2019 NFL Mock Draft: Carolina Panthers Select DE/OLB Brian Burns at No. 16

With the 16th pick in the 2019 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers select...

Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

The selection and write-up were made by GrandAdmiralThrawn0905:

Carolina Panthers’ Top needs: Edge, OL

Carolina’s zone-based 4-3 defense is dependent on having a four-man rush. Julius Peppers should next be seen in Canton in five years, as he officially retired from the game. Peppers’ retirement leaves just Mario Addison (31) as the only quality edge player and he’s in a contract year. Bruce Irvin was signed for a one season during free agency, but should be viewed at best as rotational depth. Expect GM Marty Hurney to address Edge early in the draft as last year Panthers as a team only had 35 sacks ranked 27th.

Their other major need is offensive tackle. The Matt Kalil signing has been a disaster, which resulted in the player getting cut just two years into a five year contract, and Daryl Williams is heading into next year as a free agent after missing most of the 2018 year with a knee injury. He signed a one year deal earlier this off season. RT Ryan Kalil is also a free agent, and fixing the offensive line should be the team’s primary focus in the off season. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of those two offensive linemen gets signed to a longer contract. Unfortunately for the Panthers, Jonah Williams is already off the board who would probably be one of their preferred prospect and there’s just too much talent at edge to reach for a tackle that are available.

Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State

Brian Burns, a 6-foot-5, 249-pound specimen and former four-star recruit, is known primarily as a pass rusher, change of direction and pure athletic ability. He’s truly a freak of nature, a high-ceiling prospect with natural talents that will translate to the NFL. His play against Clemson (4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks) got NFL scouts talking about in his potential. Despite FSU’s struggles in 2018, his play stood out enough that he earned first-team All-ACC notice from league coaches and media. He led his team with 15.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks among his 52 stops, while also breaking up three passes and forcing three fumbles. Brian Burns ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at 249 lbs + 36” vertical & 10’9” broad jump at the NFL Combine. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Burns biggest strength is being an explosive first step.

Burns isn’t just a speed freak who did well at the NFL Combine, but he does have a deadly spin move as an excellent counter to his outside speed rush. Burns is a developed pass rusher prospect with a deep stable of moves. Has flashed club-rip, push-pull, icepicks, two-hand swats, swims and more. Hand work is well thought out and shows some high football IQ, but lacks the power and ferocity to be devastating enough to be an elite prospect.

High ceiling prospects with remarkably athletic skill aren’t hard to find. Prospects with natural talents such as size, length, explosiveness, and athleticism are in every draft. Burns is different. He’s a high-ceiling prospect with an obtainable ceiling because he’s also a technician committed to improving his stock. He’s known to be a film junkie and has worked hard to address his weaknesses. While there are some concerns that limit him such as his weight and run defense, I feel confident in an NFL environment he will grow as a player and fix some of his weaknesses, namely that he needs to bulk up at the next level.

Pokorny: “Credit for the clips goes to Pro Football Focus. I like the explanation given for the pick and can’t argue with it. Edge rusher and offensive tackle seem to be the route to go, and I think Burns gives the Panthers the young prospect they’ve needed after trying to rely on some veterans there.”

The New York Giants are up next, led by fjblessi.