2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Panthers could take in Round 1

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 9, 2018: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers gestures toward an official in the fourth quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns on December 9, 2018 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won 26-20. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

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TALLAHASSEE, FL – NOVEMBER 24: Defensive End Brian Burns #99 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 24, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. The #11 Ranked Florida Gators defeated the Florida State Seminoles 41 to 14. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

2. Brian Burns

Burns is one of the most athletic edge rushers in this class, but there’s bust potential here as well. His Florida State tape shows him to be a player who is capable of massive highs and ugly lows all in the same drive.

Schematically, he’s a great fit for the type of defense the Panthers are moving forwards. He should project as an outside linebacker on conventional 3-4 downs, but he can put his hands in the dirt to rush the passer when Carolina switches to nickel or dime formations.

Burns is going to make his money in the NFL by beating tackles on the outside. His foot speed and, more importantly, his ability to bend his body will give him a chance to become a double-digit sack guy at the next level.

If he’s still on the board at No. 16 it’s hard to imagine the Panthers passing on him. Burns isn’t the safest prospect in this draft, but he has legitimate Pro Bowl potential.

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