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

December 24, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) watches from the bench against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Technically Harvin has only missed 3 games his whole career but it seems like much more to me. He constantly has some type of aliment week-to-week, which puts him on the injury report somewhere. Since Childress was fired Harvin’s migraines have seemed to go away but there is no telling if they will come back and be an issue. With Harvin unhappy, would it surprise anyone if he feigned migraine if whatever it was that caused him to demand a trade came up again?

With all the negatives stated above there are some positives. With Peterson coming off a devastating injury Harvin is going to get the chance to run the ball around 5+ times a game. Add in the fact that he’s going to have around 12+ targets through the air (good for 8-10 receptions) he becomes extremely valuable in a PPR league. Even if you’re in a standard league he’s still a great fantasy player, good for 8th best WR last year. The receiving corps around him is much better this year so there is a chance one of the rookies turns out to be decent and takes away some targets from Harvin. If that is the case I still look at that as a positive because that makes the team better, which will lessen the odds that Harvin is unhappy and won’t suit up.

A lot of people have Harvin in the late teens to early twenties in their WR rankings which seems a bit ridiculous to me. The guy was a top ten WR last year with a rookie QB behind center, there’s no reason to think he won’t be able to put up a 1000 yard receiving year with a more mature Ponder. He has some red flags but the guy gives it his all every single play and that tells me he will want to play. He’s right around #10 in my rankings but with a lot of people low on Harvin so I think you could get him in the 5th or 6th round.

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

Nov 28, 2010; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (50) reacts after a play against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Rafael Suanes-US PRESSWIRE

The Vikings still haven’t offered free agent linebacker Erin Henderson a contract.

Apparently, he’s a little upset.

On Friday, Henderson sent a flurry of disgruntled tweets explaining his side of the story.

It all started with this foreshadowing tweet:

“I wish i cld speak freely on twitter….”

It’s almost as if Henderson knew he shouldn’t be saying anything, but wanted some of his followers to tell him it was okay to speak his mind. Well they did, and so he did as well. And since I’m a follower, I will too.

“In a nutshell…market value and franchise value aren’t always going to match. If someone can play 3 positions 4 u, their value has to go up”

Okay sure, that may be true. Go on.

“I know what I’m worth. Not to mention they aint even give me an offer….”

Do you know what you’re worth? If so, why haven’t you signed a contract for “what your worth” with another team? I hear the Redskins are looking for more free agents (as always).

“I don’t come to ur job and tell u what you  shld n shldnt make. So how can u say what I’m worth?”

The difference, Erin, is that it’s Rick Spielman’s job to tell you what you are and are not worth. That’s what he was hired to do. You were hired to hit people. It wouldn’t make sense for you to tell Spielman what he’s worth. Although, maybe a little role play would help the process along..

“Whats crazy is I’m not even asking for big money. All I want is respectable money for what I’m asked to do…”

Insane. And by the sounds of it, the Vikings are looking to find the fair market value for you as a player and not willing to overspend. I’m flabbergasted at the thought of it all.

“I have a son. Y wld I want to put our future relationship in jeopardy for some money that ain’t even close to being correct…”

Wait, I thought they haven’t offered you a contract?

“I’d rather be broke and watch my son grow up than put my well being on the line for money that doesn’t make sense”

I’m getting confused. Have they offered you a contract or not?

…

Well, Erin, we spoke freely. I hope you get a “respectable, market value” contract like you are looking for. I’m sure the Vikings will offer you one. Something tells me you may have to swallow some pride in order to sign on that dotted line.

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