Panthers Draft: Brian Burns could benefit most from 2020 picks
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers draft saw a host of new faces come in on defense, which has the potential to assist second-year defensive end Brian Burns significantly.
The Carolina Panthers draft might have benefitted one player on the roster more than anybody else. The franchise focused heavily on the defensive side of the ball in what became a historic selection of picks that was an NFL first.
This has left the Panthers with plenty of energetic playmakers on defense that could see the team improve in 2020. Trusting so many rookies to get the job done in the brutal environment of the NFL is not necessarily going to bring a team instant success. But what it will do is give each incoming recruit valuable in-game experience that will stand them in good stead down the line.
With the Panthers moving to a 4-3 base defense next season. There should be plenty of opportunities for pass-rushers to shine. First-round selection Derrick Brown and returning veteran Kawann Short are both space-eaters that require a significant amount of attention on every down.
Their presence on the interior could be just what Brian Burns need to take his game to the next level. The 2019 first rounder showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie year in Carolina on an otherwise struggling defense. And there is real hope that there is plenty more to come during his sophomore professional campaign.
Burns was taken 16th overall out of Florida State and immediately became an important member of the Carolina defensive line. He was on the field for 42 percent of the team’s defensive snaps and recorded 7.5 sacks, 25 combined tackles, 19 solo tackles, and a forced fumble.
This represents real production from 16 appearances and just five starts. So there is plenty to suggest that Burns has the potential to go on to bigger and better things with more talent around him next term.