NFL Draft 2012: Character Issues Will Make Quinton Coples, Vontaze Burfict Busts

Quinton Coples and Vontaze Burfict are going to be the two biggest busts of the 2012 NFL draft.

It's not that they aren't talented players, because both have shown they have what it takes to be successful at times during their college career.

It comes down to character for these to players, and that's a topic that many people and NFL scouts sometimes overlook.

At one point both players were notched to be Top 10 picks in the draft. Why do you think both have fallen out of the good graces of NFL scouts and mock drafters all over the world?

Character concerns.

Let's break down both players and take a look at why their NFL draft stocks have been plummeting:

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The big knock on Coples is that he doesn't have the motor or consistency that you would like to see out of a guy that could be the best defensive end in the draft.

He's shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career at UNC, but he seems to have the tendency to turn it on and off, and that's something that won't fly in the NFL.

Offensive tackles are far too skilled and smart, and the NFL as a whole is so talented that there is no room to take plays off, especially at a position that demands a high motor and production.

He has the physical talent to be great, but if we're already questioning his desire to play the game of football at a high level of consistency, I don't see that as something that can be fixed or taught.

You can't just wake up one day motivated to be the best. It's something that is just a part of who you are.

Either that, or it's something you inherit after reaching rock bottom and having a "life wake-up call".

Somebody is going to chance on his potential, but I don't see Coples working out in the NFL.

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

At one point many felt Burfict was the best linebacker in this draft, but a dismal season, tons of character concerns and multiple personal fouls have really soured his draft stock.

This is what Burfict had to say from the combine regarding his bad season, according to BostonHerald.com:

"

I just know that I’m the best linebacker in this draft,” Burfict said. “I thought I played average last year, I should’ve played better. Coaches kinda messed me up. I didn’t know if I was going to start a game, didn’t know if I was going to be benched, it hurt me. I tried to fight through it.”

"

This is a guy with multiple character concerns, so he didn't do himself any favors by blaming his issues on the coaches.

If a player is already throwing people under the bus at the combine, I don't see how that's going to change in the league.

What happens when things go wrong during the season?

This is just not a guy you can take the chance on, especially if you're an NFL team looking to build a solid locker room.

He may have talent, but he's not worth the risk.

We all know somebody will eventually take that risk, and I feel bad for said team.

Burfict is going to be a bust