6th Round #1: Rex Burkhead

[ArmyBengal]

With their 7th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select:

Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska

[ArmyBengal]

Another RB in the mix...

[HoosierCat]

Dunno where we're gonna put everyone on the roster!

NFLDraftScout.com ‏@DraftScout 55s

6 (190) #Bengals RB Rex Burkhead: Knee injury robbed Burkhead of his effectiveness in 2012, but he's instinctive, tough and productive

[Stripes]

60 receptions in his career.

Nice option to provide insurance for both Bernards as a practice squad dude, if Scott even makes the team. His biggest challenge will be beating out Peerman at the bottom or even Herron after his special teams contributions last year.

Suddenly RB is as deep as could be.

[ArmyBengal]

Don't really know if he brings any more than Herron.

Won't complain about 6th rounders though.

[HoosierCat]

nfl.com:

OVERVIEW

There's a lot to like about Rex Burkhead. His production on the field is exceptional, even as defenses load up the box to stop Nebraska's option rush attack, but his work in the classroom and the community are also impressive. The 2011 CoSIDA Academic All-American earned national attention for his relationship with a young cancer patient who is among his biggest fans - and has done other service work for which he's received no special notice, which is probably just fine with him.

The Dallas Morning News' All-Area Offensive Player of the Year as a high school senior in Plano, Texas (1,762 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns) brought his game to Lincoln instead of staying in the Longhorn State. As a true freshman, he averaged six carries over the first five games, but then suffered a foot injury that cost him five games. However, he returned for the last month of the season, hitting the 100-yard mark exactly against Colorado and finishing with 346 yards and three scores for the year. His workload also increased as his sophomore year wore on (two starts while playing in all 14 games, 951 yards, seven TD) and he became a part of the passing game (15 receptions, 148 yards) while garnering honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. He graduated to first-team All-Big Ten in the Huskers' first year in the conference, covering 1.357 yards and scoring 15 times (with 21-177, 2 TD receiving). Burkhead dealt with injuries his senior year, and only played in eight games. He carried the ball 98 times for 675 yards and five touchdowns. He also added 11 catches and two receiving touchdowns.

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Slasher who uses his foot quickness to find his way through traffic to move the chains. In one-back or two-back sets, can start with the flow then cut back into a running lane, spinning through trash on his way to consistent four or five-yard rushes. His lateral quickness comes into play when penetrating defenders look to corral him; somehow he finds a way to cut left or right to run away from their waiting arms. There's no questioning his toughness, carries the mail 30 times a game and gives great effort trying to use his good lean to plow through arm tackles for extra yardage. Not used as a receiver very often, but his solid hands, quickness and agility will make him a valued weapon in the passing game. Those hands make him a solid safety valve punt returner, as well, even if he hasn't yet shown explosiveness in that duty.

WEAKNESSES Not the most powerful of backs, NFL defenders will stone him at the point of attack more regularly than their college counterparts because of his average lower-body strength. Leggy runner who can look out of control at times, though he usually manages to keep his balance. His pass protection form is inconsistent; sometimes he will hold his ground and throw a shoulder into a blitzer, but veteran rushers will easily elude his attempts to lie at their feet.

NFL COMPARISON Mewelde Moore

BOTTOM LINE Burkhead is a high-motor, high-character back who does everything coaches ask of him. He possesses the quickness and strength to be a solid NFL reserve back capable of contributing in a committee. However, Burkhead's 4.73 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine won't do him any favors.

[HoosierCat]

[ArmyBengal]

I messed up the threads there for a minute, but I think I have them straight again.

[HoosierCat]

Dont worry about it. sorry if i stepped on you there.

[ArmyBengal]

I thought I did that.

No issue. Glad someone else is looking out.

[HoosierCat]

SBN scouting report

/>http://www.cornnation.com/huskers-in-the-nfl/2013/4/26/4270090/nfl-draft-profile-rex-burkhead-rb

[Kazkal]

Bernard Scott probably feelin abit uneasy right now,I'd guess just camp Body but who knows very well could earn a spot it's not like we have much going at our 3# RB position or maybe they go with 4 and 2 QB's?

[HoosierCat]

Gio put Scott out of a job. Burkhead is the Leonard replacement.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

So is Leonard on the way out? (believe he's still under contract, not sure off-hand) But he seems like a guy who really isn't giving them much anymore.

[HoosierCat]

Leonard signed with Tampa.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Leonard signed with Tampa.

Ah, how did I not know that. These RB picks make more sense then.

[Kazkal]

Gio put Scott out of a job. Burkhead is the Leonard replacement.

Benard replaced Benard ,Looks like he should have picked Oakland.

[ArmyBengal]

Should be a good camp for the RB position for sure.

[Kazkal]

Ya peerman scott and burkhead will be fightin for that 3rdand spot

[Scottishbengal]

Liiking the situation that we have some competition at the depth end of the roster ... keeps everybody honest and on their toes, keeps them keen and productive or they're outta there !

[membengal]

Peerman makes this team for special teams alone, I think. Could see the Nebraska kid fight his way on as the 4th halfback. Not sure they carry 5 backs overall though.

From reading about this pick, his character is apparently off the charts.

[cincy9275]

i love this pick. this kid is one hell of a football player. peerman and herron better watch out. this kid could make them unemployed.