- After losing wide receivers Darreus Rodgers and JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC’s passing attack will look to lean on junior WR Deontay Burnett in 2017. Burnett earned the No. 2 overall grade (81.3) among returning Pac-12 wide receivers last season.
- Burnett averaged 2.07 yards per route run (YPRR) last season, ranking No. 3 among returning Pac-12 wide receivers with at least 300 snaps in route.
- Proving even better in the slot, Burnett earned a 2.08 YPRR while running routes from the slot, which ranked No. 2 among returning Pac-12 wide receivers with at least 150 snaps from the slot last season.
- One key aspect to Burnett’s game to look for in 2017 are his reliable hands. He dropped just two of his 58 catchable targets last season, thus posting athe No. 2 ranked drop rate (3.45) among returning Pac-12 wide receivers with at least 40 catchable targets in 2016.
2018 Prospect Preview: Deontay Burnett should have no problem with increased 2017 role

PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Deontay Burnett #80 of the USC Trojans carries the ball against the Stanford Cardinal during the first half of their NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
NFL Draft Featured Tools
-
PFF's Big Board for the 2026 NFL Draft offers three-year player grades, combine measurables, position rankings, and in-depth player analysis for all of the top draft prospects.
Available with
-
Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NCAA player performance data.
Available with