3. EDGE BRIAN BURNS, CAROLINA PANTHERS
No. 16 overall pick
Burns was productive at Florida State and was a favorite of many analysts prior to the 2019 draft, but he fell to the No. 16 overall pick because of questions surrounding his size and ability to defend against the run. Through three seasons these concerns appear to have some merit, as Burns has struggled against the run and as a tackler. However, that is not what gets an edge rusher paid in this league — getting after the quarterback does, and that's where Burns excels.
Burns' 107 quarterback pressures over the last two seasons rank 11th among edge defenders, his 83.8 pass-rush grade ranks 16th, and his 18 sacks are tied for 12th with Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge defender Shaquil Barrett.
Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer has made it clear that getting a long-term deal done with Burns is a top priority.
Contract projection: Five years, $120 million ($24M per year), $95 million total guaranteed
source: https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-280-million-kyler-murray-how-much-money-nick-bosa-deebo-samuel-get-2022