Vontaze Burfict: Troubled Linebacker Is Not Worth a Draft Pick

Vontaze Burfict's latest troubles prove even more that he is not worth a draft pick.

The linebacker from Arizona State reportedly failed a drug test (according to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer) and admitted to smoking marijuana in the past, the latter news via Aaron Wilson of scout.com.

This latest issue comes after Burfict had a terrible showing at the combine where his forty time was almost five seconds and his interviews did not go well. Burfict was a potential first-round pick and has seen his stock plummet dramatically.

NFL teams are known for giving troubled players a second or even a third chance. Burfict did show potential during his sophomore season but had a significant drop-off during his junior season. So while general managers may take a chance on a great player with off-the-field problems, a mediocre player with these same problems may cause Burfict to be too big of a risk.

In fact, he is too big of a risk.

A seventh-round pick might sound reasonable for some people with the thought being teams usually don't find anyone good in that round anyway. However, the risk of taking someone who doesn't seem to care about putting in the work ethic that playing in the NFL requires is never a good idea. Most seventh-round picks are usually the hardest working since they have to work harder to prove their worth.

Mike Mayock of nfl.com called Burfict "a non-draftable kid." He goes on to talk about what he sees on the tape as not a good football player. For someone who used to be a first-round pick to going to not a good football player is quite a steep fall.

Burfict has said that he uses what Mayock says as motivation. At this point though it seems like he is just trying to prove to NFL GM's that he is worth a pick and does not seem sincere with his comments. He tried justifying his use of marijuana by saying "it's not like I'm the only person who has ever done that." 

That right there tells me he just doesn't get it.

The draft is deep with talent this year and Burfict is not one of those players. He needs to establish a better work ethic and get back into football shape. He also needs to clean up his act off the field and prove to NFL teams that he is worthy of a roster spot.