The Indianapolis Colts wrapped up their 2026 NFL draft class with a savvy late-round pick, selecting Oklahoma wide receiver Deion Burks at No. 254 overall. While the seventh round is often seen as a lottery ticket, this selection might just be a hidden gem for the Colts' receiving corps.
Burks was a key cog in Oklahoma's offense last season, commanding 86 targets. He hauled in 58 of those passes for 617 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his reliability as a chain-mover. What stands out is his ability to create after the catch—a skill that translates well to the NFL. He's versatile too, with experience lining up both outside and in the slot, giving offensive coordinator Shane Steichen plenty of options.
From a value perspective, Burks might be one of the biggest steals of the entire draft. The Colts snagged him at pick 254, but on the consensus big board, he was ranked 96th overall. That's a massive gap, and it suggests Indianapolis got a player with a much higher ceiling than his draft position implies.
His athletic testing backs up the hype. Burks posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.11 out of 10.00, ranking him 373rd out of 4,196 wide receivers dating back to 1987. That's elite company, and it hints at the explosiveness he brings to the table.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein offers a balanced scouting report: "Fifth-year slot receiver who is savvy against zone coverage and crafty after making a catch. Burks does a good job of utilizing his straight-line speed when the ball is in his hands. He struggles to win on vertical routes, though. He creates windows underneath by crisply breaking off short routes. He's a compact, short-armed target who secures catches through contact. However, his production left something to be desired during his time at Purdue and Oklahoma. Comebacks and curls are often swallowed. Coaching and route work could lead to improvement in those areas. Burks lacks standout measurables, but better quarterback play could unlock a more productive player."
Colts area scout Mike Lacy is more optimistic about Burks' potential. "Not like your typical size that you want out there, but I think this kid pound-for-pound, his play strength and just how well put together he is," Lacy said. "I think he should not be exclusively labeled a slot receiver. I think he has the speed to kind of threaten vertically, no matter where you line him up on the field. And then, in some situations again, that play strength, catches through contact."
Burks may not be a household name yet, but with his athletic profile, route-running savvy, and the Colts' need for young playmakers, he's a name to watch in training camp. Whether he ends up as a reliable slot option or a surprise deep threat, this late-round pick has the makings of a draft-day bargain.