With the sixteenth pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers selected former Patriot and Florida State University Seminole defensive end and outside linebacker Brian Burns.
The Panthers, which have had a void at defensive end following the retirement of former defensive end Julius Peppers, viewed filling the position as top priority heading into draft day. Having selected Burns with their first pick of the draft, Carolina has seemed to find the anchor for their defensive line for years to come. In his last season with Florida State University, Burns finished eighth overall in the nation in sacks with a total of 10. He finished his college career with 24 sacks and 38.5 tackles for loss.
“It’s a life-changing day, a life-changing experience,” Burns said prior to the draft. “I just can’t wait for it.”
Carolina ended the 2018-2019 campaign with a 7-9 record, finishing in third in the NFC South. Burns will look to help lead his new team back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season, where the Panthers fell to the New Orleans Saints in the wildcard round.
