4 potential future Hall of Famers on the Carolina Panthers

(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Christian McCaffrey
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Christian McCaffrey /
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(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Brian Burns /

Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE

Brian Burns is already one of the most skilled pass rushers in the entire NFL. Often overlooked, the defensive end has been putting up great numbers in his young career despite a distinct lack of talent around him.

Selected at No. 16 overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2019, Burns has played in 31 games and has 16.5 sacks.

Averaging about eight sacks over a career is great. But his ceiling is higher than that.

Injuries and a lack of support have made it hard for Burns to put up insane stat totals, but even with these holding him back, he’s put up solid numbers.

The addition of Hasson Reddick from the Arizona Cardinals in free agency – who notched 12.5 sacks in 2020 – to play opposite Burns will definitely help boost his production.

Solidifying a solid defensive line around Burns is key to help avoid double teams. If the former Florida State star can also stay healthy for a whole season, it will show in his production.

The most intriguing thing about Burns is that with all this brilliance and experience, he’s still only 23 years old entering his third season. This alludes to a long and prosperous career if he can stay healthy that means nothing but good news for the Panthers moving forward.

If Burns continues to improve throughout his whole career, he may end up with a gold jacket with further progress.