Florida State may be off to an awful start this season, but Brian Burns still has the attention of scouts all over the NFL. He’s the one first round talent in this year’s draft class who can function at a high level at both defensive end and outside linebacker.
It wasn’t so long ago that scouts described Khalil Mack in the same way. Burns doesn’t have that kind of potential, but he can still help Jon Gruden’s defense trouble opposing quarterbacks. Specifically, his versatility should really appeal to the Raiders’ controversial head coach.
The real question about Burns is whether or not he has the size to stay on the field against the run. There’s little question about his ability to be a quality edge rusher at the next level. Burns just needs to make sure he can keep enough wait on to stay on the field against the run.
Some team is going to gamble on his talent before the first round is over. Gruden clearly isn’t a coach who is afraid to take a personnel risk. Burns makes a lot of sense in Oakland. He’s got home run potential, but he could also be a big time bust.