NFL Combine 2012 Results: How Vontaze Burfict Can Climb Back into First Round

Vontaze Burfict would have helped his draft status more by just not showing up at the combine this past week.

He’s got to start the damage control now if he wants to make it back into the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Let’s first look at what he did wrong.

Despite the fact that he showed up at 248 pounds—compared to his playing weight of 260—the Arizona State product ran unofficial 40-yard dash times of 4.93 and 5.10 on Monday.

Even if you overlook those ridiculously awful numbers, his interviews may have done even more to submarine his stock.

A number of evaluators were extremely concerned after talking with the former Sun Devil, according to Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports.

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"I wouldn't touch him," said one scout. "He does have some talent, but he is so undisciplined on and off the field. The guy is completely out of control. There's no way you could trust him. I can't believe they (ASU coaching staff) didn't cut him loose." 

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When addressing the media, he wasn’t hesitant to throw his former coaching staff under the bus and said his first reaction in a locker room scuffle is to swing on a guy.

This is just unacceptable behavior and scouts were hoping to hear that he was a changed man, not excuses, when he spoke at the combine.

So here’s what Vontaze must do to start redeeming himself.

Apologize

Burfict must make amends for the interview and shoulder the blame for his actions.

He must tell the media that his emotions got the best of him, as they have on the field, and he’s working every day to improve both on and off the gridiron.

The LB has to show that he can—and will—be a changed man in the near future.

Destroy his Pro Day

The Sun Devils will be hosting a Pro Day on March 16 and Burfict needs to be in shape and ready to just annihilate every drill.

He doesn’t have the luxury to skip anything and must show progress in all areas.

It’s proving time for the kid and a willingness to try—and hopefully succeed—in a multitude of workouts is key.

It’s not going to be easy for Burfict to repair his tarnished reputation after the combine, but time and commitment will help to heal the damage he did to his stock this past week.

If the young man wants it enough, he can work his way back into the first round.