NFL Draft 2012: Headcases Who Would Benefit from Strong Leadership

Every NFL draft there are prospects who have all the tools to be stars, but have legitimate character concerns that bump them down the draft board.

This year will be no different as several players have made, ahem, less than smart decisions leading up to the draft.

Here are three players who would benefit from strong leadership in the NFL.

3. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

I'm sorry, when a prospect gets busted for marijuana possession when he's largely considered a Top 10 pick, you have to wonder where that player's head is.

Kirkpatrick had a marvelous season at Alabama and was a primary force in their national championship season. He may still be a Top 10 pick. But you wonder if his involvement with marijuana was a one-time thing or a life decision.

Kirkpatrick needs to understand he's being looked at as a potential pivotal piece for an organization and you can't go getting arrested for marijuana possession when a team gives you millions of dollars.

I have Kirkpatrick going No. 8 overall to the Carolina Panthers. Hopefully head coach Ron Rivera will be a positive influence.

2. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

We all know about Janoris Jenkins. He got busted for marijuana possession twice while with the Florida Gators, which led to his dismissal from the team.

Jenkins has elite speed, quickness and coverage skills. He could be a star if he stays focused on and off the field.

I see him going to the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 21 overall.

1. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

It's always frustrating when you see a player of Vontaze Burfict's caliber potentially jeopardize everything with stupid decisions on the football field.

Burfict's tenacity is one reason why some NFL scouts love him at inside linebacker, but it can sometimes get him into trouble. He was flagged for several personal fouls this season at Arizona State, sometimes in critical moments of the game.

Burfict has the strength, instincts and sideline-to-sideline range to be a force in the NFL, but he needs to harness his violent demeanor.

I have him going to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 30 overall, which would be the perfect place for him alongside veteran leader Ray Lewis.