everyone drafted after the 4th round is a project to some extent. It is very rare for a 5th round pick and later to walk in as a rookie and be a major contributor anywhere but special teams. Burfict would be a solid selection that late in the draft. He has a fuckton of potential and if he gets his head screwed on right, he could be a big time steal.
I just think he's incredibly overrated based on a few wow plays and a few big hits and his prep status. I think I would rather have someone like Audie Cole who is a smart football player. -X-
you can debate whether you want the guy or not, but clamoring for instant production from a 5th, 6th or 7th round player is absurd (unless you draft a K or P, in which case, they better contribute)
Can I ask this? Why do you think he has potential? Usually to me the "potential": guys you draft late are athletic freaks, with either size or speed that can't be taught, you snag them hoping to teach them technique. Or guys with an NFL level of skill and technique, but who have problems either off the field or with learning the offense/defense. I would much rather take a late shot on Mychal Kendricks and his 4.47 speed, or a guy like Najee Goode or Jerry Franklin. Guys who had solid productive careers and showed solid athleticism. There are probably 7-10 ILB who had better college production than Burfict, AND showed better athletic ability than him, why take a chance even with a late pick on a guy who has mental issues, poor technique, and isn't all that athletic, if you can get guys who are hard workers, consistent, showed more in college and are better athletes.
Figured this should go here: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/dennis_dillon/04/20/vontaze.burfict/index.html I definitely think we should use a 6-7th on this guy based on pure potential. The odds of a late round draft pick workign out to be a starter are so low, that it would be worth it to spend on someone with such a high talent ceiling.
If he is available at our pick in the 5th, I'd take him in a heartbeat, completely worth the risk. If he works out, he's our future ILB if not its just a 5th.
I agree, but would you take him over Tank Carder if he is still on the board? (FTR, I think Carder is going to go in the late 3rd or early 4th.)
If you read the article, it addresses 2 of your 3 concerns. He has lost a lot of weight since the combine because he switched to a new trainer. Also, the writer of the article seems to be convinced that his craziness is a personality that does not leave the field, as evidenced by his not getting in any trouble off the field. He has Ray Lewis level intensity on the field, and that's something you don't find often in players. Bart Scott won't be around forever, and if we can get him a year or two early, he'll be able to transition nicely into a starting job should he work out.
That's a tough one and I dont like Carder more but he's a safer bet, so I'd say Carder. But like you said he is most likely going a lot higher.
we'd be extremely fortunate to pick him up in the later rounds. reading that article posted above made me like the guy, i feel as if he could really prove himself in the nfl. honestly, a few months ago mock drafts had him going in round 1. who wouldnt take him in the 5th round?
Lol. What makes Ray Lewis so great is his play on the field. His "intensity" is just his personality. Burfict is slow, weak, and cannot read plays. Also, he blames others for his mistakes. He's not going to be anything special. Certainly not starter-worthy.
Knowing the biggest day of my life was coming up in 9 days, and knowing I need to impress people with my improved behavior, is a trip to Vegas the smartest move? I'd be calling every single NFL GM at this point, asking for another interview before the draft, instead of whooping it up in Vegas. No, he didn't mention that he would be drinking all night or visiting strip clubs, but I still don't think it's the brightest move he could make, knowing he was being interviewed for SI. I would have done the interview from home, showing how nice I am off the field, just my opinion...
I think this guy's draft stock value is now down to how much change he can bum outside Radio City Music Hall. http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0900...t-before-nfl-draft?module=HP11_headline_stack
I thought Burfict would be drafted, as much as I love him their is no way this guy is getting drafted
Legarette Blount was much more productive as a player, he was a much better bet for an NFL team than Burfict
