Aaron Burbridge NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for 49ers Rookie

POSITIVES

Aaron Burbridge is a physical, strong wide receiver with NFL-level production coming out of the pro-style offense at Michigan State. In 2015, he produced 85 catches for 1,258 yards and added seven touchdowns. Burbridge was the true No. 1 receiver in the offense, with 149 targets coming his way over the course of the regular season and College Football Playoff.

A talented breaking-route player, Burbridge is able to shake defenders at the top of his route stem and uses excellent footwork and timing to get himself between the ball and the cornerback. Burbridge plays bigger than he is and will go up or down to extend his catch radius outside of his 31 ⅝-inch reach.

Burbridge developed a trust within the Michigan State program, and in clutch situations, he was the go-to receiver in every play call and on-field read. He emerged in big moments and has been battle-tested against top-tier talent in the Big Ten. He might not wow anyone with sexy speed or acrobatic catches, but he's crafty and tough as they come.

NEGATIVES

In the last two seasons, Burbridge dropped 15 passes on 199 targets according to College Football Focus. That's not an alarming rate, but there are enough drops there to raise some red flags. Burbridge too often lets the pass get into his frame. He's a body catcher on underneath routes, and those hot passes from the quarterback end up on his numbers.

A lack of deep speed limits Burbridge down the field. He's not an over-the-top receiver and won't be stretching the field against NFL speed. His best routes are comebacks and underneath plays, but his lack of length will give him issues when separating on those routes against longer, faster, smarter NFL corners.

The drop issues seen on tape are pounded home with Burbridge's 8 ¼-inch hands. That's a full 1 ¼ inch below the current NFL standard for hand size. Without great size or speed, and with a history of drops, that hand size is an issue.

Watching Michigan State film, you quickly notice that every catch is a contested one due to Burbridge's lack of separation skills. Without being able to pull away from college corners, it's unlikely he'll find that success in the NFL.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 206 lbs.

40 Time: 4.56s

3-Cone: 7.22s

Short Shuttle: 4.31s

PRO COMPARISON: Jermaine Kearse, Seattle Seahawks
FINAL GRADE: 5.90/9.00 (Round 4—Backup Caliber)