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2019 NFL Mock Draft: D.K. Metcalf, T.J. Hockenson rising pre-Combine

By Cory Kinnan

STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 23: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Mississippi Rebels catches a pass as Lashard Durr #25 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tries to defend during the second half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 23: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Mississippi Rebels catches a pass as Lashard Durr #25 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs tries to defend during the second half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

17. Cleveland Browns: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

Falling out of the top-10 due to the commitment of Murray to the NFL, Brian Burns slips all the way to the 17th pick and lands in the laps of the Cleveland Browns. This would be a steal for the brown and orange and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

In the first version, the Browns selected Jeffrey Simmons at this slot, but he is due to fall out of the first round after his ACL injury and instead, John Dorsey lands a pass rusher to plug opposite of Pro Bowler Myles Garrett.

Although Burns should give the Browns a bit of a Barkevious Mingo scare due to his slender build, he has the work ethic and frame to add muscle and weight to his frame. As he heads to Indianapolis for the Combine, be sure to keep an eye on his measurements and how he performs at the bench press.

If Burns can show that he has strength behind his thin frame for an edge rusher, fears should vanish as he is bound to test off of the charts the rest of the week. If the Florida State product slips out of the top-15 and falls to Cleveland, it would be a gift for Dorsey, new head coach Freddie Kitchens, and Wilks.

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