderbilt Commodores during the fourth quarter of a game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Pro and con: Position(less)

As a former safety, Burks has the ability to move around the field and be a chess piece for Mike Pettine. He picked off three passes his final season as a defensive back and had two more as a linebacker, demonstrating his skill in coverage and his playmaking acumen.

Much like Joe Thomas was the past couple years for the Packers, Burks should be able to step into a role as a coverage specialist who can blitz if needed. His intelligence and leadership during his time at Vanderbilt will give him an advantage in camp to be that third down linebacker while also giving him a chance to establish a presence on all special teams.

However, that versatility could also be a hindrance for Burks early in his career. As an undersized linebacker, he could be taken advantage of by the more creative coaches in the NFL who adjust their offense whenever he sees the field. His instincts are good, but not great which could lead him to getting washed out of plays until he fully grasps the nuances of being a linebacker. That’s part of why it’s a mixed bag for Burks.

His positional versatility is a great asset but could also be a great liability early on. It’s hard to get a true gauge on which way that’ll go in 2018 but his future is bright.

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