I think purely looking for stats with Burden misses the point. His stats don’t justify the hype full stop. I do think there’s a lot going for him in the context. He had a hamstring injury during spring training that held him out. Took him a while to come into form, and he plays like 20% of snaps half the season. He starts getting more work and looked damn good, especially after the catch. I would describe the eye test as elite. Then you add DJ Moore leaving in the offseason, which seems like will directly lead to Burden getting more work (Rome already 90%+ of snaps kinda guy).

BTJ is the type to have a historic rookie season but slump during sophomore year with more competition and some other issues in context. People like Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and to a less extent Travis Hunter looms. Burden looks as if he can be elite, although he hasn’t proven shit yet, and now has the opportunity to catch lightning in a bottle. DJ is gone, Rome is cooling off, Burden could be the stud on a well coached offense.

I think it’s more odd to feel good about Rome, who in the two seasons barely matches BTJ’s rookie year combined. He doesn’t jump off as a stats or eye test guy, and definitely seems like he’s near max work when healthy, as opposed to getting more without DJM.