2012 NFL Draft: Players with Red Flags Who Aren't Worth the Risk

Players with major red flags always seem to be extremely talented. I guess that's how they get their red flags. Their talent draws attention, before elements that scream caution become apparent after closer analysis.

There are injury-based red flags and behavior-based red flags—both of which can be crippling to the player and team.

It's hard to distinguish which is more frustrating.

These four players have major red flags and teams would be wise to either steer clear or at least draft them lower than their talent warrants.

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

At one point, Burfict was considered a first-round selection. However, after a year filled with personal-foul penalties and below standard play, his stock dropped.

What made matters worse was his horrible showing at the NFL Combine. Burfict ran a 5.08-second 40-yard dash after showing up overweight. He also blamed his Arizona State coaches for his misfortunes.

Burfict has been known to have a quick temper and general lack of self control. These recent events make it hard for me to see a team taking a chance on him—period.

Prediction: Undrafted

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Jenkins could be the best CB prospect in the NFL draft, but he has a ton of character concerns. He was repeatedly arrested for drug use while at Florida, before he was eventually kicked out of school.

He landed at North Alabama, where he apparently failed to completely clean up his act, a source told Albert Breer of the NFL Network.

While Jenkins isn't likely to slip out of the draft completely, he is a first-round talent that won't likely hear his named called on the first day.

Prediction: Second or third round

Chris Owusu, WR, Stanford

Owusu is a solid receiver prospect from Stanford. While he would normally be a second or early third-round pick in the draft, his history of concussions makes him a risky selection.

Owusu had three concussions while at Stanford, which makes him an ill-advised pick considering the NFL's concentration on head injuries.

I would steer clear all together, but I believe a team will take a chance on him in the late rounds of the draft.

Prediction: Fifth or sixth round

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The former Buckeye is a mountain of man at 6'7" and 323 pounds, but his draft status is plagued by three issues.

Adams had injury concerns in college (foot and knee surgery in 2008 and 2009), he was part of the group of Buckeyes suspended in the tattoo scandal and posted an infamous 19 bench-press reps at the NFL Combine.

That number is terrible for an offensive lineman, let alone one that's 6'7" and 323 pounds.

At his pro day, things didn't get much better, where he managed only 21 reps.

Still, Adams is considered a talented prospect by many. There is no doubt these shortcomings will cause him to slip out of the first round, though.

Prediction: Late second round or early third round

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