Scouting Report: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

by Samuel GoldLeave a CommentScouting Report: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida StateArticles

Here is my scouting report on Brian Burns, EDGE out of Florida State:

General Comments:

  • Good chase when he has the target in sight.
  • Solid hand technique to keep his frame clean and time his punches
  • Big, tall, and long. Can line up in 2pt and 3pt stance.
  • Edge rusher with stunt running ability.
  • Alignment: Wide9, 7T
  • Can play contain very well
  • Burst to get into the backfield with incredible hip bend.
  • Reactive. Will get hands up to swat at passes
  • Teams would throw double teams at him.
  • Bit of a nastiness and mean streak to him.
  • Much better at keeping his frame clean in space if he avoids initial contact than he is after he has to gain contact and disengage
  • Smart. Clear command of defensive concepts. Gave instructions to other defensive lineman.

Pass Rush:

  • Great first step. Instant burst up the field.
  • Flashed the makings of a spin move to create inside penetration. Uses speed and hip flexibility to spin around offensive lineman.
  • I do want him to press outside more
  • Great finish and hip flexibility to sack QB
  • Good shake and chop to win inside
  • Excellent bend and rip around the edge. Uses hands well to strip the QB
  • Commanded double team with running back chipping
  • Effective swim move

Pass rush will fail:

  • Halted rush when there was play-fake action.
  • He stalls and watches too often.
  • Completely stonewalled by tight ends on occasion. Hands on chest plate. Didn’t break contact and couldn’t disengage.
  • Ridden around edge. Want him to turn upfield with hip flexibility

Run Defense:

  • Can get blown backwards in the run game.
  • Much better at being a penetrating defender using hands to avoid contact than taking on blocks head on
  • Smart. Quick and decisive read on zone read option. Instant burst to close and finish.
  • Will run downfield to seal off run lanes and help finish.
  • Can finely tune a chop swipe to get in the backfield quickly to penetrate. Much better for penetrating defense
  • Can get widened at the point of attack. Doesn’t disengage in time.
  • Backside burst is awesome

Pass Coverage:

  • Dropped into coverage as an underneath zone.
  • Great hip flexibility to move around.
  • Good reaction ability and quickness
  • Awesome awareness to cover on misdirection.
Samuel Gold

Sam founded NFL Breakdowns after working his way through the journalist farm system and is enjoying life in the big league. Growing up outside of Washington, D.C., Sam didn’t choose the Redskins, the Redskins chose him. Out of a love for the game and an insatiable curiosity to determine why his beloved team was underperforming, Sam turned to studying film in NFL Breakdowns.