2019 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos lock up quarterback, Eagles land corner
By Cory Kinnan
8. Detroit Lions: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
Burns put together a monster junior season for the Seminoles, who otherwise had a very disappointing 2018 campaign, finishing with double digit sacks and tackles behind the line of scrimmage to go along with three forced fumbles. He finished his 33-game career with 23 sacks, 38.5 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles while at Florida State.
The 6-5 edge rusher shows an explosive first step on tape, and figures to test off the charts that the Combine later this month in his speed and agility drills. One weakness for Burns is that he is listed at a slender 235 pounds, and for an NFL edge rusher, he is going to have to put on some weight and his bench press is of the utmost importance in Indianapolis.
In 2018, the Detroit Lions ranked 11th in sacks in the league, an impressive number for a team that underperformed under first-year coach Matt Patricia. However, with the impending free agency of soon-to-be 29-year old defensive end Ziggy Ansah, it does not seem like there is much traction for him to return in 2019, leaving a gaping hole for the Lions to fill at pass rusher.
Burns, becoming the third edge rusher off of the board in this NFL mock draft, would fit the needs of the Lions with the eight pick.