In this segment we will look at potential draft prospects the Packers could be selecting on Thursday, April 26th- Saturday, April 27th. Green Bay has some glaring weaknesses especially on defense, specifically coming off the edge and rushing the passer. Follow this weekly segment as we breakdown different players at various position needs for the Green Bay Packers.

It’s been a wild and stunning free agency for the Packers, adding not one but four different players to the team. Edge Za’Darius Smith, Edge Preston Smith, S Adrian Amos, and OL Billy Turner. These moves signify a win now mode in Green Bay and take away the need in having to draft an edge rusher with the number twelve pick, unless this guy is sitting there.

Brian Burns EDGE, standing at 6ft 5in, and weighing in at 231 pounds (250 pounds at the combine), coming out of Florida State as a junior has racked up 23 sacks and 7 forced fumbles in his 3 year college career. Lets look at some of his strengths and weaknesses.

  • Superb athleticism
  • Explosive speed off the edge
  • Natural pass-rush ability
  • Excellent in pursuit
  • Repertoire of pass-rushing moves
  • Speed and bend to get around the corner
  • Active hands
  • Agility to sink his hips/shoulder
  • Pursuit run defense
  • Good height and length
  • Great character
  • High motor
  • Needs to keep his weight up
  • Playing time limitations because of his size in college

Burns is one of the most coveted edge rushers in the 2019 NFL draft class. Burns has a flexible and bendable frame. He’s able to dip his inside shoulder to turn the corner and has enough lean to get around the corner at tight angles. If that doesn’t work, he will use his length to setup a long arm or stab move to keep his chest clean. The Packers would love for Burns to fall to 12, because you can never have enough pass rushers, something the team desperately needs. Opposing offensive lines would be shaking in their cleats with the new front seven the Packers have put together and adding Burns to the mix would send our pass rush over the top.

Combine Results

  • 40 Yard Dash 4.53 Seconds (2nd fastest for DL)
  • Vertical Jump 36.0 Inches
  • Broad Jump 129.0 Inches
  • 3 Cone Drill 7.01 Seconds