Vontaze Burfict, Junior, Linebacker, Arizona State
Overview:
The expectations were high when Vontaze Burfict stepped onto the campus of Arizona State. The 6-3, 245 pound linebacker wasted little time making an impact. His freshman campaign was extremely productive and he was named the Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year and earned all sorts of All-Freshman accolades. On the year he ranked second on the team with 69 tackles and added 7.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and five pass breakups.
Burfict kept the good times rolling as a sophomore in 2010. This time around he turned into a leader on the field. When a play needed to be made, ASU hoped Burfict would be the guy who could do it. He led the team with 90 tackles and continued to be a big hitter for an inside linebacker and forced two fumbles.
Final Projection:
Burfict has all the athletic ability needed to be a great NFL player. He is very strong and has enough speed to play either the inside or outside linebacker spot. The problem is his consistency and mental lapses. Poor decisions made during the run of play is something that can develop over time as Burfict gains more experience and instinct, but the bigger issue is his knack for picking up personal fouls. He is an emotional player and has yet to be able to control his emotions. It cost ASU a couple times during the 2010 campaign and Burfict needs to get that issue under control before he can start thinking about the NFL.
1/5/12 Update:
Burfict lived up to his reputation, for better and worse, during the 2011 season. He opted to go pro and it remains to be seen if that is a good decision. He should wow coaches and scouts at the NFL Combine, but the lasting images of his collegiate career are generally negative. Even so, he is a superb talent and a fiesty competitor who should be a late first round selection.
3/17/12 Update:
The one thing Burfict had going for him is now gone. Everybody knew he was a loose cannon on the field, and a little bit off as well, but he was supposed to be an athletic linebacker who would perform well under circumstances like the NFL Combine. That was not the case. He ran an awful 40 and failed to impress on the field. And then he went on to say all the wrong things. Many NFL teams will have them off their board entirely because they just do not want to pay to deal with him. And it is hard to blame them. That leaves Burfict way down in the draft and somebody will probably figure it is worth a shot in the fifth or sixth round.
See all NFL Draft Profiles and Rankings
