The Panthers have the No. 16 pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Keep Sounding PodcastPanthers 2019 NFL DraftCSR Film RoomPanthers 2019 NFL DraftThe Panthers bolster their pass rush in Dan Kadar’s latest 2019 mock draft by selecting Jachai Polite No. 16 overallNew Dennis Daley Carolina Panthers Jersey ,36commentsThe Panthers have the No. 16 pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.ESTShareTweetShareShareThe Panthers bolster their pass rush in Dan Kadar’s latest 2019 mock draft by selecting Jachai Polite No. 16 overallIt’s no secret that one of the biggest needs the Panthers have entering the 2019 offseason is a pass rusher. We’ve talked about this already on Cat Scratch Reader, but one of the easiest ways for the Panthers to add defensive ends to their depleted depth chart is through the NFL Draft. Last Monday, Dan Kadar of SB Nation had the Panthers adding depth to their secondary with the No. 16 overall pick, but this week he has changed his prediction to give the Panthers a pass rusher.I briefly talked about Polite earlier today, and said the following:There are scenarios where Polite makes it to No. 16, and if he’s there the Panthers will have a tough decision to make on drafting him. Here’s a little more info on Polite, courtesy of WalterFootball, who lists Polite as the No. 5 defensive end in this year’s class:My takeI won’t be mad if the Panthers take Polite No. 16 overall, unless there’s another can’t miss prospect who fits the roster better. Unless Nick Bosa somehow falls in the draft or the left tackle of the future is still sitting there on the board, I can’t be too upset at Marty Hurney for trying to upgrade the pass rush, which is an absolute clear need for the Panthers. I’m a little concerned that Polite is more of a 3-4 outside linebacker than a 4-3 defensive end Cheap Dennis Daley Jersey , but I’m also not a paid NFL scout so if professionals think he can handle the job I’ll take a wait and see approach before overreacting. (By the way, y’all should try that sometime. It makes life a lot easier. Not calling anyone in particular out, just handing out free advice.)What do you think about the Panthers getting Polite at No. 16? Do you think it would be a good pick? Why or why not? Share your thoughts! The talented edge rusher out of Florida State fills a great need and can win in many areas immediately, with the potential to win in all spots eventually."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Keep Sounding PodcastPanthers 2019 NFL DraftCSR Film RoomPanthers 2019 NFL DraftPanthers post pick review: What I think of Brian BurnsNew,24commentsThe talented edge rusher out of Florida State fills a great need and can win in many areas immediately, with the potential to win in all spots eventually.EDTShareTweetShareSharePanthers post pick review: What I think of Brian BurnsGlenn Beil-USA TODAY SportsThe Carolina Panthers made a wise choice last night with the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft in choosing to address the most glaring area of concern from last season; the pass rush. To that end, they selected Brian Burns, a super athletic and accomplished edge rusher out of Florida State. Those of you who have been on our site for the entire pre-draft process know that I don’t do much of any analysis leading up to the draft. I prefer to do my research once I know a player is going to be a member of our team, and now that Brian Burns wears the black and blue, here is what I think from reviewing some of his game film from last season.Athleticism and intangibles: EliteOur own Billy Marshall is spot on in praising Burns for his athletic measurables. He is that special kind of athlete that makes the difficult look routine, and the impossible possible. Watching him play Womens Curtis Samuel Jersey , it is a lot like watching a defensive Cam Newton. I say that because not only are their builds similar, but their motions are fluid and instinctive. Burns never looks like he is getting winded doing anything. Several people have compared him athletically to Von Miller, and they aren’t wrong to do so, but the difference there is going to be technique. Can the Panthers instill more violence in Burns movements, and expand his move set? If they can, watch out.Block shedding/disengage: AverageThis is an area that can be improved by coaching and conditioning for Burns. When linemen successfully get their hands on him and he doesn't have a speed avenue to escape, he is somewhat defenseless. This is partly due to his relative strength and weight, and partly due to his need to learn better priorities in how he addresses potential blockers. This area is what sets a guy like Von Miller apart from other guys in his mold, he is the best in football in setting up a blocker for failure. If you can initiate impact and use it to stagger the guy blocking you, you can make the first move to beat him. Neutralize the blocker then pursue the ball.Pocket disruption: EliteAs Ron Rivera alluded to in their post pick press conference by calling Burns a “1.5 guy” is that he makes splash plays through causing constant discomfort to quarterbacks. Even if he doesn’t directly notch a sack, he forces quarterbacks out of a feeling of safety routinely Womens Donte Jackson Jersey , often leading to opportunities for others. Burns does a great job in using his speed, length, and hands to apply pressure directly or simulate it through chaos. He gets offensive tackles off their spots, forcing them into uncomfortable areas in space where he excels at winning to the inside with a formidable rip counter. Even if they do manage to get their body between him and the quarterback, the pocket collapses and it often leads to a negative play or turnover.Run support and tackling: Below averageThis has almost everything to do with his size. He simply needs to add more weight to be effective against simple running plays like power or zone runs, but he does have a huge advantage defending plays that require some sort of setup, like a counter or any kind of misdirection. There are several examples of him in college where he explodes through the weak side of the line and meets the ball carrier just as he completes the handoff, something that only the best athletes can hope to do. To that end, he seems to understand his gap assignment, which is all Luke Kuechly is going to care about, but he did on more than one occasion pursue the wrong guy on option plays leading to big gains. What I’m saying is DJ Moore Jersey White , he is hit and miss against the run, but could develop to hit more often.Positional flexibility: Very goodIf the Panthers are looking to run more multiple fronts and create more opportunities through subterfuge, they made an excellent selection in Burns. While not at his best in a traditional 4-3 set shaded on a tackles shoulder, he is still capable there. In any other configuration that allows him to use his speed as a first option, from a five tech out to a wide nine, i expect him to stand out immediately. Even better, his coverage skills are advanced for a defensive lineman, and would be considered formidable by even traditional linebacker standards, again, thanks to his athleticism and agility.Where he wins in the NFL right nowObvious passing situationsOne on one with no helpOdd frontsStunts that take advantage of his speedZone Blitz as a rusher or coverage manWhere he’s unlikely to win right nowTraditional 4-3 alignmentVersus zone or power run heavy teamsVersus read option as the point defenderCurrent NFL comp: Dee FordPotential NFL comp: Von Miller