49ers: 5 pass-rushing options in the 2019 NFL Draft for San Francisco

2019 NFL Draft: 5 pass-rushing options for the San Francisco 49ers

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to pass against the defensive lineman Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 15: Punter Dom Maggio #48 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons fumbles the ball in front of defensive end Brian Burns #99 of the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

It’s highly doubtful the 49ers wind up in a position to draft either Clelin Ferrell or Nick Bosa early on draft day. Instead, John Lynch and Co. will likely have to wait around a bit and let some next-level talent fall to them in the middle of Round 1.

Still, there’s plenty of likable options at this point, and one of those is Florida State EDGE Brian Burns.

Burns is a bit more on the slender size than either Ferrell and Bosa. At 6-foot-5 and 218 pounds, Burns could stand a bit more muscle on his frame. But he’s fast — a true edge bender in every sense of the term.

Burns’ stock took a bit of a hit last year after his impressive 8.5-sack freshman season back in 2016. Following up that effort with a mere 4.5 quarterback takedowns last year didn’t help his rankings entering this season. Yet a strong bounce-back campaign his junior year could force NFL teams to make some tough choices atop the draft order.

If Burns winds up making it into the teens in the 2019 NFL Draft, one might think the 49ers would be enticed to pull the trigger.