Arizona Cardinals showing interest in Florida State star

The Arizona Cardinals have shown interest in another pass-rusher projected to go in the first round.

Per Jon Ledyard of Draft Network, the Arizona Cardinals are one of the four teams to recently have a visit with Florida State pass-rusher Brian Burns. The Cardinals are also one of two teams (including the Colts) to have an extended meet up with Burns that includes a three-hour dinner.

However, Burns isn’t expected to be available to the Cardinals at the top of the second round nor is he a candidate to be the top pick. His draft stock means the team is doing one of three things; due diligence in case he falls, due diligence in case he gets drafted to an NFC West team or checking in a prospect they might draft if they were to trade down.

Burns was an uber-productive edge rusher for Florida State in his three seasons in a featured role. Over the course of his Florida State career, Burns tallied 97 tackles, 24.0 sacks, 82 hurries, and 20 quarterback hits, per Pro Football Focus. He ranks 21st in the class in pass-rush productivity with a 9.2 score, 15th in snaps per inside-pressure with 19.3, and snaps per outside-pressure with 17, per PFF.

At the combine, Burns tested well. He measured in at 6-4, 249-pounds, and ran a 4.53 second 40-yard-dash. He also recorded a 36-inch vertical, 129-inch broad jump, and 7.01-second three-cone-drill, all good numbers.

The Florida State product is expected to be picked within the first 20 picks by most draft experts, so it’s fair to wonder just what the Arizona Cardinals have up their sleeve with Brian Burns.

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