2019 NFL Draft: Grades for every first-round pick

16. Carolina Panthers: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

Grade: A-

With the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers take one of the last top-tier edge rushers available in Brian Burns out of Florida State. Offensive line was certainly an option for Carolina here, but taking an elite speed rusher off of the edge certainly works.

At 6-5, 249 pounds, Burns is undoubtedly thin for an NFL defensive lineman. However, this guy has ridiculous burst around the edge and fantastic athleticism that will undoubtedly play at the next level.

Burns is a pure speed rusher who explodes off of the ball quickly and has elite flexibility and bend around the edge. He shows a solid swim move that he can use to rush inside or outside and a dirty spin move that leaves offensive tackles in the dust. His long strides allow for elite upfield burst and he has good quickness in short spaces as well. Burns is also a reliable tackler in open space.

The Panthers drafted Burns as a bit of a project. He simply will not be able to come in and be a three-down contributor as a rookie. He lacks functional strength which could be an issue at the next level and really limits his upside against the run.

That being said, he is a freak athlete who can create consistent pressure on the outside. Burns can come in and being an immediate contributor on passing downs as he grows into more of a complete player. In today’s NFL, where the passing game is kind, his obvious skill set and long-term upside represent major value in the middle of the first round.