Deion Burks NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Indianapolis Colts WR

Damian ParsonDec 18, 2025

The Indianapolis Colts selected Oklahoma WR Deion Burks with the No. 254 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Deion Burks is an explosive impact playmaker with the football and possesses a better skill set than the numbers suggest.

He is a dynamic weapon in the open field and will flip field possession in an instant. His speed creates opportunities for explosive plays at any moment.

Began his career as a Purdue Boilermaker before transferring to Oklahoma. Burks is a former 3-star recruit in the 2021 class. He is a talented receiver with a concerning injury history.

Dame Parson is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also serves as co-host of the Scouting Room NFL Podcast alongside Daniel Harms.

Highlights

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Scroll down for the complete scouting report.

Where He Wins

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- Playmaking explosivity! Burks is a threat to make big plays at all times. He possesses the acceleration and top-end speed to beat defenses over the top routinely. If untouched at the line, Burks will run past defenders and stack them, creating an out-of-phase rep for the defensive back.

- Tracking the football down the field is an underrated part of Burks' game. He locates the ball in the air and adjusts to its arc and descent. He has good hand-eye coordination to see the ball in on over-the-shoulder throws, even in hole-shot vs. cover-two defenses.

- Burks displays good football IQ by settling into the soft spots versus zone coverages. He attacks zone defenses with patience and awareness.

- The Sooners' second-leading receiver excels with the football. He handles manufactured touches, like screens, jet sweep pop passes, and jet sweeps. With his speed and explosiveness in space, he is dangerous to create YAC.

- Burks is a natural hands catcher who plucks the ball out of the air with confidence.

- Good route running ability vs man coverage. Burks sells the vertical, steps on the DB's toes, and stops on a dime to work back down the route stem. Outstanding stop/start ability to sell double moves to their maximum. From stutter/Go, sluggos, etc, he will put the defensive back in conflict if they're playing with a cushion.

Areas of Improvement

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: AUG 30 Temple at Oklahoma

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- Staying healthy to continue his development and sharpening his craft. Burks sustained soft-tissue injuries, a concussion, and a minor neck injury during the 2023 Citrus Bowl while at Purdue.

- Burks is an undersized receiver with a limited wingspan. He will have trouble fending off longer-limbed cornerbacks at the catch point.

- The former Boilermaker will be challenged when facing quick-footed and long cornerbacks at the next level. They will be able to crowd his space at the line of scrimmage, eliminating free releases to gear up to top speed and neutralizing his best attribute early in reps.