For the second year in a row, the Los Angeles Rams will be looking long and hard at the incoming class of pass rushers. Dante Fowler Jr. is a free agent and Samson Ebukam was a disappointment in 2018, potentially giving way to two new starters on the edge.
Fortunately, this is a strong draft class for pass rushers. The Rams don’t pick until No. 31 in the first round, but should they want to address the position at that spot, there are likely to be quality players available.
In Peter Schrager’s first mock draft for NFL.com, that was exactly the case. Brian Burns out of Florida State fell to the Rams at 31, which would be a steal for Los Angeles.
Burns is an explosive pass rusher, who, despite a “skinny” frame, seems to get to the quarterback and shed blockers. Los Angeles has decisions to make on several free agents, including Dante Fowler. Burns could make a difference immediately.
Burns addressed the primary concern surrounding his draft stock on Friday when he weighed in at the NFL combine. He came in 249 pounds, which is up from his playing weight of about 235 pounds.
That’s great news for the lanky pass rusher. His wingspan of 83 5/8 inches at 6-foot-4 6/8 is also promising, improving his stock in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, his weigh-in may have pushed him out of the Rams’ range.
All eyes will be on his times and performances in on-field drills Saturday, which could cement Burns as a top-20 pick come April.
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