Juston Burris NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Jets Rookie

POSITIVES

A four-year contributor and three-year starter at North Carolina State, Juston Burris has the size to pass the eyeball test as scouts work through his tape.

An active tackler, Burris has the size to bring heat when moving downhill. He's a sure thing with wrap-up ability in the run game and the range and power to pull down receivers in space. Burris is a twitchy, fluid player when asked to flip his hips and run. He doesn't have great long speed but shows up making plays on tape because of his short-area burst.

With excellent size, Burris can be a threat in press coverage. He brings power in his hands and has the frame to match up against bigger NFL receivers on the edge.

Burris is a project with a need to clean up his technique, but his fluid hips and length are things you can't teach. With his upside as a run defender, he could see early reps as a nickel cornerback or safety and then move into a full-time role in Year Two.

NEGATIVES

Burris gave up just two touchdowns in 2015, but secured only one interception. In four years of playing time, Burris has just six interceptions and saw his totals drop from three as a freshman to one in each of the next three years.

Burris' size and athletic numbers would point to a potential move to safety. He's slow in his transitions and doesn't match speed with speed down the field. A high-padded player in his backpedal, Burris can't be moved inside to cover slot receivers because of his lack of speed and doesn't currently have the technique to time his turns and jumps on the outside.

Like many college corners, Burris was able to win with speed and size and must learn to refine his technique and timing in the pros. Betting on his overall athleticism and production from the past four years in the middle rounds is a safe play.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 212 lbs.

40 Time: 4.53s

3-Cone: 7.10s

Short Shuttle: 4.25s

PRO COMPARISON: Eric Rowe, Philadelphia Eagles
FINAL GRADE: 5.90/9.00 (Round 4—Backup Caliber)