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Atlanta Falcons 2016 NFL Draft scouting report: CB Artie Burns

By Chandler Stewart

Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Artie Burns (1) looks on during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Artie Burns (1) looks on during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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With no defensive backs being brought to the Atlanta Falcons during free agency, you can bet with a certainty that Dan Quinn will be lobbying for numerous ones in the draft room. The Atlanta secondary outside of Desmond Trufant was suspect at best last year and will need to add competition at all positions to try and improve.

Meet Artie Burns.

  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 193 pounds
  • 40 time: 4.46

The University of Miami product was a 2 year starter for the Hurricanes in his 3 years there and produced some quality numbers. Burns had 6 interceptions his Junior year and earned second team All-ACC honors. He has the type of size at 6’0 193 that Dan Quinn had in his corners in Seattle. He bring physicality that right now is lacking in the Atlanta secondary.

Burns is still a project but has great tools to work with. Burns already has good technique and a knack for getting in good position, which showed with 6 interception last year.He has length, which we know cannot be coached. His ability to jam receivers off the line is a great asset and something that other Atlanta corners seem to struggle with.

With Dan Quinn needing to play more man coverage to blitz more to get a pass rush, the Falcons have to be more physical with receivers at the line to give an extra second or two to allow quarterback pressure. Burns can compete with Alford for a starting job from his first day in camp and with the correct coaching, win that job and hopefully help solidify the other starting corner back spot opposite Trufant.

Next: Falcons seven-round mock draft featuring a trade

Defensive backs are in demand in Atlanta, so the possibility of us taking multiple in this draft are extremely high. Taking a flyer on a guy in the mid rounds who has the talent to be a starter would be a draft win.