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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 LOCAL NEWS: Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Star Tribune
Check out the (mostly) hideous caps players have to wear at the NFL draft By Michael Rand http://www.startribune.com/check-out-the-mostly-hideous-caps-players-have-to-wear-at-the-nfl-draft/508001712/
MULTIMEDIA LINKS: Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Schrager: Vikings Pose NFC North's Biggest Threat To Bears In 2019 Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/schrager-vikings-pose-nfc-north-s-biggest-threat-to-bears-in-2019
GMFB: Can Cousins Bounce Back, Live Up To Expectations In 2019? Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/gmfb-can-cousins-bounce-back-live-up-to-expectations-in-2019
NFLN Roster Reset: Minnesota Vikings Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/nfln-roster-reset-minnesota-vikings
Cris Carter Tours the Vikings Museum First Things First http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=c7fa4e8b-bd92-4f01-a36d-ac35d183a808
VIKINGS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK: Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Mock Madness 6.0: Draft Predictions for Vikings as Calendar Flips to April By Lindsey Young https://www.vikings.com/news/mock-madness-6-0-draft-predictions-for-vikings-as-calendar-flips-to-april
Lunchbreak: Josh Kline Could be Biggest ‘Sleeper Addition’ in the NFC North By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-josh-kline-could-be-biggest-sleeper-addition-in-the-nfc-north
Vikings, Wilf Family Host Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. By Lindsay Young https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-wilf-family-host-israel-ambassador-to-us
Prospect Profile: Florida State DE Brian Burns By Lindsay Young https://www.vikings.com/news/prospect-profile-florida-state-de-brian-burns
PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 4/3/19
Check out the (mostly) hideous caps players have to wear at the NFL draft
By Michael Rand
Welcome to the Tuesday edition of The Cooler, where the only sensible fashion statement is a v-neck sweater over a button down shirt. Let’s get to it:
*Counting compensatory picks, there will be 254 selections made in the NFL Draft, which is just a few weeks away and runs from April 25-27.
A total of 254 players will have their dreams of hearing their name called fulfilled on a big stage and under the bright lights. The biggest stars among them will have friends and family in attendance in anticipation of being selected in Thursday’s first round.
They will get to the stage, many of them wearing expensive suits. They will shake hands, and then they will be given ball caps from their new teams to put on their heads.
And this is the point many of them might wish they had chosen a different sport or even a different line of work.
The caps for almost every team, made by New Era, were unveiled Tuesday. And with a few exceptions, they are not exactly appealing and are not playing to rave reviews.
The designs, per @MySportsUpdate, have elements of city or state flags on them.
View image on TwitterView image on TwitterView image on Twitter
NFL Update @MySportsUpdate Here are the official 2019 New Era NFL Draft caps that players will wear on stage.
This year, all designs incorporate either state or city flag elements.
(The #Jets will release theirs on Thursday with their new uniform reveal)
1,267 8:30 AM - Apr 2, 2019 1,140 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy They also, according to some, might be more appropriately worn after buying one along with a Slim Jim and an energy drink.
Mason Lemmons @lemmons_mr Replying to @MySportsUpdate 90% of these look like you could buy them at a gas station
2 9:52 AM - Apr 2, 2019 Twitter Ads info and privacy See Mason Lemmons's other Tweets Now, this happens pretty much whenever new sports merchandise is announced. There are a lot of people who hate the designs, and the loudest negative voices tend to occupy a lot of the social media spaces.
But in this case, there seems to be a pretty broad consensus that the vast majority of these caps are very bad.
View image on Twitter View image on Twitter
SportsPickle @sportspickle Replying to @sportspickle Have to give the edge to Dallas and Washington in the NFC East after the Eagles and Giants fail to draft a single player.
49 9:37 AM - Apr 2, 2019 See SportsPickle's other Tweets Twitter Ads info and privacy Personally, I like the Chargers cap. And the Vikings one isn’t too bad. Luckily for the purple, nobody would every accuse them of having the worst cap as long as the Saints cap still exists.
*In November 2016, Isaiah Washington officially signed his letter of intent to join the Gophers men’s basketball program. He was a four-star recruit and a top-50 ranked player nationally out of New York. Of the point guard, head coach Richard Pitino said this: “He is a dynamic player, loves the game, and is a lot of fun to watch on the court,” adding that he expected Washington to “make an impact on our program right away.”
Washington’s two seasons here did not work out as planned, and on Monday he announced his intention to transfer. In a statement, he offered a very good explanation: “However, this season took a toll on me mentally. I started to lose the love of basketball and my grandparents health issues added more to it. I’ve took the time to sit with a therapist to help me out. After talks with family, it’s best that I find a new home.”
Hey, it happens. Not all fits are great. Not all hyped recruits or prospects pan out.
*Speaking of which: I was a tag-along member of the Hunter Greene fan club in June 2017 when the Twins had the No. 1 pick and had a shot at taking the flame-throwing high school phenom. They instead drafted Royce Lewis and, well … it’s working out pretty well so far.
Lewis has had two very productive seasons in the minors. Greene has shown flashes but has yet to harness his potential. And on Monday it was announced by the Reds — who took him No. 2 overall — that he had a major injury setback and will need Tommy John surgery.
That’s hardly a career-ender, and Greene very well could prove to be an MLB star. But for now, the Twins’ pick of Lewis looks a lot better than many of us thought it would. PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 4/3/19
Mock Madness 6.0: Draft Predictions for Vikings as Calendar Flips to April
By Eric Smith
EAGAN, Minn. — We’ve reached April, so this is your official welcome to draft month.
The 2019 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25-27 in Nashville, where teams will look to bolster their roster over the three-day period.
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman and his staff have been hard at work in recent weeks and are right in the thick of draft preparations.
Minnesota currently holds the 18th overall pick in the first round, but which direction will the Vikings go early on?
A total of 20 draft experts have weighed in for our sixth edition of Mock Madness, just three-plus weeks away from the draft.
The majority of experts (16 of them) are projecting the Vikings to help out their offensive line with their first-round pick. But they aren’t sold on one particular player, as six different offensive linemen were predicted to land with Minnesota.
A trio of experts like the Vikings to add a tight end, while a lone analyst projected Minnesota to select a defensive tackle.
There were also two projected trades for the Vikings — one expert predicted the Vikings will move up in the first round, and the other projected Minnesota to move back a few spots.
Our first Mock Madness can be found here.
Our second Mock Madness can be found here.
Our third Mock Madness can be found here.
Our fourth Mock Madness can be found here.
Our fifth Mock Madness can be found here.
Here’s a look at our sixth Mock Madness of 2019:
RELATED LINKS Mock Madness 1.0: Experts Picking Offensive Lineman for Vikings in First Round Mock Madness 5.0: Vikings 1st-Round Options After Start of Free Agency Mock Madness 4.0: 1st-Round Predictions for Vikings After the Combine Mock Madness 3.0: Pre-Combine Projections for Vikings in 1st Round Mock Madness 2.0: Majority of Experts Expect Vikings to Help O-Line in 1st Round ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr.
March 25, 2019
The predicted pick: Jonah Williams, T/G, Alabama
The Vikings would be thrilled with Williams, a tackle in college – he made 43 consecutive starts for the Crimson Tide – who could play guard at the next level. If Minnesota moves Riley Reiff inside to guard, Williams (6-foot-4, 302 pounds) could stick at left tackle. As always, don't be shocked if [Vikings Head Coach] Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman target a pass-rusher here.
Click here for Kiper’s full mock draft.
The MMQB’s Kalyn Kahler
March 27, 2019
The predicted pick: Jonah Williams, T/G, Alabama
The Vikings need to protect Kirk Cousins and open up rushing lanes for Dalvin Cook.
Click here for Kahler’s full mock draft.
Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus
April 2, 2019
The predicted pick: Andre Dillard, T, Washington State
Minnesota goes offensive line, and they go best available here.
Click here for PFF’s full mock draft.
Charles Davis of NFL.com
April 2, 2019
The predicted pick: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Head [Coach] Mike Zimmer has made no bones about it: He wants to run the football more frequently in 2019. The best blocking TE in the draft will help in a big way, and he can catch the ball well, too.
Click here for Davis’ full mock draft.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com
March 28, 2019
The predicted pick: Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College
Minnesota brought in former Titans starter Josh Kline to fortify one guard spot, and now Lindstrom takes over on the other side to provide much-needed protection for Kirk Cousins.
Click here for Reuter’s full mock draft.
Peter Schrager of NFL.com
March 26, 2019
The predicted pick: Kaleb McGary, T, Washington
The Vikings started to address the offensive line in free agency, adding Josh Kline, but they're not done. Look for this pick to be a center, guard or tackle. In McGary, they get a big, hulking body who'll be able to contribute right away. Viewed as a better run blocker than pass protector, he still has great room to improve.
Click here for Schrager’s full mock draft.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
March 21, 2019
The predicted pick: Cody Ford, T/G, Oklahoma
The Vikings could get more value by taking the best available defensive tackle on their board here, but the need at guard might push them into addressing that position with this pick.
Click here for Zierlein’s full mock draft.
CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson
April 1, 2019
The predicted pick: Cody Ford, T/G, Oklahoma
Kirk Cousins had an uneven debut season for the Vikings. And while he deserved some of the blame, Minnesota's porous offensive line did him no favors. Ford is coming off a strong season for the Sooners, and he'll be a welcome addition to an O-line that wasn't even replacement level in ’18.
Click here for Wilson’s full mock draft.
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso
March 22, 2019
The predicted pick: Andre Dillard, T, Washington State
The Vikings couldn't be happier. Dillard is a new-age left tackle with impeccable pass-blocking ability.
Click here for Trapasso’s full mock draft.
CBS Sports’ R.J. White
March 26, 2019
TRADE: Vikings acquire picks No. 20 (first round), 141 (fifth round), 207 (sixth round) in exchange for 18*th overall pick*
The predicted pick at No. 20: Garrett Bradbury, C/G, North Carolina State
With the top tackle and guard options off the board, the Vikings trade down slightly before pivoting to ... the pivot, where Bradbury is a clear upgrade from Pat Elflein, who can then move over and upgrade one of the guard spots. That configuration with Bradbury at center will help stabilize an interior blocking unit in Minnesota that was terrible last season.
Click here for White’s full mock draft.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco
March 26, 2019
The predicted pick: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
They need help inside, and this kid might have been a top-10 pick if not for a torn ACL. This would be a steal down the road.
Click here for Prisco’s full mock draft.
CBS Sports’ Will Brinson
March 20, 2019
The predicted pick: Jonah Williams, T/G, Alabama
The Vikings HAVE to get better on the offensive line for Kirk Cousins' sake, and they do so by drafting Williams, who would presumably kick into guard from the get go for Minnesota but give them an option if one of their current tackles struggles.
Click here for Brinson’s full mock draft.
CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin
March 28, 2019
TRADE: Vikings acquire pick No. 15 in exchange for 18*th overall pick (rest of trade compensation unknown)*
The predicted pick at No. 15: Cody Ford, T/G, Oklahoma
The Vikes jump up ahead of the Panthers [at pick No. 16] in order to get their preferred offensive lineman, rectifying a major issue that undermined the team last season.
Click here for Dubin’s full mock draft.
Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (three rounds)
March 25, 2019
The predicted first-round pick: Andre Dillard, T, Washington State
It's all about the offensive line in Minnesota. Protecting Kirk Cousins and opening rushing lanes for Dalvin Cook are everything the front office should be focused on after building a team that made a playoff run in 2017 before regressing in 2018.
Andre Dillard is the smoothest, most athletic of the left tackle prospects in the 2019 draft class, but there are some concerns about his ability to bring power in the run game. Dillard can develop as a run blocker, but what's harder is finding a pass protector as naturally gifted as he is.
The predicted second-round pick (No. 50): Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
The predicted third-round pick (No. 81): Connor McGovern, C/G, Penn State
Click here for Miller’s full mock draft.
Chris Roling of Bleacher Report
March 31, 2019
The predicted pick: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Click here for Roling’s full mock draft.
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report
April 1, 2019
The predicted pick: Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College
Predictably, the Minnesota Vikings take the first interior offensive lineman off the board. Tom Compton (New York Jets) and Nick Easton (New Orleans Saints) signed elsewhere during free agency. Josh Kline joined the group, but he struggled in pass protection with the Tennessee Titans last term, allowing three sacks, per Washington Post's STATs.
If the Vikings acquire Chris Lindstrom, he'd start right away. The Boston College product spent a majority of his collegiate career at right guard. He would likely push Kline to the left side or into a reserve role. The added help in the trenches gives hope for an improved ground attack—assuming running back Dalvin Cook stays healthy this season.
In 2018, defenders stuffed Minnesota's running backs on 21.5 percent of their carries, 2.2 percent higher than the league average, per Football Outsiders. Lindstrom adds toughness to the interior and expands lanes for the tailbacks.
Click here for Moton’s full mock draft.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report
April 1, 2019
The predicted pick: Jonah Williams, T/G, Alabama
Click here for Buckley’s full mock draft.
Dan Kadar of SB Nation
April 1, 2019
The predicted pick: Andre Dillard, T, Washington State
Drafting a true offensive tackle like Dillard would move veteran Riley Reiff to the inside. That might be the smarter move for Minnesota than taking a guard like Chris Lindstrom of Boston College. Reiff should be able to handle the move and upgrade the run blocking while Dillard can be a long-term fix for pass protection.
Click here for Kadar’s full mock draft.
An image from September 9, 2018 regular season home game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings won 24-16. Vikings Draft Party
April 25 at U.S. Bank Stadium
Learn More Brad Kelly of The Draft Network
March 31, 2019
The predicted pick: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
While Minnesota has more pressing needs than tight end, it’s no secret that quarterback Kirk Cousins enjoys targeting the position in the pass game.
Hockenson projects as a very nice receiving threat because of his quickness and body control, but he’s known as a devastating blocker. He’s one of the 10 best players in the NFL draft, and scooping him up at 18 would be tremendous value for the Vikings. Address interior offensive line at pick 50.
Click here for Kelly’s full mock draft.
Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire
March 28, 2019
The predicted pick: Andre Dillard, T, Washington State
Whatever the Vikings do on offense with Kirk Cousins — and they’re always going to find limitations in that — their passing offense will be far more limited if Cousins doesn’t have enough protection to stay on script. Dillard needs to develop power as a run-blocker, but as a blindside protector, he has everything you want — from the quickness to snap and adjust to edge-rushers, to the intelligence and fast-twitch reflexes to take on games and stunts.
Click here for Farrar’s full mock draft.
PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 4/3/19
Lunchbreak: Josh Kline Could be Biggest ‘Sleeper Addition’ in the NFC North
By Eric Smith
When the Vikings signed offensive guard Josh Kline on March 20, the initial frenzy of free agency was already over.
Most of the league’s biggest names had inked new deals a week earlier when free agency opened, and while there was some notable attention given to Kline’s signing, it wasn’t overblown by any means.
But don’t underestimate the impact that Kline could have in Minnesota, as Dan Parr of NFL.com recently wrote that the offensive guard could be the biggest ‘sleeper addition’ in the NFC North.
Parr wrote:
This isn't a suggestion that Kline … is set for a breakout year at 29 years old after the lowest-graded season of his career, per PFF. It is, however, an acknowledgement of how consequential he could be to the Vikings in 2019. The offensive line was a disaster for Minnesota last season, and thus far, Kline has been the only addition to the group. That figures to change come the draft, but Kline is penciled in as the starter at right guard, and he has to be at least functional for his new team if Minnesota doesn't want to relive the nightmares from its disappointing 2018 campaign. He's made 46 consecutive starts at right guard, which is the longest active streak among NFL guards, and the Vikes are going to need the consistency – along with solid play – up front that they sorely lacked.
An undrafted free agent out of Kent State, Kline is an Ohio native who spent part of the 2013 season on New England’s practice squad before being activated to the 53-man roster for good in November.
He made 18 starts and appeared in 33 total games with the Patriots from 2013-2015, and he dressed but did not appear in Super Bowl XLIX against Seattle after the 2014 season.
Kline then landed in Tennessee, where he helped the Titans rank in the top half of the league in rushing — and finish in the top 10 twice — in the three seasons that Kline started.
Kline, who has appeared in 79 career games in six seasons and has made 64 starts, told the Twin Cities media last month that he felt right at home on his visit to Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.
“What drew me there the most was the family-first culture that Coach [Mike] Zimmer and Rick Spielman gave me as soon as I walked in the building,” Kline said. “Everyone … all the coaching staff around there … and from the training staff and the equipment staff … everyone in the building was just super nice.
“They were super welcoming and had that Midwest feel I’m accustomed to since I’m an Ohio boy,” Kline added.
ESPN has Vikings 15th in Power Rankings
There are still five months to go until the 100th NFL season kicks off.
But there is always time for power rankings, and ESPN recently unveiled its latest list of projections on where their experts believe teams stand across the league.
The Vikings, who are coming off an 8-7-1 season in 2018, were ranked 15th on the list.
Financial restrictions pertaining to the salary cap made things difficult for the Vikings in free agency. Minnesota wasn't nearly as active as it wanted to be, especially in replacing all the parts that departed along the offensive line, and was forced to make either/or decisions with the personnel it retained and let go. Defense was prioritized, with the Vikings ponying up the funds to retain linebacker Anthony Barr and defensive end Everson Griffen, which means adding pieces around quarterback Kirk Cousins will have to come via the draft.
Chicago was ranked sixth and Green Bay was at No. 15, while Detroit was 23rd.
PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 4/3/19
Vikings, Wilf Family Host Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S.
By Lindsay Young
EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings welcomed a special visitor to their headquarters this week.
Ambassador Ron Dermer, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, was hosted at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center Monday afternoon by Vikings leadership, including Owner/President Mark Wilf. Ambassador Dermer was given a tour of the state-of-the-art facility.
In Minnesota for events centered around government, business and Jewish community leadership, Dermer is the first Israeli Ambassador to visit the state of Minnesota since 2000.
“It was an honor to receive a visit from the Ambassador, and we endeavored to provide him as broad of an experience as possible when he visited Minnesota,” said Steve Hunegs, Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
Hunegs helped arrange the visit to TCO Performance Center for Ambassador Dermer, who was grateful to reconnect with the Wilf family.
Vikings leadership, including Owner/President Mark Wilf, gave Ambassador Dermer a tour of Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center Travis Ellison/Minnesota Vikings Vikings leadership, including Owner/President Mark Wilf, gave Ambassador Dermer a tour of Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center
“The Wilf family, of course, is deeply connected to Israel in numerous ways, particularly philanthropically with Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance Center),” Hunegs said. “That was very touching for the Ambassador to get a chance to talk to Mark and express his appreciation for what they do, and the Wilfs expressed their appreciation for the work of the Ambassador and Israel. That was an important, reciprocal moment.
“It was a powerfully poignant moment when the children of Holocaust survivors, who own a professional football team in Minnesota, could host the Ambassador of Israel, whose country is so completely embedded in Jewish history,” Hunegs said. “It’s as if all things came full-circle.”
Wilf also emphasized the impact of Ambassador Dermer’s visit not only on a professional level but on a personal level.
“Not only have we done business in Israel and continue to do so, but with our parents being Holocaust survivors and having a strong tie to Israel for decades, it was a nice full-circle experience, if you will, because of our love of this country and American football and the great values it represents,” Wilf said.
In addition to Wilf, Dermer was joined by Vikings Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Lester Bagley and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Steve Poppen.
Ambassador Dermer also spent time with Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman, and he received a behind-the-scenes look at the Vikings Draft Room, locker room and Indoor Practice Facility, where the former quarterback even took the opportunity to throw a few passes.
“He still has a pretty good arm – he threw a nice spiral,” Wilf said.
Ambassador Dermer (second from the left) spent time with Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer, Owner/President Mark Wilf and General Manager Rick Spielman Travis Ellison/Minnesota Vikings Ambassador Dermer (second from the left) spent time with Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer, Owner/President Mark Wilf and General Manager Rick Spielman
Born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida, Dermer watched the NFL from an early age, later quarterbacked Israel’s flag football World Cup team three times and in 2010 was inducted into the AFI (American Football in Israel) Flag Football Hall of Fame.
Hunegs described Ambassador Dermer as “a huge sports fan.”
“There was quite a bit of good-natured teasing back and forth about the Vikings and the Dolphins,” Hunegs said of the Miami native. “But the Ambassador agreed that he could become a Vikings fan since the Vikings play in the NFC – until the Vikings and Dolphins meet in the Super Bowl.”
Dermer was presented a custom purple Vikings jersey by Wilf, who said he appreciated the opportunity to give the Ambassador a glimpse not only into the Vikings franchise but also into the organization’s dedication to the community.
“We’re very proud of what this organization has accomplished, and we wanted to talk about how we’ve tried to bring a sense of community and share about the great things that our players, our staff, our organization does in the community,” Wilf said. “Whether it’s our high school football events that we’ve hosted here in Eagan or our community service efforts, it was great to talk to the Ambassador about how important the Vikings are in this community.”
Hunegs spoke about the commonality between Ambassador Dermer and the Wilf family, both of whom share the mindset of “outward thinking” and desire to help others.
“We heard that from the Ambassador, and know that from the Wilfs,” Hunegs said.
Added Wilf: “The Ambassador’s visit was really a special day, and we’re really glad he got to spend the time in his busy schedule and learn a little bit more about what we’re doing here with the Vikings. It’s something that all our community and our organization is really proud of.”
PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 4/3/19
Prospect Profile: Florida State DE Brian Burns
By Lindsay Young
Defensive end | Florida State | Junior
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 249 pounds
College Stats
2018: Started all 12 games; recorded 52 tackles (31 solo), 10 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, 3 passes broken up and 3 forced fumbles; named First-Team All-ACC and earned Team MVP and Defensive MVP honors
Career: Started 25 of 38 games played for the Seminoles; recorded 124 tackles (72 solo), 24 sacks (which ranked fifth in FSU history), 39.5 tackles for loss, 7 passes broken up, 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 blocked kicks
Photos: Florida State DE Brian Burns View photos of Florida State DE Brian Burns.
Profile
Summary: Burns attended American Heritage School (Plantation, Florida), where he helped the Stallions win state titles in 2013 and 2014. A five-star recruit, he received offers from Florida and Georgia, among others, but opted to commit to Florida State.
Burns led all FBS freshmen in 2016 with 9.5 sacks, which ranked 25th overall and seventh in the ACC. He recorded more than one sack in four games, a feat no Seminoles freshman had accomplished since 2006, and helped FSU finish No. 1 in FBS in sacks per game (3.92) and No. 1 in total sacks (51).
In 2017, he tied for first in the ACC and third nationally with two blocked punts, including one returned 13 yards.
Burns participated in the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, where his 40-yard dash time (4.53 seconds) ranked third among this year’s defensive linemen. He also was a top performer in the broad jump, where his leap of 10 feet, 9 inches was second-best among defensive linemen.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein defined Burns as a “basketball athlete with silky hips and sudden feet” and also noted that he has good “upfield burst” against offensive tackles and “ability and quickness to shadow [scrambling]” quarterbacks.
“Burns’ edge speed and varied rush approach should translate to the league, but his skinny frame and lack of play strength are absolutely concerns moving forward,” Zierlein said. “While some view him as a pass rusher only, it might be a waste not to utilize his blue-chip athletic ability in space as a hybrid linebacker.”
Click here to read Burns’ full profile on NFL.com.
Stacking up: The Athletic’s Dane Brugler tabbed Burns as the sixth-best edge rusher in this year’s draft class. He was unranked by NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks. Daniel Jeremiah initially put Burns at No. 36 in his list of Top 50 prospects pushed him up an impressive 12 spots in his post-combine rankings.
“Burns is a tall, skinny edge rusher with excellent length and athleticism. As a pass rusher, he has an explosive get-off, and the ability to bend/wrap at the top of his rush,” Jeremiah wrote. “He also has an explosive inside counter move. However, he doesn't have any snap once engaged and fails to convert speed to power. He needs to win early in the down. As a run defender, he lacks the girth and strength to consistently hold the point of attack, but he plays with excellent effort on the back side. Overall, Burns needs to get stronger, but his upside is sky high because of his length and speed.”
In good company: According to The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, Burns drew comparisons to the 2017 No. 1 overall pick from Florida State defensive ends coach Mark Snyder.
“His get-off and his bend reminds of me of Myles Garrett,” Snyder told Reed. “That’s the only guy I’ve been around that can do what Brian can do rushing the quarterback. He has some special tools.”