NFL Draft 2012: Vontaze Burfict and Stars with Baggage

Whether they're carrying on-field or off-field baggage, NFL teams want to know they can trust their new investments.

That is what every drafted player is—an investment.

At the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, every player will get an opportunity to explain themselves, for better or worse.

In this year's class, there are more than a few players carrying baggage, and they will have plenty of explaining to do.

Some of these players are big stars. 

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

The Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker has been on the radar since his freshman year in the desert. At 6'3", 250 pounds, Burfict has the size to excel in the NFL and plays with a tenacity and aggressiveness that coaches love.

Unfortunately, that very same tenacity and aggressiveness gets him into trouble far too often.

Burfict is immature and undisciplined. He's been cited for instances of talking back to his coaches and even disobeying direct orders.

He'll have to sell himself as a maturing player or he'll slide down the board.  

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The former Florida corner has already done a fair bit of damage control to his stock. He was a top 20 draft pick a year ago before getting thrown off the team in Gainesville for yet another arrest.

His move to North Alabama was not in vain, though. He played well this year and then showed the NFL he hasn't lost a step at the Senior Bowl.

Jenkins has already made amends for the most part. He now has the opportunity to boost it. 

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd was almost kicked off the Irish program, much like Janoris Jenkins was by the Gators.

He was spared, though, and put back on the field following his third arrest in South Bend for his senior season following a suspension.

He's the second-best receiver in the draft and has more than a few teams interested in his services.

It will be important for Floyd to explain his alcohol-related arrests and that he's moved beyond that. 

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Crimson Tide corner had the marijuana charges against him dropped, but teams are still going to question him about it.

Kirkpatrick is extremely talented and could go anywhere between No. 8 overall and No. 21.