Niner Noise
FanSided

2019 NFL Draft: Early Round 1 mock for all 32 teams across the league

By Peter Panacy

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A Dallas Cowboys fan cheers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A Dallas Cowboys fan cheers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 06: Brian Burns #99 of the Florida State Seminoles causes a fumble by N’Kosi Perry #5 of the Miami Hurricanes in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 06: Brian Burns #99 of the Florida State Seminoles causes a fumble by N’Kosi Perry #5 of the Miami Hurricanes in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

50. . EDGE. Florida State. Brian Burns. 9. player

The Detroit Lions elected to slap the franchise tag on veteran EDGE Ezekiel Ansah this offseason. But after yet another injury-prone season in which Ansah is now dealing with a shoulder issue, it’s a safe bet the Lions will cut their losses and move on from the talented-yet-always hurt pass-rusher.

Replacing Ansah will be a key focus for Detroit this offseason. Factoring in head coach Matt Patricia’s defensive focus, one has to envision the team going with the defensive side of the ball.

So why not target one of the best pass-rushers available at this point?

Florida State’s Brian Burns might not quite be at the level of a Nick Bosa or Clelin Ferrell. But he’s fast, disruptive and has an excellent burst with his first step. In the pass-happy NFC North, getting a top-tier pass-rusher would be an essential way to stay relevant in what’s turning into one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.