Vontaze Burfict expected to announce he'll enter NFL Draft this week

by Dan Kadar on Jan 3, 2012 1:55 AM EST in 2012 NFL Draft

Following a confounding season of ups and downs, Arizona State middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict is expected to enter the 2012 NFL Drat this week.

The Arizona Republic reports that Burfict noted on his Facebook page that he'll be "expanding (his) talents to the next level."

Burfict's draft stock is on the downturn. Known for getting numerous personal fouls throughout his Sun Devils career, Burfict played tentatively at times in 2011 and struggled. He wasn't as fast to the point of attack wasn't as secure of a tackler. When he did turn up the intensity, the personal fouls came back. They got Burfict benched during one game for getting two on one series.

For his junior season, Burfict had just 69 tackles and seven tackles for a loss. As a sophomore, Burfict turned heads with big hits and intense play, leading Arizona State with 90 tackles.

Burfict will likely be picked in the top 50 selections because of his plus athleticism for the position, size and high upside. If he goes to an undisciplined team, though, he'll struggle to make an impact in the NFL.

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him and Donta Paige-Moss obviously competing for who can drop their stock the most before draft

DPM is obviously the frontrunner but Burfict apparently wants to challenge

by vitzeng on Jan 3, 2012 3:01 AM EST reply actions

I was thinking the same thing. He will be a slider the next few months.

by Fivus Viener on Jan 4, 2012 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

I wonder who he'll land with

Maybe the Giants are a good fit. A defense that needs a heavy hitter, and a team that is good at controlling players with character issues. It just boils down to if the Giants want to spend a high pick on such a head case, or how the board looks during their pick.

by #56 4life on Jan 3, 2012 7:14 AM EST reply actions

Really hope the Ravens take a chance on him. We need some athleticism there and I feel we could arguably be the best landing spot to bring out all his potential.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jan 3, 2012 8:35 AM EST reply actions

As a Browns fan, that’s scary. That would be a great spot for him, much like the Jimmy Smith pick a year ago.

by Legoman0721 on Jan 3, 2012 11:40 AM EST via Android app up reply actions

yeah I think it would be awesome and keeps the nastiness at MLB we need in our physical division.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jan 3, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions

Eagles need a MLB

Follow @kjbrophy

The Legend

by KJ Brophy on Jan 3, 2012 10:47 AM EST reply actions

in the words of Bart Scott

CANT WAIT!!

The ultimate football chicken & egg argument:
What came first? The great talent or the great scheme?

by rcnt123 on Jan 3, 2012 11:27 AM EST reply actions

Ravens or Giants seem like the best place for him.

And it's now my sig
by Bronn on May 17, 2011 4:56 PM EDT

by Sparhawk on Jan 3, 2012 11:56 AM EST reply actions

I can't see him as a 4-3 MIKE

The middle linebacker in a 4-3 is the leader of the defense. You can’t have an undisciplined head case running the team. After the QB the MIKE is judged the most intensely on character.

"Can't anybody here play this game?" - Casey Stengel, watching the 2011 Giants

by ct17 on Jan 3, 2012 11:16 PM EST reply actions