Skip to main content

53 Men: EDGE Brian Burns Player Profile

Taking a look at what kind of season Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns could have in 2020

EDGE Brian Burns

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 265 lbs

College: Florida State

NFL stats: 25 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 5 TFL's, 16 QB hits

Depth Chart Projection: Starter

In 2019, Burns was one of the few bright spots of the Panthers' defense. He started five games on the year and will now be expected to become a full-time starter. There's no one else on the roster that has the pass rushing ability that he brings to the table. Look for a big year for him in 2020.

Analysis:

Burns has added about 15 lbs this offseason in order to try and become a complete defender and not just a pass rusher. Coming out of Florida State, he was real lean and lanky, which was a major concern to have him be a three down guy. Aside from Burns' ability to create pressure in the backfield, one of his best qualities is his ability to play multiple positions and line up on either side of the field. Phil Snow will fall in love with Burns' versatility and move him from rushing off the edge to outside linebacker, defensive end, and heck, maybe even inside linebacker on certain packages. He has all the makings to be a star in the league. Double-digit sack totals should be the annual expectation for him. 

53-Man Roster Status: Lock

Burns is a unique player and brings something that no one else on the roster can do. He has the chance to be a really special player for a long time in the Panthers organization. 

Previous "53 Men" projections

1. QB Teddy Bridgewater

2. QB Will Grier

3. RB Christian McCaffrey

4. RB Mike Davis

5. RB Reggie Bonnafon

6. WR D.J. Moore

7. WR Curtis Samuel

8. WR Robby Anderson

9. WR Seth Roberts

No. 10 WR Keith Kirkwood

No. 11 WR Pharoh Cooper

No. 12 TE Ian Thomas

No. 13 TE Chris Manhertz

No. 14 TE Temarrick Hemingway

No. 15 FB Alex Armah

No. 16 OT Russell Okung

No. 17 OT Greg Little

No. 18 OG Michael Schofield III

No. 19 C Matt Paradis

No. 20 C Tyler Larsen

No. 21 OG/OT Dennis Daley

No. 22 OG John Miller

No. 23 OT Taylor Moton

No. 24 DE Stephen Weatherly

No. 25 DE Yetur Gross-Matos

No. 26 DE Efe Obada

No. 27 DL Zach Kerr

No. 28 DT Kawann Short

No. 29 DT Derrick Brown

No. 30 DT Bravvion Roy

No. 31 DL Myles Adams

What type of season do you expect from Brian Burns? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top righthand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook & Twitter:

Facebook - @PanthersOnSI

Twitter - @SI_Panthers and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_