GREEN BAY – Oren Burks will have to keep his head in the playbook just like any other rookie, but don’t be surprised if the mental transition to the NFL game goes rather smoothly for him.
It’s not just his Vanderbilt education, which will definitely help. There are multiple factors beyond that.
For one, he played various positions for the Commodores, starting his college career as a safety before moving to a hybrid outside linebacker spot and then finally inside linebacker to conclude his career. He handled those mental gymnastics with relative ease.
In addition, Burks noted during the Packers’ rookie orientation that Derek Mason, Vanderbilt’s head coach who doubled as defensive coordinator when Burks played there, along with inside linebackers coach Chris Marve, both emphasized learning the entire scheme, not just specific responsibilities.