FSU Football: Mock NFL draft has Brian Burns as top 10 pick

FSU football fans are hoping to hear the star defensive end’s name in the first round, and one respected website thinks they won’t be waiting long.

If there is a good and a bad side of things for FSU football fans, it is this fact right here: while it stinks that star defensive end Brian Burns left school with one year of eligibility remaining for the Noles, there is at least some solace in the fact that there is a decent chance he is going to represent the Noles in a big way at the next level.

While there is no doubt that Burns is going to hear his name called in April’s NFL Draft, the debate has been about where the former star Seminole defender will be picked. While some experts believe he will hear his name on day one in the first round, there are plenty of doubters that think it will be the second round where Burns is picked.

This week, one top source didn’t just have the FSU football star heading in the first round – they have him going in the single digits to the top market in the country.

CBSSports.com released their latest mock draft heading into the NFL scouting combine this weekend in Indianapolis (where Burns will participate) and has No. 99 heading to the Big Apple as the next member of the New York Jets.

"At 235-240 pounds, the concern is whether Burns is strong enough to play the position at the next level, but Burns isn’t just a speed rusher; he’s also strong, and has the frame to get stronger. He’ll need to add some weight but he reminds us of Aldon Smith, who had 14 sacks as a situational pass rusher during his rookie season."

For the Jets to make that pick, they would have to trade with the current holders of that pick – which belongs to the Jacksonville Jaguars. I’m sure FSU football fans would rather see Burns in teal and gold as opposed to green and white (sorry, as a former Miami Dolphins fan I still can’t get rid of the hate for the Jets).

Burns, as the EDGE rusher who can play at both the end position and at outside linebacker at the next level, is in a position where he is fighting with other ends and EDGE players to get into that upper part of the first round. This mock draft along had someone at that spot going in five of the first 10 picks, including the first two.

If Burns were to be taken by “Gang Green”, FSU football fans would at least get the chance to see him twice in Florida next season as the Jets are schedule to face both the Dolphins and Jaguars in the Sunshine State.