The Indianapolis Colts made a savvy move in the final round of the 2026 NFL draft, selecting Oklahoma wide receiver Deion Burks with the 254th overall pick. While that number might seem like an afterthought, Burks was anything but—he was ranked as the 96th-best player on the consensus big board, making him one of the draft's best value picks.

Even Colts general manager Chris Ballard admitted he didn't expect Burks to still be on the board at that point. "We thought he'd be long gone," Ballard said after the selection.

At 5-foot-9 and 186 pounds, Burks is a bit undersized, but the Colts are confident his play strength will translate to the NFL level. They envision him as a versatile weapon who can line up both in the slot and out wide, adding a dynamic playmaking element to the offense.

So what do the experts think? Here's a look at what draft analysts had to say about Burks in their scouting reports:

On his speed and route running: "Burks threatens the defense vertically and horizontally with field-stretching speed. He uses sudden footwork at the line and in and out of breaks to leave defenders off-balance, and he looks natural catching the football. He has the juice and contact balance to be a big-play creator, though he wasn't used as a downfield threat at Oklahoma—he ranked 152nd in the FBS last season with just nine catches of 20-plus yards."

On his zone coverage savvy and after-the-catch ability: "A 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 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."

On his ball skills and improvement: "His ball skills have improved significantly, as he's cut down on drops and shown impressive body control in contested situations. He's a natural hands catcher who can adjust to off-target throws."

For Colts fans looking to add some Burks flair to their game-day gear, keep an eye out for his jersey and merchandise—this rookie could be a sleeper hit in Indianapolis.