Former Utah DB Terrell Burgess Has Traits That Some NFL Safeties Don’t Have

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – As the NFL Draft approaches, former Utah safety Terrell Burgess is starting to make a name for himself among draft experts.

After starting just one full season for the Utes, Burgess is in line to be taken early in the NFL Draft and follow the great safeties in Utah’s recent history including Marcus Williams with the New Orleans Saints and Marquise Blair of the Seattle Seahawks.

Former Utah Utes and NFL quarterback Scott Mitchell broke down Burgess’ film and stated why he will have a success career at the next level.

“He is a guy that you can put on the line of scrimmage and he can make plays in the run game but can also cover a wide receiver in the backfield,” Mitchell said. “He can run left and right while also making a tackle on a fast slot receiver. Some guys in the NFL can’t cover and some can’t do the run game but Terrell Burgess can do both.”

Fast Reaction

Mitchell pointed out that Burgess has great reaction time when deciding his move either in coverage or stopping the run when he has to go up to the line of scrimmage.

“One of the things that really jumps out on the tape is how fast he is reacting,” Mitchell stated. “The NFL is all about speed. His closing speed is a step or two faster than everyone else.”

His range is another strong trait especially when he is covering two receivers and still able to come up with a play.

“Another thing you need to have as a safety in the NFL is range,” mentioned Mitchell.

Play Maker

Mitchell has played in the NFL for 11 years and currently watches closely what the players in today’s NFL are doing and Burgess can fit right in because he is always in position to make a play.

“There are some people that play that never make a play,” Mitchell said. “Then there are some guys that are just play makers. They find the ability to just make a play when they have to. He is in the right position so many times to make a play.”

Waited for this since I was a little boy! Thank you to the @NFL for the opportunity of a lifetime! Something I will never forget! #Allmoneyin pic.twitter.com/kJxxBiRxHI

— Terrell Burgess (@TiTaniumT98) March 2, 2020

As of right now, Burgess is projected to go as early as the third round or as late as the fifth round of the NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft will take place April 23-25. You can watch Scott Mitchell’s full breakdown of former Ute Terrell Burgess at the top of the story.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.