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

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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) /

Season prediction

When looking at the player Burks is right now, it’s difficult to make an accurate prediction. Blake Martinez seems to be entrenched as the every down inside linebacker and Jake Ryan is the early down compatriot in the middle. On passing downs, we may see Josh Jones or Ha Ha Clinton-Dix move up to that linebacker spot to provide some more speed. But you can bet Burks will have something to say during camp about it.

As a rookie, Burks will most likely have to make his immediate mark on special teams. As the first big hitter down the field on kick and punt coverage, he’ll be able to use his speed and explosiveness to great benefit. Essentially, he’ll be in 2018 what Joe Thomas was in 2016-2017, just better.

As a linebacker, Burks will likely have to wait his turn until late in the year when the more explosive passing teams come to town, namely Atlanta or Detroit. Against those type of teams with great speed, Burks may need to get on the field to keep up with the crossers and drag routes that those squads like to run. It’s not out of question to see Burks matched up one on one later in the year against a guy like Tevin Coleman.

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Burks is another guy was drafted to increase the team speed in Green Bay. He can do that right away on special teams and could eventually do it on defense. It just won’t be right away.

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