Niner Noise
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2019 NFL Scouting Combine: 5 pass-rushers who should intrigue 49ers

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 06: Defensive back Brian Allen of Utah runs the shuttle drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 06: Defensive back Brian Allen of Utah runs the shuttle drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/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) /

Midway through the 2018 NCAA season, Florida State EDGE Brian Burns might have been a player to watch as a possible Round 2 selection, possibly someone the 49ers may target at No. 36 overall.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

But Burns’ stock level seems to have risen the past few weeks, now flirting with a selection taking place somewhere in the teens on day one of the draft.

It’s not hard to understand why. The 6-foot-5 and 235-pound edge rusher might appear a little lean on the surface, which is why some scouts may be turned off by a possible first-round selection. That said, Burns’ speed — arguably more important in today’s pass-happy league — is exceptional.

And one of the things that stand out about his tape is the observance his relative lack of bulk doesn’t show up on game day. He certainly appears to play more powerful than his size would suggest. Burns also has a pro-level array of pass-rushing moves, too.

Granted, Burns might be a bit of a reach for the Niners at No. 2 overall. Yet if Burns aces his NFL Scouting Combine performance, San Francisco might feel perfectly comfortable targeting him after a would-be Round 1 trade down.