Minnesota Vikings: Rookie Spotlight on Cornerback Brandon Burton

For this installment of Vikings Rookie Spotlight, we will be looking at cornerback Brandon Burton from the University of Utah.

Burton was considered one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft. Originally, he had been projected as a second-round pick, but fell into the fifth round where the Vikings selected him 139th overall.

While at Utah, Burton red-shirted his freshman year, where he made the Athletic Director's Honor Roll. In his first year after being red-shirted, Burton played in 11 games, mostly in a special teams role. Over the next two years, Burton was a starter in all but one game (Utah started four linebackers against Air Force). In 2010 Burton was voted to the All Mountain West Conference Second Team after totaling 51 all-purpose tackles, two interceptions (one returned for 57 yards), and a forced fumble.

At 6'0" 185 lbs, Burton has good size to play against NFL receivers and his speed will come in handy as well. At the NFL combine, Burton ran a 4.53 40-yard-dash. Along with using his speed to keep up with NFL receivers, Burton has been praised for his ability to blitz, using his speed effectively to get into the backfield.

That ability will make Burton highly valuable to the Vikings who primarily use CB Antoine Winfield in the Nickel for his ability to blitz, get into the backfield and record tackles for loss. Because Winfield is now 34 years old, Burton could eventually work himself into that role, effectively replacing Winfield should he decide to either retire or switch to safety, as I've suggested in one of my other articles.

Some knocks against Burton, which probably contributed to his draft slide, include the fact that that he only played college ball for essentially two seasons. Despite his speed to keep up with receivers, Burton has sloppy footwork, which allows some receivers to beat him early on their routes. If Burton wants to even compete in the NFL, the Vikings must coach him up and improve his footwork tremendously. His anticipation of receivers could use some work as well, but again, that is something the Vikings can coach him on.

Burton has the ability to be a shut-down corner in pass coverage because of his speed and fluidity when mirroring routes, but sometimes uses his hands too much, which could translate to penalties. In zone-coverage, he lacks the communication with his safeties, which is essential at the NFL level. He does not possess the best hands and interceptions don't come often for him, but because of the length of his arms and closing speed, he excels in breaking up passes by knocking the ball to the turf. Burton is not fantastic in run support, which could work against him early in his NFL career.

I think that Burton will eventually work himself into a role with decent playing time, despite receiving little playing time is rookie season. The Vikings will likely start Chris Cook and Cedric Griffin on the outside, with Antoine Winfield in the nickel. Burton will likely compete with Asher Allen for a role in the Vikings defense. Because of the pure lack of depth in the Vikings secondary, there is no doubt in my mind that Burton could make an impact. However, he certainly has a lot of improving to do before that is a possibility.

I think that this season, Burton will receive his playing time in nickel and dime situations simply because of his speed, though I believe his role will be limited.

What do you think Vikings fans?

For the next installment of Vikings Rookie Spotlight, we will be looking at rookie center Brandon Fusco from Slippery Rock University.