NFL Draft Predictions: Why Vontaze Burfict Will Go Undrafted

Since the 2011 college football season ended, Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict has seen his stock plummet harder than anyone.

During the course of the season, Burfict had first-round potential but could possibly end up in the second round. Now, Burfict is on the fringe of even getting drafted.

The smart money is on Burfict not getting picked. Why? Well let's delve ourselves in and check out a few reasons.


Character Concerns

According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, Burfict failed a drug test this week:

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NFL teams were informed this week of 2 more players of note who have flunked drug tests: ASU LB Vontaze Burfict and Va Tech CB JayRon Hosley

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) April 25, 2012"

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That alone is arguably the biggest reason why Burfict will be lucky to even get drafted. In addition, Burfict was already under the "bust" microscope with an abysmal combine and pro day (more on that later).

Also, in an article in February by Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, Burfict failed to accept an responsibility for his lack of production:

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"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.”

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No matter what, a player should never blame their lack of focus on the coaches. This was just another sign of Burfict's bust potential after a sad combine and the pro day didn't help.


Unimpressive Production

For the 2011 season, Vontaze Burfict recorded 69 tackles, 5.5 sacks, defended four passes and made one interception.

Unfortunately, three of those sacks came against the University of California-Davis, an FCS school. He never had another multi-sack performance. Now yes, Burfict wasn't surrounded by much talent elsewhere on the Sun Devils' defense, but he failed to remain consistent and develop into pro football talent.

Burfict's best bet would have been to return for his senior season, as he still needs to develop more as a pass defender and more reliable tackler. Provided that he displays dramatic improvement at getting off blocks and more sound at reading plays, Burfict could get a look after the draft, but that is unlikely.


Lack of Improvement

One major concern is Bufict's failure to make significant strides throughout his collegiate career. In 2009 he recorded 69 tackles, two sacks and forced two fumbles as a freshman.

That's impressive considering how fast the Pac-12 can be. Then in 2010, Burfict improved with 90 tackles, three defended passes and two forced fumbles. Once again, solid numbers and good momentum heading into 2011.

Then with a down-year last fall, Burfict hit a new low at the combine posting 5.09 seconds on the 40-yard dash, a 30 inch vertical jump and only 8'8" on the broad jump. And his pro day was even worse.

According to Tony Pauline of Draft Insider, Burfict's pro day was sad:

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Word on Vontaze Burfict; not good in position drills (i'm watering that down)...as one scout told me "i actually felt bad for him"

— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) March 16, 2012"

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It's imperative that Burfict improve explosion at the snap, lateral quickness and maintaining a low-center of gravity to change directions smoothly.

He'll go undrafted, but for his sake, let's hope Burfict gets back on the right track and gets an opportunity this offseason.


John Rozum on Twitter.