Five Potential Detroit Lions to Watch in CFB Week 7
By Jeff Risdon
Aaron Burbridge, Wide Receiver, Michigan State
All eyes in the Mitten State will be focused on Ann Arbor at 3:30 PM ET on ESPN when the Michigan Wolverines host rival Michigan State. Bragging rights are definitely at stake, but many players also have a lot to prove for NFL evaluators.
Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) makes a catch over the top of Air Force Falcons defensive back Roland Ladipo (25) during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
One such player is Spartans wideout Aaron Burbridge, who has emerged as a viable NFL talent in his senior season. Justin Higdon from Draft Breakdown wrote about the surprising middle-round prospect, noting:
"Coming into his senior season, Burbridge had career highs of 29 catches, 364 yards and two touchdowns (all as a freshman in 2013). This year, six games in, he’s already at 35-570-4. Last Saturday night, Burbridge hauled in several tough throws, showing off his hands, leaping ability and willingness to put his body on the line. At 6’1″ 208 pounds, he’s a decent-sized guy who plays bigger than he looks, and he appears to have speed in the 4.5 range. Cook clearly trusts his senior receiver, and Burbridge has proven to be a worthy replacement for the departed Tony Lippett."
Wide receiver might not seem like the most pressing need with Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate in the fold and youngsters T.J. Jones and Corey Fuller still offering some modicum of developmental potential. Yet Detroit can always use more youthful reinforcements, and the sure-handed Burbridge has the ability to contribute right away as a fourth or fifth-round pick. Then again if he lights up the Wolverines, securing his services might require a higher draft investment.