This year I wrote the player rankings and evaluations for the USA Today 2012 NFL Draft magazine. It’s on newsstands now and available online here. Leading up to the draft, I’ll be reprinting some of my quick reports here.
Vontaze Burfict 2012 NFL Draft quick report
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Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State
Ht: 6'3, Wt: 248 pounds
Strengths: Burfict is an intimidating, physically gifted athlete who has the skill set to do everything you’d want in a linebacker. He’s strong at the point of attack and can run right through offensive linemen. Can really lay a hit on the ball carrier. Great frame.
Weaknesses: Undisciplined tackler. Burfict was frequently a target of referees and had numerous personal fouls for late hits and dirty plays in his career. Instincts are poor. Looks out of shape. Regressed as a junior. May not be willing to put in the effort to match his natural talent. Got benched as a junior and didn’t take responsibility.
Combine quotable: (On his junior season) I played average. I could’ve played better. That’s what hurt me at times. The coaches kind of messed me up. I didn’t know if I would start a game or be benched. It hurt me, but I tried to fight through it.
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