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.
View the top photos of outside linebacker Brian Burns' NFL career.
The other Giants player featured on ESPN's list is defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, who received two honors from Bowen, the first of which was most physical defensive lineman.
"Lawrence uses his massive frame and strength at 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds to control the interior of the front," said Bowen. "He demands double-teams in the run game, and his nine sacks are the most for a defensive tackle."
Despite playing just 12 games this season before being placed on injured reserve earlier this week, Lawrence registered a career-best nine sacks.
The sixth-year lineman also had 44 tackles (23 solo), eight tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, one forced fumble and one pass defensed.
Lawrence was not only recognized for his physicality and pass rush skills, but he was also awarded the honor of the league's best run-stopper.
"Before his left elbow injury, Lawrence had a run stop win rate of 32% this season," the ESPN analyst wrote. "He also picked up eight tackles for loss and six run stops. He's an interior force."
View photos of defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence's career with the Giants.
View photos of the Giants on the practice field at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
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