Giants Now: Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence named among ESPN’s top players at different skills

Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence named among ESPN’s top players at different skills

For the second consecutive year, ESPN’s Matt Bowen released his list of the best NFL players at 102 different skills.

As Bowen wrote, “For example, who is the most instinctive passer in the NFL, or the QB with the biggest arm? Which receiver runs the best routes, and who is the most explosive running back? Which pass rusher has the fastest closing speed, and which defensive back is the top ball hawk in the secondary? Special teams matter, too; who is the best punt returner?

“So I picked out 102 different traits and named the best of the best in each spot based on what I’ve seen on tape this season and the underlying numbers.”

First up is outside linebacker Brian Burns, who was named best bend/flex.

“A fluid mover with incredible lower-body flex, Burns has six sacks and 39 pressures this season,” wrote Bowen. “And his pass rush win rate of 23.0% ranks fourth.”

In addition to his six sacks and impressive pass rush win rate, Burns has also registered 52 total tackles (31 solo), 10 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, one forced fumble and a career-high eight passes defensed.