Seahawks Draft Prospect Profile, CB Artie Burns

Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Artie Burns (1) looks on during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Artie Burns (1) looks on during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the NFL scouting combine underway in Indianapolis, we take a look at some possible Seattle Seahawks draft targets. 

The NFL Draft is fast approaching and teams all around the NFL are working furiously to put together their draft boards. For the Seattle Seahawks, this is a crucial year for GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll. The last couple of drafts have produced more depth than superstars, but with their high-priced young core now causing annual salary cap constraints, they find themselves needing to hit on a couple starter-quality players this time around. 

Let’s take a look at some players who may appear to be a fit in Seattle, regardless of round. 

ARTIE BURNS, CB, Miami

Burns is a late riser who “made himself some money” today at the combine according to Deion Sanders. Tremendous length for the position, Burns clocked an official time of 4.46 in the 40 yard dash, but that shouldn’t come as a shock considering he’s also an All-American hurdler. Burns also has one of the more impressive off-field stories in this class, as he is turning pro early to help support his family after his mother passed away last year.

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SPECS:

  • Height – 6’0″
  • Weight – 193 lbs
  • Arms – 33 1/4″
  • 40 yard dash – 4.46

STRENGTHS: Outstanding athlete with great speed and quickness and ball skills Burns intercepted six passes for the Hurricanes in 2015 despite playing in a CB rotation. And those arms! Pete Carroll likes his corners to have long arms, and in fact they haven’t drafted a player at that position with less than 32″ arms since he arrived. No worries here, as Burns easily eclipses that mark. He’s also a physical player who loves to hit and play special teams.

WEAKNESSES: Burns is described as “raw and undisciplined,” but his rare blend of size, arm length and athleticism may be too tempting for the Seahawks to ignore.

HOW HE WOULD FIT FOR THE SEAHAWKS: Prior to this week Burns was projected as a 2nd or 3rd round pick by NFLDRAFTSCOUT.com, but may have helped his stock with his combine performance. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has been higher on him than most, pegging him as a late first or early second round pick.

Next: Are the Seahawks talking new contract with Michael Bennett?

Would the Hawks be willing to part with pick #26 in a player who might not be ready to start full time as a rookie? His physical makeup is exactly what Pete Carroll likes in his CB’s.