wide receiver Chad Johnson (85) during practice at the Dolphins training facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Chad Johnson has been released by the Miami Dolphins, after being arrested for a domestic dispute.  Still in need of deep threat, go-to wide receivers, should our beloved Minnesota Vikings go after the artist formerly known as “Ochocinco”?  Most people would say, no.  He’s too much of a wild-card, with his antics, and his off-field celebrity lifestyle.  But let me remind you, in all reality this is Chad Whatever-You-Want-To-Call-Him’s first off-field incident in his 12 years as a professional football player in the NFL.  That has to stand for something. (more…)

Dec 4, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stephen Burton (11) during warmups before the game against the Denver Broncos at the Metrodome. Broncos won 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Relatively Unknown:

We all know the big names. The Antoine Winfields. The Matt Kalils. The Adrian Petersons. Those taken in the 1st round of the NFL Draft, the 10-year vets or those mugshots of players being arrested on a weekly basis. However, not many know the no-names, the bench warmers, guys on “the bubble,” or practice squad victims. In this week’s column, we highlight a player relatively unknown to most Vikings fans (until recently it seems) and investigate if he has a legitimate shot at contributing to this year’s team or if he’s going to be riding the coat tails of the practice squad.

So… What makes Stephen Burton so special?

The media has been building up this second year wide receivers improvement online over the last few weeks. The word is, Burton is someone who is expected to have quite an impact on this year’s squad. I know I’ve been one to buy into the recent pre-camp hype, as I’m sure you many of you have as well.

“Stephen Burton primed for breakout year with Vikings”~Rant Sports

“Relaxed Stephen Burton opening eyes in Vikings workouts” ~1500 ESPN

“Vikings’ Burton making leaps in 2nd year” ~FSN North

As little information/videos/anything as there is on this kid, I’m left to assume what has made Burton stand out to the local media. So instead, I’m looking into Burton’s past to determine what his future might be. Let’s go back to where it all started, shall we?

With the 236th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Stephen Burton – West Texas A&M.

Quick Stats:

4.53 40 yd dash
34.5 vertical
6’1 – 221 lbs

In 2011, Burton recorded 70 receptions for 1,021 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. He also registered three 100-receiving yard games. Burton was also known for his return ability, averaging 23.9 yards per return on 23 kick attempts in 2010.

Notable 7th Round WRs:

1999 – Donald Driver
2001 – TJ Houshmandzadeh
2006 – Marques Colston

It wasn’t assumed that Stephen would contribute much last year. The fact that he made the team and was activated to the 53 man roster for 3 games last year, was more than one would expect out of a 7th round selection in his first year.

Burton recorded 2 receptions last year in one game, for a total of 38 yards. From the footage I’ve seen, Burton isn’t overly quick. However, he has shifty feet and can make a man miss. There were a few catches in his West Texas A&M days, where he wasn’t able to be wrapped up on the first hit. I also noticed that it takes a lot to take him down. Indicating that he has an immense amount of lower body strength. My thoughts of this were confirmed when I saw one of Burton’s training videos, in which I saw the size of his calf muscles. Although Burton isn’t the most dynamic jumper, he plays “bigger” than he is. There was no indication that he was shy of contact. Even in blocking, he is willing to put his entire body on the line. I recall one block during a running play for West Texas A&M, where Stephen drove his guy literally off the field. One knock on Burton coming out of college was his unreliable hands. And although I can’t comment too much on that area. I can say, that in the minimal number of video clips available, he was able to make a smooth catch in full stride.

Conclusion:

Nothing is gauranteed for a player drafted in the 7th round. However, with this young core of wide receivers and a disgruntled Percy Harvin, Burton should have every opportunity to carve a role for himself in this offense. Especially with the coaching staff jumping on the youth movement and possibly cutting veteren players. From the little I have learned, watched and observed of Stephen Burton, I have come to the understanding that he has the attitude and basic abilities to be a solid receiver in the NFL. There is nothing flashy about his play, rather he is ready to catch the ball, take a hit and gain extra yards the hard way. He isn’t going to be a receiver that gets a huge amount of separation or makes a spectacular play. But, he will be a workhorse and a reliable option for the young Christian Ponder. If he can find time over Greg Childs and Jarius Wright that is.

Another interesting note about Burton: He’s been posting to Facebook/Twitter pretty regularly since being drafted by the Vikings. Reading his tweets/posts gives you insight into the life of a young, unproven and hard-working player in the NFL. Seems like the kid has a good head on his shoulders. You can find Stephen Burton at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-The-Beast-Burton/147546761982985

Twitter: @sburton_11

And more importantly… you can find me at: @cbrusoewriter

-Cristy

21. Andrew Luck: I’m one of the few people around that thinks that Luck will be a better fantasy QB this year than RGIII. Luck is as athletic as Griffin, he played in a pro-style offense in college and has better weapons around him than RGIII (Reggie Wayne is still a very good receiver and the Colts went out and drafted him college teammate Coby Fleener and another TE in Dwayne Allen). I expect Luck to take care of the ball this year and stay healthy; both of which I can’t say about Griffin. I wouldn’t be surprised if Luck finished as a top 15 QB, depending on if he can get any type of running game to keep defenses honest. If you draft Aaron Rodgers or any other elite QB, Andrew Luck could be an ideal backup QB. Luck will be playing hard at the end of the year while your normally starting QB might be preparing for the playoffs if their team has clinched a playoff spot.

June 12 2012; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) throws the ball during Redskins Minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

22. Robert Griffin III: The three biggest red-flags that I see when I look at college QB’s are: durability issues, bad pocket presence and if they played in a wide open spread offence. RGIII could qualify for all three of those issues (durability issues are debatable due to him missing all but 3 games in 2009 due to an ACL tear but not missing any games in 2010 or 2011). His pocket presence is borderline bad and his running ability is over-rated (a 4.3 rushing average in his college career, lower than Newton, Vick and Luck). I’m not saying that Griffin will be a bust but it will take him some time to get use to running an NFL offense which does hurt his fantasy value this year. Someone is no-doubt going to reach for RGIII in your draft and take him in the top 15 of QBs drafted so you will really have to reach to get him. I recommend you wait for Luck rather than reach for Griffin.

23. Sam Bradford: He looked so promising last year after his 3500+ yard passing rookie season but instead produced the worst sophomore lump in recent memory. I have a hunch that he will turn it around but don’t waste a pick on him.

24. Ryan Fitzpatrick: A very good start for Fitzy and an equally awful 2nd half of the year. I think he’ll play like he did during the second half of the season. Sorry Bills fans.

25. Matt Flynn: If the guy can’t separate from Tavaris Jackson in camp I don’t have much faith in him. I wouldn’t be surprised if Russell Wilson ended up stealing this job.

26. Matt Cassel: Cassel managed to have a negative point output week 2 last year against DET. That is quite an accomplishment.

27. ARZ- QB: You would think that some QB on that roster would be able to put up some decent numbers on a team with that many weapons. If someone does manage to have a good game I would definitely pick them up off waivers just in case.

28. NYJ-QB: Mark Sanchez was the 10th best fantasy QB last year. Tim Tebow was the 18th best fantasy QB last year. They’re going to split time this year and end up where they belong.

29. MIA-QB: Matt Moore showed promise last year but Tannehill will be given the job at some point. They are undraftable but one could end up making some wavier-wire noise.

30. TEN- QB: I see Locker getting the job at some point due to Hasselbeck struggling or getting hurt. Once that happens Locker might be of use.

31. CLE- Brandon Weeden: If the Browns had any decent receivers I could see him being a top-20 QB. If Dalton could do it in that division last year, Weeden could do it this year.

32. Blaine Gabbert: He played the majority of the season and only recorded double digit fantasy points 3 times (10, 14 and 12 points were those 3 times). I’ve seen Lingerie Football League QBs with more promise.

Have any questions or comments? Feel free to email me at vikingagefantasy@yahoo.com or reach me on twitter at https://twitter.com/PHowell02