It's been a rollercoaster career for wide receiver Treylon Burks since entering the NFL as a first-round pick. But amid all the turbulence and uncertainty, there is now a sense of cautious calm.
Burks' patience and perseverance could be rewarded with a meaningful role in the Washington Commanders' offense under new coordinator David Blough.
The former Arkansas standout made some highlight-reel grabs after joining the Commanders. Burks built up his confidence gradually and remained healthy for the most part. This was enough to secure a new one-year deal worth up to $4 million with incentives. However, it also provided a sense of stability the wideout desperately needed.
That could be even more important.
Opportunity knocks for Treylon Burks at Commanders training camp this summer
Nothing much went right for Burks in Tennessee. The pressure of being a first-round pick was probably too much, and the constant stream of frustrating injuries didn't help either. The Commanders saw something in him that could be salvaged, and there is a real opportunity awaiting him this season in a wideout room that has a lot of questions to answer.
Aside from Terry McLaurin, everyone has concerns attached. Some are unproven. Some haven't met expectations, and some are reclamation projects. Burks fits into two of these three, but for the first time in years, there is now hope.
McLaurin is the alpha; that is not up for discussion. All bets are off after that, and Burks will no doubt fancy his chances of becoming the WR2 or even WR3, depending on what the Commanders have planned for third-round rookie Antonio Williams. He won't be alone in these hopes, but he's got a believer in Blough.
That matters, too.
Burks is building momentum. He stacked good days over Washington's offseason program, but now is the time to turn things up a notch. Training camp and the preseason will be the strongest measuring stick, where only the strongest survive. Unless these high performances continue, the No. 18 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft's hard work up to now will be for nothing.
What comes next is down to him.
There is no denying Burks' physical attributes. He's big, long, fast, and physical. If Blough can scheme things up effectively and play to his strengths, he's got the talent to solve a major problem in Washington.
Anything less, and he's got a problem.
Burks will see this situation for what it is. He'll know how high the stakes are, and how short the leash may be if he cannot deliver. But after so long fighting against the tide, he's now swimming with it.
And that could make a monumental difference.
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