The most common pro comp for Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns coming into the NFL last year was Von Miller, even if he is a somewhat lankier and less-polished version of the Denver Broncos’ star pass-rusher.
Carolina’s new five-year veteran defensive end Stephen Weatherly has a different comparison, though. Speaking with the media today on Zoom, Weatherly called Burns’ body control “freakish” like that of his former Minnesota Vikings teammate Danielle Hunter.
That’s some high praise, as Hunter is one of the league’s elite edge defenders in a era that is flooded with them. In addition to two Pro Bowl trips, Hunter has posted 54.5 sacks, 80 quarterback hits, 67 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles since he was selected by Minnesota in the third round of the 2015 draft.
Carolina would probably be satisfied with that kind of production from Burns over the next four years. His ceiling is higher, though.
