Jager Burton, IOL, Kentucky
Size:
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 305 lbs
Accomplishments:
Freshman All-SEC (2022)
“Jager Burton is a high-level athlete with the foundation and technical abilities to be an effective zone-blocking lineman at the next level.”
Strengths:
Quick and explosive athlete
Plays with decisive hands
Takes good angles in the run game
Capable of playing G or C
Concerns:
Doesn’t play physically by nature
Oversets and struggles to play in a phonebooth
Lacks NFL power and strength
Film Analysis:
Jager Burton, who was considered the No. 1 overall recruit coming out of the state of Kentucky, decided to stay home and attend the University of Kentucky. Since then, the former four-star recruit has played in 29 games, starting 25 of them. Burton has been a reliable option along the interior offensive line and could have a chance in the NFL if he can put together a solid season in the SEC.
Burton is not a traditional interior lineman. His best abilities shine when he can play in space and showcase his athletic profile. He excels at moving from point A to point B efficiently and has proven to be effective as a second-level blocker and as a lead-pulling guard on power/gap schemes. Burton takes good angles in the run game, hits his landmarks, and works to engage with his hands. In double teams, he maintains a low position and drives through the sternum of his defenders. His ability to generate force through defenders on double teams is when he is most effective in moving opponents off the line.
However, there are concerns about Burton's performance against bigger, stronger defenders. He often relies on his footwork to win at the point of attack but lacks the physicality or power to sustain blocks throughout the phase of the block. In encounters with larger opponents, Burton's feet sometimes become stuck, leading to stalemates that hinder his ability to displace defenders. While lacking a certain level of aggression, his foundational skills are adaptable and can be further developed.
As a pass protector, Burton struggles against defenders with two-way goes, particularly on inside counters. I’d like to see Burton stay more patient on the inside of tight shades, rather than eagerly set out to opponents, becoming susceptible to over-setting.
Burton is best suited as a developmental interior lineman, particularly fitting for zone-running schemes. Given his athletic foundation, he could be a valuable addition to offenses that emphasize off-the-ball movement and reaching second-level defenders.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Exposures:Eastern Kentucky (2023), Georgia (2023), Clemson (2023)
