5 Panthers draft picks who must reach their potential in 2022

Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE

Before we get started on Brian Burns, it’s worth remembering he reached his first Pro Bowl this season and attained a career-high nine sacks. This was another big step in the right direction for the defensive end, who remains one of the league’s most explosive players flying off the edge.

However, looking at Burns’ situation and what the Carolina Panthers hope he will eventually become, Year 4 is going to be a defining campaign for the former first-round pick out of Florida State.

Burns is a quality player that could be elite when it’s all said and done. But he does leave plenty of sacks out on the field and gap discipline against the run is another area of his game that needs improvement.

Once Burns figures this out, then there won’t be much anybody can do to prevent him from wreaking havoc. And hopefully, the Panthers can also extend Haason Reddick this offseason to give Phil Snow’s defense a prolific pass-rushing tandem for the foreseeable future.

Burns is an integral part of Carolina’s plans. Truly reaching his potential next season will also put him in a great position when it comes to securing a lucrative contract extension in 2023.

This is a player with the world at his feet. And another year of valuable experience could propel Burns to even greater heights when competitive action begins again.