2012 NFL Draft: 4 Reasons Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict Is a Draft-Day Steal

Vontaze Burfict is going to be selected in the 2012 NFL Draft, and he's going to be a steal for whatever team takes him.

His stock is dropping right now, after a poor showing at the NFL Combine and questions regarding his character are continually arising.

And after a lackluster junior season, Burfict certainly hasn't done himself any favors.

But one things remains certain, the kid has natural ability that cannot be taught.

NFL teams should be have this high-risk, high reward player on their radar.

Untapped Potential

Of course he was wrong to blame coaches and teachers for his shortcomings this season.

Of course he was wrong to call out the media as portraying him in a negative light.

Of course he shouldn't have said anything except "I'll be better."

But he isn't all wrong.

Even though he comes off as immature and disingenuous in his comments, couldn't there be some truth to it?

"

"I played average," he said. "I could've played better. That's what hurt me at times. The coaches kind of messed me up. I didn't know if I would start a game or be benched. It hurt me, but I tried to fight through it."

"

Not knowing whether you would start or not has to be draining, and make it difficult to focus. He went on to mention that he had his mind on the NFL too much last year, as well.

Burfict has a great deal of potential, he just needs the right team and teammates to tap into it.

Athleticism

Make no mistake about it. Vontaze Burfict is a physical freak.

I know that's hard to say, seeing as he just embarrassed himself at the combine. However, it's still the truth.

His combine numbers are skewed by his immaturity as a person. He's still a young man, and he's dealing with all kinds of distractions on a day-to-day basis.

Of course, that's no excuse. Burfict came to perhaps the biggest day of his life overweight and out of shape, no question.

The number he posted at the combine are not indicative of Burfict's abilities. He was in no shape to take part at the combine, and that's too bad. But if he was in shape, he would've wowed the scouts.

If his job was playing football, things could change. If the distractions of living in Tempe, Arizona were removed, who knows? Burfict could thrive in a professional environment.

Aggressiveness

Did Vontaze Burfict get flagged too many times for personal fouls in college?

Yes.

But did anyone ever say he didn't play aggressively?

Quite the opposite.

There is a fine line between aggression and illegal in the game of football, and nowhere is that line more tightly walked than from the linebacker positions.

Linebackers are expected to be enforcers in a game that is becoming increasingly soft and protective. Vontaze is definitely an enforcer.

Too often he crossed the line and drew penalties, but that's not necessarily a permanent problem. He just needs the right coaches, and the right mentors.

This is exactly why I believe the Baltimore Ravens will take Burfict.

With Ray Lewis, one of the greatest to ever play inside linebacker in the NFL, showing him how to do things the right way, Burfict could shine. Lewis likely only has a couple years left in him, so best for the Ravens to maximize on his leadership abilities now, and try to groom the next ILB for the team.

Value

At this point, Vontaze's stock is plummeting. According to John Eisenberg, a Ravens insider for CSNWashington.com:

"

After his performance in Indy, more than a few draft insiders now believe Burfict might not go until the second round or possibly even the third.

"

The further Burfict drops, the more of a draft-day steal he becomes. This is a guy that Mel Kiper Jr. says has the "tools of a top-10 prospect."

Obviously, he's yet to fully put it together mentally. But if he can do that, he could certainly be a force in the NFL.

And before commenting about his speed, or lack thereof, remember that New England Patriots' linebacker Brandon Spikes ran a very similar 40-yard dash at the combine in 2010. He has been a very solid piece for the Patriots since taking the starting job in his rookie season.