FSU Football: Fans react to Carolina Panthers drafting Brian Burns

Former FSU defensive end Brian Burns became the sixth first round draft pick in the last seven years for the Noles.

Brian Burns took the advice he got and made the right decision to enter the NFL Draft after his junior season.

He was taken with the No. 16 overall pick of the NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. It’s a great situation for Burns as the Panthers desperately needed a pass rusher with the loss of an aged Julius Peppers and others.

Burns led the Noles with 10 sacks in 2018 and led the nation in quarterback pressures while being double teamed much of the time.

He also led the team in 15.5 tackles for loss and was sixth on the team with 31 total tackles.

The Moment

Coach Willie Taggart was in attendance and got footage of Brian Burns getting the call he’d be a Carolina Panther.

Fan Reaction

Thoughts

It’s a great move for both the Panthers and Brian Burns. He should help that team immediately in Ron Rivera’s hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense. Burns can come off the edge or play as an outside linebacker at times.

He’s added some good weight and improved his technique each year and became more than just a pass rush specialist. He still needs to improve in this area, but he’s adequate against the run. However, he was drafted by the Panthers to cause havoc in the backfield.

It’s all about sacks, tackles for loss and QB hurries for Burns moving forward. He’s the fourth defensive end drafted from FSU football since 2015.

Finally, it’s not a long way from home as Burns gets to stay on the east coast and just a quick plane trip from Ft. Lauderdale to Charlotte.

Congrats to Brian Burns and I know he’ll represent the Noles with class in the NFL.