Sometimes, success is about the situation you’re in. And for Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns, his situation may be holding him back.
ESPN senior NFL national reporter Jeremy Fowler rolled out his rankings of the top 10 edge rushers for the 2023 season—a list based on the votes and analysis of numerous league executives, coaches, scouts and players. In at No. 7 is Burns—who, according to an anonymous personnel evaluator, would be better off if he wasn’t where he is now.
The article reads:
“He has special ability: length, bend, closing speed, multiple moves,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “But he’s not a household name because he plays in Carolina.”
Despite playing for a smaller market franchise, Burns has done his damnedest to get some name recognition. After all, the dude’s been a Pro Bowl starter for the last two years.
Nonetheless, Burns’ excerpt ended with the following:
“If he was in San Francisco in Bosa’s spot, he’d be a superstar, too,” the evaluator said.
Well, if my grandmother had wheels, she would have been a bike.
Anyway, Bosa—who stacked up a league-leading 18.5 sacks en route to the 2022 AP Defensive Player of the Year honors—ranks atop the list.
