Scouting Report: Brian Burns, the next great Chiefs pass rusher?

The 2019 NFL Draft has some exciting pass rushing prospects at the top of the draft, and Florida State defensive end Brian Burns should catch the eye of those in Kansas City.

The speculation has already begun on whether or not longtime Kansas City Chiefs defender Justin Houston will be a cap casualty this offseason. The defense is under a new coordinator in Steve Spagnuolo for the first time in half a decade and faces a major scheme change. While there are some transitions that should be relatively smooth, there are serious questions about who will play defensive end in the new 4-3 front.

Steve Spagnuolo’s defense thrives on getting pressure on the quarterback from the defensive line, so the Chiefs are likely going to be adding pieces to do just that. Despite spending consecutive 2nd round draft picks on edge players, neither Breeland Speaks or Tanoh Kpassagnon has shown enough to be handed the starting job this offseason.

Enter Brian Burns. Florida State’s lengthy pass rusher who has drawn comparisons to former #1 overall pick Myles Garrett. While that comparison is bold as Garrett’s game was much more complete, as a pass rusher, Burns is in a league of his own. In a stacked defensive class and with some questions about Burns lingering, it is possible he could be around when the Chiefs pick late in the first round.

Burns was a former 5-star recruit who registered 23 sacks in 33 games as a Florida State Seminole. Burns also had a staggering 38.5 tackles for a loss and 7 forced fumbles in that span. Despite the questions about Burns, which we’ll get to in a little bit, Burns had elite level production for the Seminoles.

Brian Burns may take some time to develop, but he is a young player with a high ceiling.