Player Bio
Burgess became a strong prospect as a senior, receiving honorable mention all-conference notice from league coaches as a 14-game starter (81 stops, 7.5 for loss, one interception, five pass breakups). Burgess was a talented high school player in the San Diego area but could only manage three starts in his first three years at Utah. He contributed in four games as a true freshman (one tackle, one pass breakup) and then in 13 games the following season (18 tackles, one for loss, one start). In 2018, he accumulated 16 tackles, three pass breakups, and a blocked kick in 14 games (two starts). His brother, Isiah Hennie, was a two-time honorable mention All-Big Sky selection as a receiver at Sacramento State.
AnalysisDraft Projection
Round 3
NFL Comparison
Damarious Randall
Overview
Utah is known for developing defensive talent and Burgess is the latest success story to emerge from the program. The cornerback-turned-safety plays with uncommon discipline and field vision despite just a single season as full-time starter. Teams love his versatility and ability to play nickel, but matchups against speed could cause some issues. He plays with good instincts and closing burst from high safety looks but doesn’t have the striking ability to concern targets working the middle. Burgess’ versatility, athleticism and feel for pathways to tackles in run support could make him a valuable middle-round pick with a chance to find the field early on in a variety of roles.
Strengths
- Lauded by scouts, coaches and teammates for his preparation
- Has ability to align the backend
- Reads play development and has field awareness of a pro
- Has tools for interchangeable safety and nickel roles
- Disciplined with good recognition of misdirection
- Tough for quarterbacks to manipulate in two-deep
- Avoids rub routes and slips screen blocks in space
- Athletic, twitchy feet with early burst to cover at nickel
- Change of direction is sudden and efficient
- Great poise, balance and technique as tackler
- Takes smart angles both downhill and near the line
- Four-phase special teams experience
Weaknesses
- Was a full-time starter for only one season at Utah
- Borderline size to play down safety
- Slender legs and thin through hips
- A little sluggish to unlock hips when matching release
- Won’t inspire fear as a hitter in the middle of the field
- Jump-ball battles put him at a disadvantage
- Below-average length over the top
- Utah helped keep him clean to roam free as a tackler
(Lance Zierlin – NFL.COM)