NFL Draft: Full 2019 Round 1 mock with trades, April Fools' version

2019 NFL Draft: Full Round 1 mock with trades, April Fools’ version

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium during a moment of silence for the victims and those others affected by the Bombing at the Boston Marathon in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

17 of 33

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) /

87. . EDGE. Florida State. Brian Burns. 16. player

The Panthers would have been enticed to grab Jonah Williams at No. 16 overall, which is why the Vikings made the move to overpass them.

That said, Carolina is in need of a quality outside pass-rusher to replace the now-retired EDGE, Julius Peppers. Sure, signing veteran EDGE Bruce Irvin should help with depth. But he’s not likely a long-term fix and shouldn’t be counted upon to be a regular contributor at this stage in his career.

Instead, the Panthers land one of the best pure pass-rushers in this year’s NFL Draft, Florida State’s Brian Burns.

Burns is the epitome of today’s speed rushers. Sure, he’s a bit undersized compared to many others. But this allows him to bend and change directions with much greater ease and fluidity. That’s vital, considering the league’s move away from jumbo packages towards more open offensive formations.

A Burns-to-Carolina pairing would mean great things for the Panthers defense in 2019 and beyond.