Nate Burleson, the former NFL wide receiver, enjoyed a noteworthy career that spanned 11 seasons, where he accumulated 5,630 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns. Burleson's most impressive season came in 2004 when he broke the 1,000-yard mark, underscoring his significant contribution to his team's offensive arsenal.
Throughout his career, Burleson had the opportunity to catch passes from some elite quarterbacks, including Daunte Culpepper, Matt Hasselbeck, and Matthew Stafford. Reflecting on his time with Stafford, Burleson once remarked, "I do feel like he's gonna be really good," showcasing the respect and admiration he holds for Stafford's abilities on the field.
Assessing Current NFL Quarterbacks
As an accomplished receiver, Burleson’s insights into the current crop of NFL quarterbacks are particularly enlightening. Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, has firmly established himself as one of the league's elite. Mahomes’ accolades include being a reigning Super Bowl MVP, a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership. Burleson has also expressed an implicit willingness to team up with Mahomes, succinctly responding "Definitely" when asked about the possibility.
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens is another quarterback who has caught Burleson’s eye. The dynamic and elusive Jackson offers a unique skill set that makes him a nightmare for defenses, particularly during scramble plays. Burleson noted the difficulty defensive backs face when trying to cover receivers once Jackson starts moving: "It's so hard to stop a receiver running one route, so when we get into scramble route and I spin out of that go route and go deep -- that DB is gonna lose me for a second."
Evaluating Emerging Talent
Joe Burrow, leading the Cincinnati Bengals, also garners significant praise from Burleson, who succinctly appreciated Burrow's presence on the field by saying, "I like his swag." Burrow's confidence and performance have been pivotal in turning around the Bengals' fortunes.
Michael Penix Jr., currently the backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, has also earned Burleson's commendation. Although Penix has yet to make his mark as a starter, Burleson highlighted his accuracy and unique left-handed throwing style: "Throws a pretty, a pretty football. And he's gonna be one of the most accurate quarterbacks. And I've never played with a left-hander."
Veteran Leadership and Competition
Kirk Cousins continues to bring his veteran presence to the Falcons, a team in constant search of stability and leadership under center. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, Russell Wilson finds himself in a quarterback battle with Justin Fields. Despite the competitive nature of the sport, Burleson is confident in Wilson's abilities, particularly praising his deep ball: "I still think Russell Wilson throws one of the prettiest deep balls. I think he's gonna do great with the Steelers, so I'll go Russ."
Given Wilson’s status as a Super Bowl champion and his impressive career tally of 334 touchdown passes, it's apparent why Burleson holds him in high regard. Wilson's experience and skill set could provide the edge in his competition with Fields, potentially leading to another chapter of success for the veteran quarterback with the Steelers.
With his extensive NFL experience and keen eye for talent, Nate Burleson’s evaluations carry weight in the football community. His insights not only reflect his deep understanding of the game but also highlight the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the quarterback position in the NFL.