2019 NFL Draft: Brian Burns has the starter kit of a top pass rusher

The 2019 NFL draft seems rich in defensive line prospects. Where does Brian Burns stand among a talented group as an edge rusher?

Position: EDGE

School: Florida State

Year: Junior

Height: 6’5

Weight: 249 lbs

STRENGTHS:

• The size sticks out immediately. Has a long frame that enables him to keep blockers off his body and gain leverage towards winning the snap.
• Athletic for his size. Showed no issues playing from a two-point stance and seems to have the fluidity to move well in space.
• Snap anticipation and burst off the line are both above average. Has enough acceleration and speed to gain the edge before a tackle beats him there.
• Has a strong inside counter step that he puts to great use at times thanks to his up-the-field speed, enabling him to get a free shot at the QB.

This rep showcases Burns at his most dangerous. Out of a two-point stance, he explodes up the field and already has the tackle beat to the edge. Does a good job dipping his shoulder to gain leverage and then showcases his closing speed to the quarterback, wisely swiping at the arm to go for the fumble rather than the hit or attempted sack. When he showcases those traits, he’s difficult to stop.

• Quickness is really impressive. Not only can he be sudden going north to south but he’s surprisingly nimble laterally as well.
• Speed is rare for somebody his size. If he is able to add a power element alongside it, he can be a legitimate double-digit sack guy every year.
• Sound tackler. When he gets his hands on a QB or a ball carrier, they tend not to get away. Does a nice job of wrapping up.

WEAKNESSES:

• Lacks power. Frame looks on the thin side and he plays that way, frequently unable to deliver a strong power rush or hold his ground in the run game.
• Doesn’t put in the consistent effort with his hands. Too many times he’ll waste a snap and let blockers get into his body, negating his rush effectiveness.
• The array of pass rush moves is limited. Usually only has the fast rush around the edge or a stutter-step inside. When blockers have it figured out, he loses effectiveness.
• HIs awareness of the football can best be called average. Often loses sight of where it is as the ball carrier slips by him before he can react.
• For every flashy pass rush rep he showcases, there are several where he tends to be invisible too often. The motor is a little hot-cold.

Pro Comparison: Leonard Floyd

It seems like such an obvious comparison and there’s a reason for it. The dimensions of the two are nearly identical from the long frames, athletic bodies, and excellent up-the-field burst. Not to mention the concerns regarding their lack of power. Burns was used more exclusively as a pass rusher at Florida State though, so he’ll be coming in a little more polished in that regard. This could work to his advantage in the eyes of some teams.

Projection: 1st round

Burns is by no means a finished product. He’s still too thin, not yet strong enough and isn’t consistent enough with his hands. That said, pass rushers of his athletic caliber remain highly coveted in the NFL. His combine performance and production in college will be enough to land him somewhere in the 1st round. It’s merely a matter of where.