NFL Draft 2012: 3 Potential First-Round Picks with Effort Issues

One of the most overused phrases when hearing and reading mock drafts is “high motor."

It’s a term typically given to players who display maximum effort on every play. "Charlie Hustle" is their middle name.

But what about the other side of the coin? The Albert Haynesworth’s of the world. The guys that cash that first check with an NFL logo on it and check out of staying focused and getting better.

This year there are three guys who have been pegged as first-rounders by the vast majority of experts that will be entering the league with plenty of question marks surrounding their ability to consistently give 100 percent.

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples certainly has the physical tools (6’6’’, 285 pounds) to exceed in the NFL and has flashed plenty of potential during his collegiate career. Yet it’s hard to overlook the fact that four of his 7.5 sacks came against James Madison and Duke.

NFLdraftgreek.com wonders if Coples can find the passion within to become a strong player consistently: "Everything about Quinton Coples NFL future hinges on how hard he is willing to work to be great, and whether he can consistently put forth the effort needed to achieve his potential."

Here’s one guy that could fool scouts at the combine by showing off his physical skills. I’m not sold.

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

He plays with plenty of aggression on the field, but his work ethic is incredibly questionable. It sounds like he hasn’t done an ounce of work since his season was over according to draftinsider.net:

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I was told at the Senior Bowl when he showed up for combine training in January; Burfict looked soft and out of shape. Latest word has him completing less than 15 reps on the bench recently and Burfict has been slowed by a leg (hamstring) issue. All that we’ve talked with say the biggest issue surrounding the often times dominant linebacker is work ethic.

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This is killing his stock and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up falling to the second round.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

He has all of the talent in the world, but does he care about being great?

After producing a 88-catch, 1,517-yard sophomore season, he put up a measly 49 catches for 762 yards his junior year with one bowl game ejection.

He has let success go to his head already and NFL draft expert Mike Mayock is declaring that Jeffery isn’t worth a first-round pick because of his inability to create separation from the defender. He needs a strong combine to prove to teams he has matured, is ready to work hard,and can run a 4.5 40-yard dash.

It’s going to be a big couple of days for Jeffery.