Derek Burns brings length, edge versatility, and developmental upside to UTEP
Burns is a 6'5", 254-pound edge defender whose appeal is more about traits than production: UTEP’s roster lists him as a defensive end, and EA’s ratings flag above-average awareness, toughness, tackling, power-move ability, and block-shedding for his profile. His college résumé is still thin after limited game action at New Mexico State, so he looks more like a projection piece than a finished product, but his size and multi-year experience at multiple stops make him a plausible fit for a staff that values developmental pass-rush tools and physical edge-setting over instant stat lines.
