NFL Draft 2012: Teams That Should Take Chance on Vontaze Burfict

The NFL is full of talented players with troubled pasts. Someone should give Vontaze Burfict a chance to put that past behind him.

Only a couple of months ago, the former Arizona State linebacker was considered a first-round pick. Now he seems undraftable.

During his college career, he showed both the highs and lows of his abilities. He has great size for the position and solid speed to get from sideline to sideline.

Unfortunately, he also showed his lack of self-control with 16 personal foul penalties in his final 26 games.

His stock only dropped once the season ended. A poor performance in the combine was followed by reports of a failed drug test.

Still, if Burfict is put in the right situation he might have a chance to put it all together and become one of the best linebackers in football. He certainly has the natural skill to make it happen.

These teams should use a late-round pick on the troubled linebacker to see if he can turn it around.

Baltimore Ravens

Ray Lewis has been the best player at his position for over a decade, but he will eventually need to be replaced.

Burfict could learn a lot from Lewis, not just on the field but how to harness the anger and energy into being a great football player. 

New England Patriots

Bill Belichick has never let character issues keep him away from a talented football player because he is willing to show them the door if they cause problems.

It worked with Randy Moss, but it did not for Albert Haynesworth. Burfict could be given a chance to succeed, but would have a very short leash. 

Even with the addition of Dont'a Hightower, that defense could always use more help.

Philadelphia Eagles

There is a big hole in the middle of the Eagles defense, and Fletcher Cox is not big enough to fill it.

The unit has plenty of talent, but they are missing a middle linebacker to make the big plays. Adding Burfict would solve this problem, and Andy Reid already knows how to handle players with big personalities.