Panthers’ Brian Burns Still Getting +750 Odds to Win DROY After Being Named a Player of the Month
- The chances of Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns being named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year are rapidly increasing
- Burns opened the season at odds of +3000
- Four weeks into the NFL campaign, his odds have improved to +750
When it comes to Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns, it would be fair to say that he’s caught fire in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year race.
The 16th player chosen in the 2019 NFL Draft, his average NFL DROY odds were at +3000 originally. During the preseason, that moved to +1700.
By the end of Week 1 of the regular season, Burns was at +1400. He’d shortened to +800 after Week 3.
2019 NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year Odds
| Player | Position | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darnell Savage | S | Packers | +333 |
| Devin Bush | LB | Steelers | +450 |
| Nick Bosa | DE | 49ers | +500 |
| Brian Burns | LB | Panthers | +750 |
| Josh Allen | LB | Jaguars | +800 |
| Ed Oliver | DT | Bills | +1000 |
| Devin White | LB | Buccaneers | +1600 |
| Quinnen Williams | DE | Jets | +1600 |
| Clenin Ferrell | DT | Raiders | +2200 |
| Dexter Lawrence | DT | Giants | +2500 |
| Montez Sweat | LB | Redskins | +2500 |
Odds taken on 10/03/19.
One month into his NFL career, the chances of Burns being named NFL DROY are at +750 now, following Week 4 action.
Award-Winning Burns
What a first month as an NFL player it was for Burns. The Panthers linebacker was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for September by the NFL. Pro Football Focus recognized Burns as its Defensive Rookie of the Month for September, as well.
Brian Burns vs. Jordan Mills is unfair pic.twitter.com/RHVO7UZOD9
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) October 2, 2019
Through his first four NFL games, Burns has accounted for 11 tackles. He’s also recorded 2.5 sacks and nine QB pressure. Those latter two stats are tops among NFL rookies.
https://twitter.com/NoleGameday/status/1179737387359977473?s=20
PFF graded Burns out at 78.4 through the first four weeks of the season. The was the #1 grade among 33 NFL rookies who’d taken a minimum of 100 defensive snaps. Burns ranked second among qualifying first-year players in pass-rush win percentage (17.8 percent), pass-rush grade (72.4) and pressure percentage (15.8 percent).
Isn’t He Special?
Burns has also proven to be a special teams demon. He’s already blocked two punts.
When Burns was an emerging star in college at Florida State, he went to the coaching staff and pleaded with them to be permitted to remain on the punt team.
He’s asked the same of the Panthers coaches, that he be left on punt block assignments throughout his career.
#Panthers rookie DE Brian Burns says he wants to be on punt block his entire career. He’s gotten a piece of a few this year. Gotta love that mentality from a possible future All-Pro
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) October 2, 2019
His explosiveness off the ball makes Burns an ideal punt rusher, and it’s already paying dividends. Only three NFL teams have blocked a punt so far this season.
And Burns has blocked two himself.
Injury Concerns For Panthers?
Just when you might be leaning toward a wager on Burns, a word of caution is suggested.
Burns didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday in preparation for this week’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s nursing a wrist injury.
That ailment limited him to a season low 55 percent of snaps (38 of 69) against the Texans.
He’s expected to play with some sort of protective device on his hand in/Week 5. That could limit his effectiveness.
Burns In Tough
There’s a bumper crop of NFL rookies this season, so competition for ROY on both sides of the ball will be stiff. Green Bay safety Darnell Savage has proven to be a big playmaker. He’s intercepted a pass, deflected three others, and forced a fumble.
SAVAAAAAAAGE ‼️
First career pick for @darnellsavage_! #HeATerp pic.twitter.com/KDl19qncvb
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) September 22, 2019
Pittsburgh linebacker Devin Bush is reminiscent of Indy LB Darius Leonard, last season’s NFL DROY. Like Leonard, he’s a tackling machine all over the field. Bush has already recorded 37 tackles.
At this point, the odds on Burns are low. If you’re thinking about making a play on him, best to wait and see how his wrist injury shakes out.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
