NFL Draft 2021: S Eric Burrell scouting report

Eric Burrell has been one of the stalwart members of a stingy Badgers defense for the last three seasons, and has played an important role on Jim Leonhard’s unit. Playing both free and strong safety at times, Wisconsin asks their safeties to be versatile and be able to play both throughout a game. Burrell has been both a willing tackler and an opportunistic cover man.

Over his career Burrell compiled 125 tackles, including 80 solo stops. He registered 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, four interceptions, 11 passes defensed and four forced fumbles. Burrell has led a safety group rife with talent, and should be able to find a role at the next level in a secondary.

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 197 pounds

40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds

Vertical jump: 35.5” inches

Broad jump: 124” (10’4”)

Short shuttle: 4.16 seconds*

Three-cone drill: N/A

Bench press: 8 reps

*All testing numbers are from the Wisconsin Pro Day held on March 10th.

Strengths: Tackling. Burrell’s at his best when he’s coming down into the box and being asked to be a tackler. Burrell is also a three year starter, and an excellent communicator at safety. Burrell knows his athletic limitations, so he puts himself in positions to succeed using angles and instincts.

Weaknesses: Athletically limited. Had decent linear athletic testing but isn’t a great lateral athlete and can struggle in space. Doesn’t have the range to play single high safety at the next level.

Summary: Burrell is a tough, physical and smart safety who lacks the athleticism to be a full-time starter in the NFL, but could be a valuable third safety who excels in tackling and is a valuable member of special teams. While he’s a good communicator and plays with good instincts, he simply lacks the upside to be highly sought after by NFL teams.

Ideal Scheme Fit: A scheme where the team primarily plays a lot of two high safety coverages or plays with a true free safety to allow Burrell to play closer to the line of scrimmage.

Projected Round: Round 7-Undrafted Free Agent