5 bold predictions for Carolina Panthers in 2020

3. Brian Burns will get 12 sacks

Burns didn’t have the most consistent rookie season in NFL history, but he still managed to notch 7.5 sacks. Added dependability in year two is going to allow him to up that total even more.

His production could really skyrocket if the Panthers do transition their defense to a conventional four-man front. Burns struggles to read the game from the outside linebacker position. Keeping this simple for him at the end position allows him to play with more freedom.

When he plays with that freedom is athletic gifts really stand out. His speed from the corner is a nightmare for tackles tasked with staying in front of him. It’s not an exaggeration to say that he has the natural ability to become one of NFL’s best edge rushers in very short order.

The key for the Carolina defense will be to give Burns enough snaps in obvious passing downs. The team’s run defense could be historically bad up the middle in 2020. Even so, it’s safe to assume Burns will take another step forward and push his sack total well into double-digits.