When he was coming out of Arkansas in 2022, the most common comparison associated with Treylon Burks was Deebo Samuel Sr.
Like the San Francisco 49ers' receiver, he had a body that could overpower smaller defensive backs. He offered the versatility to line up in the backfield as an occasional running back. However, there was a different comp that intrigued the fans of the team that ultimately drafted him, and it turned out to be one that did him no favors.
The Tennessee Titans traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles. When they chose Burks with the No. 18 pick in the first round — two spots after the Washington Commanders selected Jahan Dotson — they didn’t see Samuel as much as Brown. In college, Burks had proven to be a sensational deep ball threat, much like the AFC South club's recent departure.
Things did not work out. There were constant injuries. There were far too many drops. By his third season, he had a new coach and an erratic rookie playing quarterback. Fans and management both agreed they had seen enough.
Treylon Burks has a chance to change his narrative with the Commanders
The Commanders were desperate for help. Projected starters Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown had already missed substantial time. Then, promising second-year man Luke McCaffrey suffered an injury as well. Adam Peters took a chance on Burks, signing him to the practice squad ten days after his Titans’ release.
Burks made his debut against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9, then had a somewhat bigger role versus the Detroit Lions before the bye. In the two games, he caught all four of his targets and averaged an impressive 18 yards per catch.
Last week against the Denver Broncos, he saw his most extensive action, playing on two-thirds of the offensive snaps. He only caught one pass for five receiving yards, but the catch was so spectacular that it went viral.
Burks’ spinning, leaping, one-handed touchdown grab reminded everyone of Odell Beckham Jr. It also reminded fans why he was a first-round draft pick.
So where does he go from here?
In a best-case scenario, Burks builds on that success and spends the remainder of the 2025 season learning to use his size and strength advantages from the master himself, Samuel. He erases the bitter Titans taste and earns himself a decent new contract, perhaps in Washington.
Playing in a Kliff Kingsbury offense (should he stay) and catching balls from Jayden Daniels would be the best situation Burks has ever had. With a revived McLaurin at the X spot, Burks could develop into a formidable Z receiver who can challenge defenses downfield.
Washington’s younger receivers like McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane have good speed, but both may be better coming out of the slot. Burks is a genuine perimeter threat. He doesn’t have explosive speed, but he has the classic long stride and powerful frame that can pose real problems for typical corners.
Burks still has a lot to prove. He needs to stay healthy. He needs to improve his route-running. He needs to avoid the drops. But he’s in a good spot right now.
If he develops, Burks could be the surprising missing piece the Commanders didn’t even know they needed.