To round out their 2026 NFL draft class, the Indianapolis Colts selected Oklahoma wide receiver Deion Burks.
Here is a full breakdown of that selection with everything you need to know.
Profile
Deion Burks’ bio at Oklahoma
Quick breakdown
He played a big role in Oklahoma’s offense last season, totaling 86 targets. He would catch 58 of those passes for 617 yards with four touchdowns. This past season, Burks was quite good after the catch, and he has experience lining up both out wide and in the slot.
One thing to know about Deion Burks
Relative to the consensus big board, Burks was one of the best value picks in the entire draft. The Colts picked Burks at 254th overall, but on the consensus big board, he was the 96th-ranked player.
Deion Burks’ athletic profile
Scouting report on Deion Burks
“Fifth-year slot receiver who is savvy against zone coverage and crafty after making a catch. Burks does a good job of utilizing his straight-line speed when the ball is in his hands. He struggles to win on vertical routes, though. He creates windows underneath by crisply breaking off short routes. He’s a compact, short-armed target who secures catches through contact. However, his production left something to be desired during his time at Purdue and Oklahoma. Comebacks and curls are often swallowed. Coaching and route work could lead to improvement in those areas. Burks lacks standout measurables, but better quarterback play could unlock a more productive player.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
They said it
Colts’ scout Mike Lacy: “Not like your typical size that you want out there, but I think this kid pound-for-pound, his play strength and just how well put together he is. I think he, should not be exclusively labeled a slot receiver. I think he has the speed to kind of threaten vertically, no matter where you line him up on the field. And then, in some situations again, that play strength, catches through contact, or if he’s outside the numbers, I think he can do more than just play inside, in my opinion.”
GM Chris Ballard: “Then one we didn’t think was going to be there in Burks, who’s extremely talented. Why he was there, I don’t know. Fortunate for us. He’s fast, he’s explosive. We think he’s got a real chance to help us and we’ll try to get him worked in the return game, too. Even though he hadn’t done a lot of it, we think he’s got upside as a returner.”
Deion Burks’ fit with the Colts
Although a bit undersized at 5-09 and 186 pounds, the Colts believe that Burks can continue to play both inside and out at the NFL level, with his play strength translating well to the jump in competition. Indianapolis is also bullish about the playmaking potential Burks adds to the offense. Burks could find himself in the mix for playing time right away, with the WR3 role up for grabs. He also gives Indianapolis another option in the return game.
Deion Burks’ highlights
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts draft pick profiles: Everything to know about WR Deion Burks
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
