Chicago Bears Draft Prospects: Cornerbacks

Artie Burns (6-foot-0, 197 pounds) — Miami

Burns could join the University of Miami’s long list of NFL players having good careers.

Burns had a good 2015. He recorded 36 tackles, 5 passes defended, 6 interceptions and a fumble recovered. The interceptions were impressive, as he had no interceptions in 2014.

Burns did all that while dealing with family troubles. His mother suddenly died during the season, and since his father is incarcerated, Burns had to take care of his younger brothers and his own son.

Mostly because of his circumstances, Burns decided to skip his senior season and go pro.

Burns has the size and athleticism to thrive in the NFL. He was a track star, so he has sensational straight-line speed. He also has the body control to keep up with most receivers.

Burns can help against the running game. He can slip blockers and get to ball carriers, and on passing plays, can utilize his speed on blitzes. He uses his length well to get open-field tackles.

While Burns can be aggressive, he is not as physical as one would expect. He prefers to drag ball carriers to the ground rather than lower his shoulder and lower the boom on them. He also tends to rely too heavily on his gifted traits, allowing great route runners to get position on him sometimes.

Burns will probably get his name called in the second to fourth rounds. He will be a very good NFL player, and would be a great pickup for the Chicago Bears.

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