Vontaze Burfict: Bengals Are Smart to Take Chance on ASU Linebacker

The Cincinnati Bengals were smart to sign undrafted linebacker Vontaze Burfict out of Arizona State because there is very little risk in bringing him onto the roster (via NFL.com)

The Bengals didn't have to make a big commitment to Burfict by signing him, so if he doesn't work out they can just release him

At the start of last season, Burfict was one of the top defensive prospects because of his exceptional talent and athleticism, but he began to fall in many people's rankings for a number for reasons, some of which are pointed out below.

Per NFL.com:

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A poor performance at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in February and reports of a failed drug test hampered the former Sun Devils star. But the Bengals, known to give troubled players second chances, swooped in to add him.

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His potential is too high to ignore, and the Bengals seem confident they can help him mature as a player and a man.

Burfict made 228 tackles and had seven sacks in his Sun Devils career. He plays with an incredibly high motor, brings a lot of energy to his defensive teammates and plays the game with a ton of passion.

While at Arizona State, he showed that he wasn't able to make smart decisions on the field consistently, highlighted by many unsportsmanlike penalties.

The NFL is a man's game, and Burfict will learn quickly that the unacceptable penalties he committed too often in college won't be tolerated in the pros.

After thinking he was going to be a high draft pick before last season, Burfict has all the motivation he needs to prove his doubters wrong, and have a productive NFL career.

He's getting a second chance, and it's up to him to make the most of it.

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