FSU football could have their next great defensive end alum heading to the NFL early in the draft process come next April according to some.
In recent years, the FSU football family has seen plenty of former Seminoles get picked early and often in the NFL Draft. In the last six drafts alone, the defensive end position has been well represented with six players at that spot getting picked by a pro team, including DeMarcus Walker in 2017, Mario Edwards Jr. in 2015 and Tank Carradine in 2013 all going in the second round.
While that has been the highest round that a defensive end for the Noles has been picked, that all could change come this April when one lucky pro team will select Brian Burns. After turning pro following the season and three amazing years after being a five star recruit, Burns will no doubt be picked, but how high will he go?
According to several mock drafts that have come out recently, Burns could be in line to join the list of great former FSU football stars recently like Jameis Winston, Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James to go in the first round.
"CBSSports.comNo. 19 Tennessee Titans – There’s a little bit of projection with Burns, but the arrow is pointing up. Burns and Harold Landry become Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo 2.0 in Tennessee.NBC Sports WashingtonNo. 31 Kansas City Chiefs – Defensive lineman end Allen Bailey has the highest 2018 salary Kansas City’s 2019 free agents. Burns totaled 29 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks over the last two seasons.USA Today Draft WireNo. 13 Miami Dolphins – Cameron Wake is 36 and Charles Harris has yet to live up to the first-round hype. This entire defensive line needs help, but finding a dynamic edge rusher should be their top priority.Newsday (New York City)No. 21 – Seattle Seahawks – Frank Clark is an impending free agent. Head coach Pete Carroll has taken lighter, quicker pass-rushers in the past – most notably Bruce Irvin – so Burns could be a fit here."
As you can see, the projections have the former FSU football star heading all over the place in the first round – but all that matters is that he is expected to hear his named called early on in the process this coming April.
With that being said, we all know nothing can be taken for granted – there is still the pointless combine in a month followed by pro days and everything else that takes place. Remember, Davlin Cook was supposed to be taken in the first round and teams screwed up in passing over him as he fell to the second round before being picked.
But, with his performance on the field and seemingly flawless life off of it, the betting odds are that this former FSU football star will not be worried about falling into the second or third day of the draft.