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2019 NFL Draft: Power ranking top 10 edge rushers for 49ers

By Peter Panacy

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 1: Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 1: Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/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) /

Bend is important for outside pass-rushers, of course, and few are as good at this as Florida State’s Brian Burns.

Burns, 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, relies far more on his bend and pursuit skills rather than his sheer size. More on size in a moment, but there’s always the argument that speed is more important for today’s edge rushers than sheer strength.

Especially considering offenses rely more on three- and four-wide sets with fewer blockers up front.

Burns burst onto the scene last year with 10 sacks, yet he’s been a regular force in opponents’ backfields the last two years. 2018 marked the first time over his three-year collegiate career he was able to get to quarterbacks with any sort of regularity. That’s important, as finishing plays is awfully vital.

The one thing Burns will have to work on, though, is his play strength and aggression. Finesse pass-rushers have their place in today’s NFL, yet Burns will need to prove he has the strength and aggression to adequately handle even average offensive tackles at the pro level.