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Today's 2012 NFL Draft Prospect Profile is focused on a player I hope the New York Giants stay far, far away from. Arizona State middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict is a player who was once thought to be a top half of the first round pick, but who just keeps finding more and more ways to destroy his draft stock and make scouts wonder if he is an NFL player at all.
Here is summary on Burfict from SI.com after the recent Arizona State Pro Day:
"... the downward spiral continues for linebacker Vontaze Burfict. The one-time highly rated linebacker, who struggled through a disappointing 2011 campaign then ran poorly at the combine, looked no better today. Scouts thought Burfict looked poorly conditioned and out-of-place in drills. He was not smooth changing direction, dropped passes in drills and generally looked like a free agent compared to the first-round pick most predicted just six months ago. Several scouts said they felt bad for Burfict."
In profiling Burfict at the NFL Scouting Combine, NFL.com wrote something that may no longer be true:
"A final season of turmoil, weight issues, discipline issues, and general friction between Burflict and his coaches doesn't leave him in the most favorable position entering the draft, but talent alone should be enough for Burflict to be picked early."
It seems highly unlikely Burfict will be picked early, and whoever does pick him -- even late -- would seem to be taking an enormous risk.
Burfict is trying to repair his damaged reputation.
"I'm growing up and realizing what the world is about and just trying to work harder in everything I do. ... This is where I want to be, so I just got to stay dedicated," he told the Arizona Republic.
Vontaze Burfict Profile
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 248
School: Arizona State
Stats: 69 tackles(7 for loss), 5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 1 interception