NFL Draft Profile: Amari Burney, Linebacker, Florida Gators

NFL Draft profile scouting report for Florida LB Amari Burney

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#2
Pos: LB
Ht: 6013
Wt: 233
Hand: 0958
Arm: 3168
Wing: 7758
40: 4.65
DOB: 6/19/2000
Hometown: Saint Petersburg, FL
High School: Calvary Christian
Eligibility: 2023

Amari Burney 
Florida Gators

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One-Liner:

Solid athlete with build-up speed and fluidity who looks the part as a WILL linebacker. Lackluster recognition skills and very slow processing make him a developmental prospect at best.

Evaluation:

Looking the part as a WILL linebacker, Burney possesses length and size to play the position. He has build-up speed in a straight line to cover ground once he gets going. In space, he tackles reliably, wrapping up low. His defensive back background is apparent, as he can flip his hips and has the foot speed to succeed in man coverage. Burney can time the snap when blitzing. Very slow processor with bad eyes who often ends up in bad spots. Being stationary for too long allows linemen to climb and seal him. Burney bites hard on play-action, leaving vacated space behind. His route recognition skills are not up to par, as he covers grass instead of receivers, not locating routes behind or being late to pick up backs. Burney does not understand spacing resulting in him being too far away from receivers to make a quick tackle, let alone a play on the ball. In the hole, he lacks physicality, getting ran over. Burney often slows down before contact. Solid athlete with build-up speed, fluidity and foot speed, Burney has the frame to play the weakside linebacker position. Slow processing and lackluster recognition skills cause him to be out of position frequently. He is not physical enough to play through traffic defending the run consistently. Burney may be worth a shot as a developmental linebacker due to his athleticism. He has a long way to go on the mental side of the game and is far from ready to play at the moment. 

Grade:

UDFA

Background: 

Amari Burney is coming into 2022 as not only a tremendous football player, but an excellent student too where he was a three time SEC Honor Roll Student in 2018, 2020, and 2021. He appeared in 12 games twice and in 2021, he played in thirteen games. At Calvary Christian High School, he played on both sides of the ball, wide receiver and safety. He had close to a thousand yards and twelve touchdowns. Burney, chose florida over several other top college football programs. Raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. Four-star recruit according to 247Sports. Played safety and wide receiver in high school. Academic standout. Transitioned from defensive back to linebacker for the 2020 season. Major is unknown. Uncle graduated from Florida in 2004. Cousin Brandon Facyson plays for the Los Angeles Chargers.