IDP Spotlight- Who Is Miles Burris, Oakland Raiders?
Bee Salamat, Lead IDP Analyst, Rosterwatch.com

Up next in my IDP segment of “Who Is” is an OLB who can also play MLB. Miles Burris played for San Diego State, then got drafted in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

Burris was locked in to just play on special teams and be a back up to Aaron Curry (who you can consider a bust), but now Curry has troublesome knees and no movement. Burris has taken the keys and took control of the Will LB job as he’s slated as the starting weak side linebacker as we enter week 1. Like they say, don’t let opportunities pass you by, and I don’t think Burris looks back on this one. He is a bit erratic at times, but as he continues to get reps with 1st team, he’s only gaining experience and able to improve on his mistakes.

Burris has received positive offseason praise from coaches as he continues to develop and improve on his play. In his senior season at San Diego State he posted numbers of 80 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles playing OLB. Getting those tackles for losses and sacks goes to show Burris has a non-stop motor and talent to get into the backfield.

If McClain misses any time whether to injury or for his off-field mishaps, Burris would have no problem switching over to MLB and still be productive. You won’t see Burris on many rosters because there is a lot of depth at the LB position, and most leagues only start 2-3 LBs with 12 teams. But, definitely keep Burris on your watch list.

It won’t surprise me to see Burris be one of the top Raiders performers in the IDP world at the end of the season, as his ball-hawking skills and non-stop motor will get him near the ball majority of the time. I like him as a nice LB3 for your squad. Think LaMaar Woodley-type numbers that will attack the QB and also put up a nice amount of tackles. Burris is one of many rookies to make an impact in 2012 and beyond.