Panthers: 3 achievable goals for DE Brian Burns in 2020

Carolina Panthers Goal No. 3: A first Pro Bowl for Brian Burns

If Brian Burns lives up to his billing next season, then a trip to the Pro Bowl could be in his immediate future. The defensive end won’t be far away if he sees an increase in production. And this is another realistic goal he can strive for in 2020.

Second-year players tend to make a big impact at the defensive end position. And the Carolina Panthers will be hoping that is exactly the case with Burns.

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They gambled big on him in the first round last year. So the organization will be expecting an immediate investment now he finally has a chance to start more prominently.

Nothing much is expected of the Panthers in terms of a winning record in 2020. This might take some of the pressure off their young squad initially. But if things turn sour it is going to make things very difficult to convince big-name free agents the franchise is heading in the right direction next spring.

Having Burns at the top of his game is going to be crucial. And how is copes with this significant leap in expectation and pressure is another thing to keep a close eye on in the coming months.

He will no longer be a surprise for opposing offensive lineman. So this is another challenge the player will need to overcome.

Burns is more than talented enough to make a sophomore leap next season. And if he performs to the level expected, then a first Pro Bowl selection won’t be far behind.