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2022 NFL Draft: Arkansas star WR Treylon Burks declares, opts out of Outback Bowl vs. Penn State

Arkansas star wide receiver Treylon Burks is headed to the 2022 NFL Draft, the junior announced in a statement on Twitter. Burks is also opting out of the upcoming Outback Bowl against Penn State on New Year’s Day to prepare for the draft.

Burks earned First-Team All-SEC honors after finishing fourth in the conference with 1,104 yards receiving and second with 11 touchdowns. In three years with the Razorbacks, Burks steadily improved to finish with more than 2,400 yards and 18 touchdowns. Despite playing just three seasons — including a pandemic-shortened sophomore year — Burks’ marks are solid enough to rank in the top five in Arkansas history in career receptions, yards receiving and receiving touchdowns. 

“I have had many restless nights praying and talking with my family regarding this decision,” said Burks on Twitter. “Other than representing my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, there has been no greater honor in my life than representing Warren and the entire state of Arkansas these past three years.” 

Arkansas has not had a player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft since Frank Ragnow in 2018. The Razorbacks have not had a wide receiver selected in any round since Cobi Hamilton in 2013. Both of those streaks are likely to come to an end in 2022. 

Here’s what you need to know about Burks’ decision to enter the draft, both for him and Arkansas.  

A big hole to fill

Burks was by far the most overwhelming player on Arkansas’ offense. He was responsible for more than 1,200 yards of total offense and nearly quadrupled the next-leading wideout in yards receiving (Tyson Morris, 305 yards). He was especially critical in close games against Texas A&M and Alabama, combining for 346 yards receiving and three touchdowns against two of the better defenses in the SEC. 

In addition to Burks, three of the next four leading pass-catchers are gone to graduation. Rising senior Warren Thompson is the only returner with more than 200 yards receiving. Don’t be surprised if Arkansas turns to the transfer portal this offseason to add some instant help at receiver to give quarterback KJ Jefferson some help. The Hogs already landed one big-time commitment through the portal in ex-Oklahoma wideout Jadon Haselwood. 

A potential first-round pick

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Burks projects as one of the top wide receivers in the draft. CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso has Burks going No. 20 overall to the Washington Football Team in his latest mock draft, while Josh Edwards slots him as the No. 26 pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. 

“Burks has the size and versatility to play in the slot or wide,” Edwards writes. “His skillset, alongside Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, would be scary for opposing defenses.” 

The latest CBS Sports prospect rankings have Burks ranked as the No. 4 receiver in the class, narrowly edging out USC’s Drake London and Alabama’s Jameson Williams. With his big body, sure hands and production in college football‘s toughest conference, Burks could move up draft boards after workouts. 

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