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NFL Preseason: Grading each team’s top rookie after three weeks

By Dan Parzych

HONOLULU, HAWAII - AUGUST 17: Tony Pollard #36 of the Dallas Cowboys breaks out of a tackle by Marqui Christian #26 of the Los Angeles Rams during the preseason game at Aloha Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
HONOLULU, HAWAII - AUGUST 17: Tony Pollard #36 of the Dallas Cowboys breaks out of a tackle by Marqui Christian #26 of the Los Angeles Rams during the preseason game at Aloha Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Brian Burns NFL Draft
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers: Brian Burns

Words can’t even describe how frustrating it was to watch the Carolina Panthers fall short of playoff berth last season since they seemed to be at least a lock for a Wild Card spot following a 6-2 start.

Take this into consideration with all of the injuries Cam Newton has been dealing with over the last few months, time will tell when it comes to seeing how things play out with the Panthers in 2019, but at least the defense saw a great addition in Brian Burns.

Rightfully so, Carolina saw something special in the Florida State product when they made the decision to use a first-round pick on Burns in April.

For a defense in the Panthers that was already in pretty solid shape, if the preseason is any indication of the kind of impact Burns could make as a rookie, Carolina could see the unit hit new levels this upcoming season.

Just take a look at how Burns managed to record multiple sacks twice in the first three games of preseason for the Panthers, and it already seems clear the defensive end is going to be in for a big rookie season.

Preseason success doesn’t always carry over to the regular season, but Carolina should feel confident in Burns making an impact right away.

Grade: A

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