Morgan Burnett

• Age: 27
• Ht./Wt: 6'1", 209lbs
• College: Georgia Tech
• NFL Experience: 6 years

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Expectations coming into the season:  Burnett was being counted on as the stable presence in the defensive backfield.  After taking a step forward in his run support in 2014 and with the emergence of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Burnett's role was to be expanded to helping defend up in the box as well as with the pass rush

Player’s highlights/low-lights: Burnett had a quiet but sound 2015 campaign.  His numbers weren't off the charts but he was often found where he was supposed to be in the scheme.  His low light was the early-season calf injury that sidelined him for five of Green Bay's first six games.  Burnett appeared in the week two game against the Seattle Seahawks and didn't return until after the bye week against the Denver Broncos.  Burnett's highlight came against the Oakland Raiders in week 15 when he posted three passes defended and added in eight tackles, one for a loss of yardage.  As mentioned, Burnett's season was relatively quiet but on film, his contributions were more than the stat sheet showed.

Level of expectations met:  Burnett, by and large, did what the Packers needed and expected him to do.  He was sound in his assignments, was usually in the right place to make plays and was an aid to the growth of Clinton-Dix, Micah Hyde, Chris Banjo and Sean Richardson.  If there was a shortcoming, it was in his ability to make big plays in coverage, specifically zero interceptions on the season.  Burnett isn't known for making a lot of big plays and creating turnovers, but it's fair to expect a few during the course of most of a full season.

Grade: B+

Player’s contributions to team success:  Burnett's contributions were in his veteran savvy and knowledge of the defense.  He was rarely found out of place and foiled by some of the coverage mistakes from earlier in his career.  Burnett was solid in run support from the safety spot and was one of the team's more sure tacklers.  His presence among the younger players on the roster continues to grow.  He immediately intervened during a heated exchange on the sideline between Clinton-Dix and Julius Peppers in Carolina.  He didn't make the splash plays Packers fans have grown accustomed to seeing from the safety spot (LeRoy Butler, Nick Collins), but Burnett is the type of player you want on your team and helping lead the defense.

Grade: B

Player’s contributions in the playoffs:  Burnett turned in a really nice game in the wild card round against the Washington Redskins.  He was credited with 13 total tackles, seven solo.  He nearly had an interception in that game as well.  Against the Arizona Cardinals, Burnett posted five tackles.  His presence helped keep two good passing attacks at bay, for the most part.

Grade: B

Intangibles/misc: As has been mentioned a few times, it's Burnett's leadership and maturity with the Packers and in the defense that is his biggest asset to the team.  He will continue to be that guy on this roster and more often than not, you can count on him to be where he needs to be on the field in the defensive scheme.

Grade: B

Overall Grade:  B