FB Michael Burton Round 5 Pick 168

Scouting Reports:

Rutgers profile page:   http://www.scarletknights.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/michael_burton_875573.html

NFL.com:   http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/michael-burton?id=2552636

CBS:   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1759407/michael-burton 

Draft Insider (Michael Burton - (School: Rutgers, Position: FB): Bio: Full-time starter the past two seasons. Carried the ball just once as a senior but posted 15 receptions for 150 yards. Positive: Hard-working lead blocker with limited athleticism. Keeps his head on a swivel, plays with a nasty attitude and accelerates through blocks. Explosive at the point and gets a pad on defenders to disrupt them from their angle of attack. Solid receiver out of the backfield extending his hands to make receptions away from his frame. Displays terrific vision and quickly picks up assignments.
Negative: Lacks the speed and agility necessary to turn the corner or create space for the ball carrier. Average quickness in his overall game. Analysis: Burton is solid in all aspects of the fullback position but lacks any outstanding physical skill. His competitiveness and football awareness give him an advantage to make a roster that keeps two fullbacks.):  http://www.draftinsider.net/reports/2015/FB 

Post Draft Articles:

Best and worst draft picks for NFC North teams (Worst: FB Michael Burton, Round 5 (No. 168 overall) Burton will have to make the team as a special-teams contributor and probably won't offer much to the Lions' offense. He is a solid pass catcher but not an especially good blocker. Even in an H-back role that would emphasize his receiving skills, he'd still have to be a solid blocker at the next level -- and he might not be up to that task. His scouting report projection? Undrafted.) (4-13-15):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000492482/article/best-and-worst-2015-draft-picks-for-nfc-north-teams


New Lions fullback Michael Burton: 'I love contact' (5-11-15):   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/11/detroit-lions-michael-burton/27111129/

Burton brags on Rutgers as Lions career begins (5-11-15):   http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/burton-proudly-representing-rutgers-as-lions-career-begins-051115

O'HARA: Burton has the 'fullback mentality' down pat (5-10-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/ohara/article-1/OHARA-Burton-has-the-fullback-mentality-down-pat/84b5d2c5-0e73-4251-99ec-1eeb97412c54 
 
Detroit Lions notes: Special teams give Mike Burton an edge (Mike Burton’s experience on special teams at Rutgers was a factor in the Lions drafting the fullback in the fifth round.  Burton and the other rookies are getting to know the Lions’ coaches this weekend at rookie minicamp. “We’re just going over the plays now, a lot of two-back stuff, a lot of runs, getting involved in the passing game and stuff like that,’’ Burton said. “Whatever the coach throws at me that’s what I’m working on to get better at.’’ Burton only carried the ball once at Rutgers and that was on a fake punt. His blocking and playing on all special teams units is what makes him stand out. “Special teams are extremely important and I understand that especially at this level, thankfully I played that through my five years at Rutgers so I’ll be able to take that experience and continue it over here,’’ Burton said Saturday. “Obviously it’s much harder at this level with guys who are bigger, faster, stronger but the special teams coaches do an excellent job with technique as long as I hone in on the details I should be good.’’ His goals for the minicamp are basic.  “It’s really just getting the playbook down, becoming a great teammate and just going out there and be competitive every single day and help my team win,’’ Burton said.  He likes the atmosphere at the Lions facility. “When I walk in the building at 6 o’clock in the morning you feel that sense of business, this is a business-like organization _ we’re here to win championships,’’ Burton said. “That’s the type of program I came from in college. I’m doing whatever I can to win championships.’’) (5-9-15):   http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20150509/detroit-lions-notes-special-teams-give-mike-burton-an-edge

Five thoughts about the Detroit Lions after Day 2 of rookie minicamp (3. Michael Burton also has room to grow: The former Rutgers walk-on fullback who the Lions took in the fifth round has good size to him already, but it is fairly obvious there is a lot of room for him to add some size to his listed 230 pounds. It wouldn't be surprising to see him get up closer to 250 pounds, which is the approximate weight Jed Collins played at last season. Burton is the replacement for Collins, so don't be surprised if he shows up at training camp closer to 245 than where he is now.) (5-9-15):   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/17072/five-thoughts-about-the-detroit-lions-after-day-2-of-rookie-minicamp

Burton On Blocking For Abdullah (5-9-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Burton-on-blocking-for-Abdullah/b9431cfe-b648-4c29-8f29-30b23130a81a

Michael Burton signs rookie contract with Lions (Fifth round: Fullback Michael Burton, Rutgers – Losing Jed Collins in free-agency to Dallas after one season in Detroit opened the need for a fullback. Drafting Burton that high was a surprise to many, but only five fullbacks were taken in the draft. Burton was No. 2, behind Jalston Fowler of Alabama, who went to the Titans in the fourth round and 108th overall, 60 picks before Burton. The receiving ability Burton displayed at Rutgers adds to his potential value.) (5-7-15):  http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Five-draft-picks-sign-rookie-contracts/c8e840b7-e641-43d8-a160-7eacca806818

2015 Draft in Review: Detroit Lions (Fullbacks might be a dying breed. but Burton was the best in FBS last season. He was the top graded blocker and wasn’t too shabby as a receiver either. He picked up 150 yards on 15 receptions and forced six missed tackles. Depth Chart Fit: Won’t see a ton of snaps on offense due to the position, but will have a role and can contribute on special teams as well.) (5-6-15):   https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/05/01/2015-draft-in-review-detroit-lions/

Detroit Lions FB Michael Burton packs on the pounds prior to rookie season (5-6-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/detroit_lions_fb_michael_burto.html

NFC NORTH: 2015 NFL Draft breakdown (Good under-the-radar pick: Michael Burton – The former Rutgers fullback should have a role in the offense from Day 1 and will be a core member of all four special teams. He’ll be a lead blocker and could rack up quite a few catches as an outlet for Matthew Stafford in the flat.) (5-5-15):   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/NFC-NORTH-2015-NFL-Draft-breakdown/a990c77c-ceac-47ae-87e4-e22fc6577a64

Draft recap: Favorite pick, biggest surprise and 6 other thoughts on how the Detroit Lions fared (LEAST FAVORITE PICK: The Lions let the draft come to them in every round, and traded up or down when it had to. The one exception occurred in the fifth round, when Detroit took Rutgers fullback Michael Burton. Who drafts fullbacks anymore? Particularly as high as the the fifth round? There's no way to know for sure, but there's a good bet Burton would have still been there in the sixth. On the bright side: If he does play immediately on offense, as expected, and on most special teams, Detroit at least will get immediate returns out of the pick. Can't say that for a lot of fifth-rounders.) (5-5-15):   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/draft_recap_favorite_pick_bigg.html

2015 NFL Draft Review: NFC North (Michael Burton – FB – Rutgers: I felt Burton was more of a free agent type, but he can block and is a reliable receiver out of the backfield) (5-4-15):   http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2015-nfl-draft-review-nfc-north/

Lions got turned onto Michael Burton at Quick Lane Bowl game in Detroit (5-4-15):  http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/04/detroit-lions-martin-mayhew/26888211/

Lions wanted fullback Burton to help running game (5-3-15):  http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/03/lions-wanted-fullback-burton-help-running-game/26848347/

Burton Put On 20 Pounds In Preparation For Draft, Had Interest From Several Teams (5-3-15):   http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/05/02/burton-put-on-20-pounds-in-preparation-for-draft-had-interest-from-several-teams/

Sunday 5-3-15:

Burton should help Lions in quest for power run game:   http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/02/powerful-fb-michael-burton-is-lions-fifth-rounder/26781099/

Detroit Lions draft pick Michael Burton a 'thug, in a good way,' according to Mike Mayock:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/fullback_michael_burton_a_thug.html

Get to know Michael Burton: Detroit Lions pick walked on at Rutgers, added 55 pounds in college:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/get_to_know_michael_burton_det.html

Detroit Lions tab Rutgers fullback Michael Burton with fifth-round pick:   http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/05/detroit_lions_tab_rutgers_full.html

Detroit Lions draft FB Mike Burton in fifth round:   http://oplions.blogspot.com/2015/05/detroit-lions-draft-fb-mike-burton-in.html

Lions 5th round pick Michael Burton played 631 snaps for Rutgers and had highest production grade of any FB in the FBS in 2014 (5-3-15):  https://twitter.com/PFF/status/594916971424124928

Saturday 5-2-15:

Articles:

Audio - Michael Burton conference call:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/audio/Michael-Burton-conference-call/e3d23e43-1286-4507-8f06-090bd8c8d424

A closer look: Fullback Michael Burton:   http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/A-closer-look-Fullback-Michael-Burton/e05b369f-b735-4591-8b2e-f750d20116f2

Lions draft Rutgers FB Michael Burton in 5th round:   http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/05/02/lions-draft-burton-fifth-round/26781399/

New Lion FB Michael Burton was our highest graded run blocking FB among draft eligible FBs (5-2-15):  https://twitter.com/PFF_NateJahnke/status/594580885686489088

Total breakdown: Lions select FB Michael Burton in fifth round:   http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/16928/total-breakdown-lions-select-fb-michael-burton-in-the-fifth-round

ESPN Draft Tracker (168. FB Michael Burton: What he brings: Burton has adequate size and power as a lead blocker. He isn't a hammer at the point of attack, but he quickly locates his targets and takes quality angles to engage. He also does a nice job of moving his feet to sustain blocks. Although he doesn't have great production, he flashes as a receiver in the passing game.):   http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/rounds/_/round/5/year/2015 

CBS Draft Tracker (FB Michael Burton:  More of a hybrid H-back type than lead blocker. Detroit is going to have a heck of a running game next season so a fullback makes some sense.  Grade: C):   http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/drafttracker

SN Draft Tracker (FB Michael Burton: (from Tampa through New England) A tough, hard-nosed bruiser, Burton has soft hands, as well. It's a rare combination that gives Detroit added versatility out of the backfield.):  http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl-draft/2015/draft-order?round=5

  

NFL Draft Round 5 Recap (Played at Rutgers for five seasons, a great guy in the locker room, and great fundamentals on the field. He’s always going to be a consistent blocker, and he’s good for a few yards and short yardage situation. A classic fullback, good guy to have on your team.):   http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/nfl-draft-round-5-recap/

PFF's  2015 Draft Reaction Blog, Day 3 (Michael Burton, FB, Rutgers: Burton was the highest-graded fullback in college football in 2014 against Power 5 opponents.):  https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/05/02/2015-draft-reaction-blog-day-3/

Video:

Lombardi on Michael Burton:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/Lombardi-on-Michael-Burton/ac3db5ac-7d29-498b-a624-0e739aaf2325

NFL Combine: FB Michael Burton:   http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/NFL-Combine-FB-Michael-Burton/1afd9b1b-3107-44f7-860e-07cee4e82408

Pre Draft Articles:

Rutgers fullback Michael Burton's path from walk-on to the NFL Draft (5-2-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/05/retracing_rutgers_fullback_michael_burtons_miracul.html

Rutgers fullback Michael Burton ready to 'seize that moment' with Detroit Lions (5-2-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/05/rutgers_fullback_michael_burton_ready_to_seize_tha.html

Breaking down Rutgers' late-round and free agent prospects (5-2-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/05/nfl_draft_2015_breaking_down_rutgers_late-round_an.html

Rating the top fullback prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft (3. Michael Burton, 5-11, 242, Rutgers: Bio: Three-year starter who rushed once for two yards in 13 games in 2014. Caught 15 passes for 150 yards (10.0 average) and zero touchdowns. 29 1/4-inch arms. 9 1/2-inch hands. 4.74-second 40-yard dash. 30 bench reps. 33-inch vertical. 115-inch broad jump. 7.08-second three-cone drill. 4.28-second 20-yard shuttle. Evaluation: Former running back who developed into a good blocker. Plays with a chip, walls defenders off and plays to the whistle. Gets out of his stance quickly and can reach the second level but can be shed. Displays good athleticism for the position and some upside as a receiver; displays quick feet. Grade: 6.0) (4-30-15):   http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/article19963890.html

2015 NFL Draft: Scout calls ex-Rutgers fullback Michael Burton 'your typical Jersey meathead' (4-28-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/04/2015_nfl_draft_scout_calls_ex-rutgers_fullback_mic.html

Rating the NFL draft prospects: Fullback backs (3. Mike Burton, Rutgers (5-11, 247, 4.70, 7): Walk-on. "If you're going to draft a fullback you could definitely draft him," one scout said. "He'll make it and play for a long time. He wasn't an overpowering blocker but he was willing. Got some run skills for a fullback. He's played special teams and is good at it. He can catch the ball." Finished with 22 carries for 116 (5.3) and 47 receptions. From Long Valley, N.J.) (4-25-15):   http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/rating-the-nfl-draft-prospects-running-backs-b99486145z1-301335901.html

Former Rutgers fullback Michael Burton has workout with Bucs, visit with Browns (4-2-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/04/former_rutgers_fullback_michael_burton_has_workout.html

Likely middle-round TE helps himself at Rutgers pro day (Fullback Michael Burton (5-11 1/4, 250) stood on his 40 time from the combine (4.74 seconds). He had a 30-inch vertical and a 9-foot-8 broad jump. He completed the short shuttle in 4.28 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.08 seconds. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 30 times. Burton is a very good athlete with good hands. His blocking skills are questionable, though.) (3-17-15):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000479503/article/likely-middleround-te-helps-himself-at-rutgers-pro-day

Former Rutgers fullback Michael Burton improves on NFL Combine performance (3-12-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/03/former_rutgers_fullback_michael_burton_improves_on.html

Rutgers fullback Michael Burton on being called a thug by Mike Mayock: 'That was cool' (3-4-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/03/rutgers_fullback_michael_burton_on_being_called_a.html

NFL Combine a learning experience for Rutgers fullback Michael Burton (His numbers - Height: 5-foot-11, Weight: 242 pounds, 40-yard dash: 4.74 seconds, Bench press: 25 reps, Vertical leap: 33 inches, Broad jump: 115 inches, 20-yard shuttle: 4.34 seconds, 3-cone drill: 7.20 seconds) (3-2-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/03/nfl_combine_a_learning_experience_for_rutgers_full.html

Mel Kiper projects Rutgers fullback Michael Burton as an undrafted free agent (2-26-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/02/mel_kiper_projects_rutgers_fullback_michael_burton.html

How does Rutgers' Michael Burton measure up to fullbacks at the Combine (2-20-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/02/how_does_rutgers_michael_burton_measure_up_with_th.html

Michael Burton, ex-Rutgers star, has 'best hands for a fullback,'(2-17-15):   http://www.app.com/story/sports/college/rutgers/2015/02/17/michael-burton-rutgers-best-hands-fullback-darian-barnes/23537187/

NFL Combine 2015: An inside look at Rutgers fullback Michael Burton's training (2-17-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/02/2015_nfl_combine_an_inside_look_at_rutgers_fullbac.html

NFL Draft 2015: Mike Mayock likes Rutgers fullback Michael Burton's toughness and receiving ability (2-16-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/02/nfl_draft_2015_mike_mayock_likes_rutgers_fullback.html

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Michael Burton, FB, Rutgers (1-31-15):   http://nfldraftdiamonds.com/draft-diamonds-prospect-interview-michael-burton-fb-rutgers-university/

Mel Kiper says Tyler Kroft may be the only Rutgers player picked in this year's draft (Fullback Michael Burton also participated in the Medal of Honor Bowl. Burton had one carry for eight yards, but his value to teams will be best demonstrated in the dirty work of lead-blocking and special teams. Only three fullbacks were drafted last year, but Burton appears to be a strong free agent candidate.) (1-22-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/01/mel_kiper_pegs_rutgers_guard_kaleb_johnson_as_a_po.html

Rutgers fullback Michael Burton hoping to get NFL scouts' attention at the Medal of Honor Bowl (1-6-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/01/rutgers_fullback_michael_burton_hoping_to_get_nfl_scouts_attention_at_medal_of_honor_bowl.html

Rutgers offensive line, fullback Michael Burton helped pave way for record rushing output (12-28-14):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2014/12/rutgers_offensive_line_fullback_michael_burton_helped_pave_way_for_record_rushing_output.html

Unsung fullback Michael Burton the driving force behind Rutgers' running game (12-20-15):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2014/12/unsung_fullback_michael_burton_the_driving_force_behind_rutgers_running_game.html

MMQB: West Morris alum Michael Burton catches recruiters' eyes (10-26-14):   http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2014/10/26/monday-morning-quarterback-west-morris-alum-michael-burton-catches-recruiters-eyes/17982065/

Rutgers fullback Michael Burton still vital to offense despite diminished statistics (10-23-14):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2014/10/rutgers_fullback_michael_burton_still_vital_to_offense_despite_diminished_statistics.html

Rutgers FB Michael Burton happy to sit the bench if it results in TDs (9-1-14):   http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2014/09/rutgers_fb_michael_burton_happy_to_sit_the_bench_if_it_results_in_tds.html