2012 NFL Mock Draft: 2 Prime Examples of How Talent Could Get Wasted

Jared CountermanJun 7, 2018

It seems like every talent evaluator in the country finds himself with a few terrible dilemmas every April.

For an NFL scout, talent is what they relentlessly search for on a daily basis. Far and wide, they look for guys who can change the landscape of an NFL game. In reality, only few players have that type of ability. Unfortunately, talent isn't the only component to a game changer.

Plenty of masterfully-skilled players have gone on to unsuccessful careers, mostly because of issues with work ethic or attitude. It's tragic, really, to know what these guys are compatible of and to see them bust out of the NFL over personal issues. You'd think that through the stages of America's favorite game, players who don't want it more than anything would be weeded out. However, these character risks continue to survive on talent alone.

Not all players with character concerns have a negative effect on the league; some go on to fantastic careers. Could 2012's NFL draft bring disappointment to the league? Will some of this group's biggest talents go to ruin because of a lack of character?

Here are two excellent examples of how immense talent could be wasted in 2012.

1. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

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I could make an argument that Gamecock WR Alshon Jeffery is a top-10 talent in today's modern NFL.

When Jeffery is at his best, there isn't a defender in the country who has the ability to cover him. At 6'4", Jeffery has the size to be a force. Even more impressive is his ability to get the football at its highest point and beat multiple defensive backs to it.

In my days of evaluating, I'd be hard pressed to find a guy who has superior ball skills than Jeffery. His wide catch radius allows him to snatch even the most poorly-thrown balls with ease. This is a trait that only a handful of people have. For example, NFL superstars like Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson possess similar traits to Alshon Jeffrey. Size, ball skills and a knack for coming down with the ball all run in the genes of these pass catchers.

There is another over-sized wideout who had similar abilities too: Mike Williams, formerly a USC Trojan and Detroit Lion. With the 10th selection in the 2005 NFL draft, Matt Millen and the Detroit Lions picked Williams with the hopes of getting a Fitzgerald or Johnson type of player. Throughout Mike Williams' career, he struggled to get on field because he struggled with maturity issues. Williams' wasn't able to keep up with the physical demands of the NFL, falling out of shape and then out of the league.

NFL personnel experts are worried about Jeffery, because at South Carolina the wideout has displayed some spooky reminders of Mike Williams and the bust that he was. Concerns are swirling about Jeffery possibly weighing in at 240, while running a 4.8 40-yard dash in his training for the NFL combine in Indianapolis. If reports are true, the worries about Jeffery are going to be on full blast. The top-10 talent could fall completely out of the first round.

The only person who can ensure Jeffery's talent isn't wasted, is Alshon Jeffery.

2. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

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Normally, I'm the first one to endorse linebackers with the fire Arizona State Sun Devil Vontaze Burfict has. Burfict plays the game of football with intensity and passion. The trick for Burfict is to keep that fiery disposition under control.

At Arizona State, Burfict has been a staple since the first day he stepped on campus. To call his instincts for the game rare would be an understatement. Burfict has the skill to force blockers backwards and make a forceful play on the ball carrier. He seems to take every snap with a certain aggression. That aggression has resulted in some huge plays for the Arizona State defense, but it also cost them on numerous occasions.

Burfict's physical play is what NFL scouts crave, it just has to be contained between the blows of the whistle. Personal foul penalties have plagued Burfict and his defense. Control is an important part of playing defense, even more so while playing frustrating modern offenses.

Vontaze Burfict has NFL big shots nervous to pull the trigger on him. Reports from numerous credible sources have indicated that Burfict was out of shape for his pre-combine training.

If those reports are true, Burfict's draft stock is in jeopardy of taking a massive shot.

His talent is undeniable, but it won't take him far if he can't control his aggression and stay in shape.