FSU’s Brian Burns earning high grades as Carolina’s first-round NFL Draft pick

The first round of the 2019 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Seminoles’ Brian Burns is off the board, as the Carolina Panthers chose the ’Nole edge defender in the first round, with the 16th overall selection.

Of course, every pick, especially those in high-rounds, is rated almost immediately, and the Panthers’ choice of Burns is certainly no exception. And the early returns on Burns are quite glowing. Here are some grades given Carolina for grabbing Burns where it did:

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com:

This is one of the guys when you look at him you see speed, speed and more speed. The Panthers had all kinds of problems rushing the passer last year and Julius Peppers retired, so this makes sense. Good pick for the Panthers. I really like this pick. Grade: B+

Andy Benoit of SI.com:

Pliability and burst are vital for edge rushing, and edge rushing is vital in Carolina’s true 4-3 zone-based scheme. Burns, lanky and explosive, fits the profile. The Panthers are set—for now—at right end, with underappreciated star Mario Addison (though he’ll be 32 and is a free agent in 2020). In the meantime, Burns can split time with the recently acquired Bruce Irvin at the left edge spot that opened up when Julius Peppers retired. Size and playing strengths are a concern with Burns; don’t be surprised if he plays only in obvious passing situations as a rookie. Grade: B+

Steven Ruiz of USA Today Sports:

The Panthers had plenty of needs to address and decided to go with the best player left on the board. Brian Burn is a lanky pass rusher with the kind of explosiveness and agility we see in all of the NFL’s elite pass rushers. He won’t make an impact in the run game, but who cares? Today’s NFL is all about passing and defending the pass, and Burns will help with the latter. Grade: B

Dan Kadar of SB Nation:

The Panthers, in need of pass rushers, were fortunate to see Burns drop all the way down to No. 16. Burns’ get off and bend around the edge are special. In that regard, he’s comparable to Bruce Irvin. As a pro, Burns needs to get stronger and play the run better. But he fits a big need for the Panthers at a premium position. Carolina was one of the worst teams in the NFL at getting after the quarterback. That should change with Burns. Grade: A

We’ll keep tracking Seminoles in the draft, and you can follow along with that here. But in the meantime, what grade would you give the Panthers’ picking Burns at No. 16?