Panthers Draft: Brian Burns could benefit most from 2020 picks
By Dean Jones
How Burns can benefit from the new Panthers defense?
The Carolina Panthers draft team did a good job of picking players that can occupy multiple positions successfully. This also included the defensive line with the additions of Derrick Brown and second-round selection Yetur Gross-Matos.
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While the secondary could still be a work in progress, the same cannot be said of the Panthers’ defensive front. This area of the field is arguably the best on the roster heading into 2020 and should be able to cause havoc on a consistent basis.
Giving Brian Burns more space to work with could see the player have a breakout season. Brown and Kawann Short will more than likely occupy both guards and the opposing center on every down. This should allow the defensive end more one-on-one opportunities that are sure to maximize his impact.
This becomes even more prominent when one considers Stephen Weatherly and Panthers’ draft prospect Gross-Matos will be getting after the quarterback on the opposite end. This is a formidable fivesome to call upon and one that should stand new head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow well during their expected period of transition.
Building from the inside out is something that became a significant priority for the Panthers draft team during their process. Burns will no doubt have approved of their first two picks and there is even the chance sixth-round defensive tackle Bravvion Roy can contribute in a rotational role during the early stages of his development.
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Burns has the potential to reach double-digit sacks during his second year as a pro, providing he makes the necessary adjustments to improve during the offseason. The Panthers draft will have aided this target considerably and it should be something the defensive end can take full advantage of.