Vontaze Burfict- prized or garbage 3rd round selection?
by TheCowboyWay on Jan 21, 2012 4:55 AM CST
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PrintIn the third round of the 2012 draft, with the 82nd pick the Dallas Cowboys select:
Vontaze Burfict: Linebacker, Arizona State University.
[Note: this is probably a fanshot, however polls cannot be conducted in a fanshot, so here it is.]
Would you be happy with this as the 82nd pick in the 2012 draft? If this were to actually occur, as onset in the CBS big board, I would be ecstatic. A top 10 talent fell all the way to the 82nd pick. Now, unless he goes to the combine and has a Da'Quann Bowers-post knee op type showing, there is no way that this will actually happen... but I digress. Before we get to the arguments, lets take a look at the Cowboy's 3rd round picks over the last decade:
| YEAR | PICK | NAME | POSITION | SCHOOL |
| 2001 | 93 | Willie Blade | Defensive T | Mississippi State |
| 2002 | 75 | Derek Ross | Cornerback | Ohio State |
| 2003 | 69 | Jason Witten | Tight End | Tennessee |
| 2004 | 83 | Stephen Peterman | Guard | LSU |
| 2005 | NONE | |||
| 2006 | 92 | Jason Hatcher | Defensive End | Grambling State |
| 2007 | 67 | James Marten | Offensive T | Boston College |
| 2008 | NONE | |||
| 2009 | 69 | Jason Williams | Linebacker | Western Illinois |
| 2009 | 75 | Robert Brewster | Offensive T | Ball State |
| 2010 | NONE | |||
| 2011 | 71 | DeMarco Murray | Running Back | Oklahoma |
Excluding Jason Witten and Demarco Murray (we think), none of these players played much of a substantially successful role with our team (with the exception of one cameo appearance on King of the Hill by Willie Blade... and arguably Jason Hatcher, but man c'mon man! It took 5 years to even get serious rotation time?)
The question is, at pick 82, is Burfict worth the Risk? Let's look at the two sides of the coin.
Against: This all stems from a discussion with pjohn56 (and fyi- I do appreciate your stance and that you defend it with logic and reason as opposed to typical blog style fodder) , who sticks to his guns and vehemently contends that with the exception of a late round flyer, Burfict is too much of a head case and problem child to be considered with anything other than a fifth rounder or later. He contends that NFL teams are made of meat and potatoes picks, and that the 3rd round pick is needed to add a safer talent, one that has a much lower ceiling but is sans any other real issues. He put his position quite succinctly here:
I’m talking about simple ratios here, I’m not sure how that is confusing. You have more support players than you have superstars. You have more rounds to draft support players and better chances of finding them than you do superstars. A superstar at QB, one WR, and a RB coupled with good guys that have productive seasons but don’t make a Pro-Bowl that season can win and win consistently.
We have, what, 7 draft picks this year and more holes to fill than that. Meanwhile, we have Romo, Murray, Witten, Dez, Miles, Jenkins, Ratliff, and Ware, in superstar roles. Tyron Smith and Doug Free may be entering this realm as well.
We’re loaded on the offensive side and could use some more on the defensive side. However, we also have a lot more holes to fill and we can’t fill them all with an All-Pro. In the 3rd round, why not get a guy that has maybe a 70% chance of being a strong player for you at one of those holes as opposed to risking it on a potential superstar that has just as much chance to be out of the NFL in a few seasons?
We will be drafting next year also, save your superstar picks for the rounds you have much better chances of getting them, much beter players at that position, etc. NE can afford to draft like what is being suggested here, we can’t. We are behind the 8 ball talent wise and if we hit on Burfict it wouldn’t be as much of a plus as if we totally missed on him. Poorly spent draft choices is what has got us in this position.
Burfict is a different risk all together from a guy like Sean Lee or Bruce Carter. Physical injuries are much easier to check out and determine whether rehab will work or not. Inability to grasp defensive schemes, complete lack of discipline, and mental imbalance is something different altogether. This is the kind of risk that can have a domino like negative impact and hurt for years to come as we try to "salvage" the potential in this particular player. This guy is Pacman Jones all over again. Pacman had tons of talent coming out of college, but he didn’t last long, ran into all kinds of off the field trouble, and eventually lost his confidence.
For: I can appreciate where pjohn56 is coming from. We are all definitely tired of being burned by poor draft choices and project picks. However I feel that we are talking about a true blue chip talent here. The kind that only come in at about 7 deep per draft. Do you spend pick 14 on this kid? No probably not, you have to hit on pick 14 and Burfict has to much flame out potential. Do you take him at 45 then? Maybe... it depends on if you feel there is truly a better player available for your team at that point (doubtful), but at pick 82? I would break my neck running up to the podium on this one. Further arguments:
(TCW)
And more to the point, we will take your example of Demarco Murray. Why was he available in the 3rd? Mileage and medical issues. Otherwise, as the holder of quite a few of Oklahoma’s records, he would have been a much higher pick. We took a GAMBLE in the 3rd round on a player that had high boom/bust potential, and we came out ahead.
There have been several other 3rd round picks that were considered "safe" and have been complete misses as well (Marten, Brewester, etc).. in fact I would venture to say that the entire draft is a crapshoot, as even solid top picks bust all the time. Its simple risk/reward.I won’t disagree with your assessment of him, and you don’t need to gamble needlessly with your 3rd rounder, however if you can get a top 10 talent with that pick, you do it, because the payoff at that point outweighs the risk. Which is what many teams will be looking at doing when the draft rolls around.
(Tyrone Jenkins)
The team IS built on blue chippers.
Although you only have a few of them, the blue chippers (or superstar players as I like to call them) are what give the team its identity. If you have meat and potatoes QB, RB, WR, LB and CBs, then what kind of team are you? Defensive minded? Passing team? Running team?
The truth is, every team has lots of average to solid guys but they are there to SUPPORT the blue chippers in getting the job done. The Patriots are successful because of Brady, Welker and the TEs – not because of the average/meat and potato LBs or secondary.
At pick 82, the talent just far out weighs the risk. Bring him in, coach him up, and put him in a position to succeed. To get a true Blue Chip talent at pick 82 just far outweighs any risk... or am I just blinded by the blue light?
We are obviously diametrically opposed in this argument (and there are many others to make), so help us out BTB and join the discusion. There is no wrong answer, only highly opinionated stances! So what do you think?
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
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Comments
If this kid is available in the SECOND round you sprint to the podium to take him.
If for no other reason to screw over Andy Reid will undoubtedly shy away from any LB in the first round.
by matt575 on Jan 21, 2012 5:26 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Agreed but
…I would only look at him as a OLB there.
I posted a lengthy reply to our discussion on the mock draft thread, I will copy and paste it here.
If we move the discussion here it won’t distract from the mock draft as much.
I didn’t watch any of his complete games, just highlights and I did extensive reading about him from several sources.
I will link several stories about him, the first is a piece from BGN where they looked into him and what they feel about him. The 2nd is a long, but very well written detailed scouting report. It lists everything, positive and negative about him and appears to be done very well. I will also include NFP, WB and Raf for other view points.
Extremely overaggressive to the point where it became a major issue; routinely flagged for late hits. Football intelligence is lacking; struggles to diagnose misdirection plays and frequently over-commits in the wrong direction. Does a poor job keeping his eyes in the backfield and adjusting to the play when blitzing. Struggles dropping into coverage; taken off the field in many obvious passing situations when not being used to blitz. Headbutted Oregon State quarterback Ryan Katz in 2010. Comments: Burfict has been a big-time playmaker since arriving on campus in 2009. Unfortunately, he has shown little improvement in that span. When casually watching Arizona State, Burfict immediately jumps out because he’s all over the field and always around the football. A close look, however, reveals his poor instincts and complete lack of discipline. His reputations as a dirty player is well know and, even if his late hits don’t come with ill-intentions, he’s still consistently putting his team in bad situations due to the penalties he racks up. At worst, he’s flat-out dirty; at best, he’s just plain stupid. Either way, Burfict is often a detriment to his team. He clearly has the raw talent of a 1st-rounder, but has yet to show the maturity to warrant that status. Videos: 2011 vs USC
2011 vs Illinois
When he stays low and extends his arms can be violent on contact when looking to shed. However, when he’s not into the game mentally gets upright and can be overwhelmed and ridden out of the play. Instincts are a bit inconsistent. Will under run plays at times trying to create in the backfield, showcasing the ability to find the ball inside, read his run keys and play off opposing linemen’s proper shoulder. However, at times just plays out of control and looks to be guessing which gap to shoot as opposed to reading his keys inside taking himself out of big plays.
But you put the tape on, and this guy is really freaking talented. Then you watch him just lose his cool during games. There are situations where he’ll take two and three personal foul penalties, and they’re dumb penalties, and they really begin to affect his game. He really struggles to handle his emotions and it really wears on his defense, and then he’s not as aggressive. His motor slows down. He gets upright. He struggles to get off blocks.
The only times you will see Burfict playing out of control is when he’s not focused and he just throws his body into plays; plays in which he pops upright while going through the motions. …But aside from the maturity issues, Burfict’s consistency in his hustle and motor are the second biggest concern..
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2012/1/14/2707736/vontaze-burfict-the-follow-up
http://optimumscouting.com/rankings/scouting-reports/nfl-draft-scouting-report-vontaze-burfict-ilb-arizona-state.html
http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/vontaze_burfict_scouting_report/9277781
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/The-Vontaze-Burfict-Debate-6182.html
http://www.cowboysnation.com/2012/01/wes-bunting-answers-your-mail-interior.html
by Rena on Jan 21, 2012 5:07 AM PST up reply actions
by Rena on Jan 21, 2012 7:22 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Puts it way better than I ever could.
This dude is NOT the next Ray Lewis. He has nowhere near the production of Ray, who I watched as I grew up a Seminole fan in Florida. He doesn’t rally his team like Ray, he doesn’t make the smart reads Ray did at the college level.
We have had some bad picks in the 3rd round but I feel Garrett may be a different story. Dallas has not been the example of good drafting lately, but the teams that are often find good production in that round.
While I agree that superstars are the identity of your tema and determine whether you win or not I also believe they could not be their prolific selves w/o that supporting cast. This is why I value 3rd and 4th rounders. What does Emmitt do w/o that line, how does Irvin perform w/o the workman performance from the other WR’s to pull double and triple teams off? The supporting cast is very important and when I speak of them as being the bedrock, what I am visualizing is the foundation like in architecture. You need a strong foundation, the shoulders that hold the superstars up so they can produce at that level.
Really good discussion that I appreciated, along with this fanpost, very much. Productive discussions are of value to everyone. Go Cowboys!
I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010
This guy is a nut case...
There is a difference between Ray Lewis’s intensity and Vontaze Burfict’s. Ray Lewis is smart about how he brings his intensity. He doesn’t put his team in a bad position based on stupid play. Our locker room is not strong enough to support the kind of drama that this kid brings. There is no point in getting this kind of talent if he is constantly in trouble and can’t play. I’ll take a kid with half his athleticism and double his intelligence and be much better than him. This kid is a loose cannon that I don’t want infecting the team with his bad attitude.
I wouldn’t even compare Burfict to Lewis and Willis. Lewis and Willis are team leaders… one through his intensity and the other with his play. They both are relied upon to put their team in a position to win. They both hold themselves to a higher standard. They are willing to sacrifice themselves for the betterment of the team. Can you honestly say that about Burfict?
F**** establishing a culture, we need to establish dominance...
are you talking about the old Ray or the new Ray?
Ray wasnt always the guy he is now
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth. Sean Lee is a welcomed addition at ILB & Kegabear's prediction about Spencer looks spot on so far.
Ray Lewis has always been violent, more so in his younger days, on the edge of loose cannon even.
But Ray was always a smart player with outstanding instincts, play recognition, and the ability to rally and lead his team. If you are leading there is character there, even if it’s hard to see at times.
Burfict is not that guy. He doesn’t read offenses nearly as well, he’s self centered, and he can’t lead for crap.
take this example with a grain of salt but this is what’s in my head right now as an illustration. You can often times split front line soldiers up into two groups; those who are there to achieve an objective and are fighting for a higher purpose than their own self interests, personal sacrifice and an understanding of the overall goal. Then you have the guys that just get off on killing people, they’ve been given a lot of lattitude to work out their own violent fantasies and instincts. These guys aren’t there for the right reasons and it makes all the difference in the world…one is right, the other wrong. Burfict, imo, looks like the latter.
I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010
Fair point
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
You'd be lucky to get him n the SECOND round.
His combine is going to boost his numbers. And there is no way he falls past Pitt and Baltimore in the first round.
Agreed, this guy will be a second round pick for sure. Could be a 1st rounder.
He has more talent at his position than Dez has at his.
by Blue Eyed Devil on Jan 21, 2012 10:28 AM CST up reply actions
Prized.
My Cowboys Mock Draft.
1. Melvin Ingram DE South Carolina, 2. Chase Minnifield CB Virginia,3. Senio Kelemete OG Washington, 4. Mike Martin DT Michigan, 5. Brandon Taylor SS LSU, 6. Mychal Kendricks ILB California, 7. Kellen Moore QB Boise State
He is a first
Round talent that will probably get taken at the beginning of the second round
This guy has the talent to be one of the best linebackers in the NFL
When he’s on his game he’s a heat-seaking missile. He’s so rangy too, making him a dream compliment to Sean Lee. Lee is an amazing linebacker for stopping anything between the tackles, Burfict is a heat-seeking missile blowing up anyone who dares try to catch a pass or run to the edge.
The question is can he learn the NFL speed fast enough and does he has the discipline to learn? I see him taking false steps which gets you picked apart in the NFL. I see him overrunning plays sometimes because he’s too jacked up.
But when he gets the play and he’s dialed in to that perfect amount of diagnosing vs. killer instinct he’s unstoppable. If he can learn to play like that consistently he’s got pro bowl written all over him.
Not sure if the Cowboys will get him, I actually rate the chances pretty low. So many good players in the 2nd round we are unlikely to go with a project player and he’ll almost certainly be gone by the 3rd round.
by Blue Eyed Devil on Jan 21, 2012 10:38 AM CST reply actions
Take him if we can get him in the 3rd.
I want Ingram in the 1st , Minnifield or Gillmore in the 2nd, then Burfict if we can get him in the 3rd.
Melvin Ingram...
yup I agree Jetes
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
+1,2,3
wouldn’t mind seeing Ingram, Gilmore & even Burfict in the 3rd. i really like the Gilmore kid & the Old Ball Coach loved this kid. he went against a NFL calibur QB & WR everyday in practice
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth. Sean Lee is a welcomed addition at ILB & Kegabear's prediction about Spencer looks spot on so far.
OLB/ILB
If this guy interviews well at the combine(assuming he goes), I believe he could play either position. I would probably want him at OLB only occasionally as a rusher. If he can be harnessed, and focused, he has legit Ray Lewis ability.
He reminds me of Joey Porter
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
This Isn't a Hard Decision
No brainer: If he’s there, you draft him, period. He either gets his attitude under control in which case we get a tremendous player in the 3rd or he doesn’t in which case we only spent a 3rd on him and he’s expendable. Purposely going after lesser talent is how you fail in a draft and how you build a shitty team.
by inwittenitrust on Jan 21, 2012 12:55 PM CST reply actions
I actually think Burfict is going to fall farther than people think on here.
I know the guy is a talent, but just look what some drug rumors (not even a positive test) and a cocky attitude did for Ryan Mallet last year.
Regardless, I am hoping he falls. Once you are out of the first round, the cost of taking him isn’t so high so as to be prohibitive. A second or third round pick is easily worth the chance to get one of the most talented LBs to come out in the past decade.
Furthermore, we need ILB depth in the worst way, and I would love to see what packages Rob Ryan could draw up with Burfict.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
I agree
…but he won’t be a Cowboy.
Not if the RKG thing is real.
"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"
Yeah it would be an interesting test for sure.
I would be disappointed if we passed on him personally but that’s probably because I don’t really buy the character angle that much anyway.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
didnt Abe Elam rape a woman?
i dont buy into RKG stuff & never have on any team. heck even the Pats signed haynesworth or ocho
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth. Sean Lee is a welcomed addition at ILB & Kegabear's prediction about Spencer looks spot on so far.
This again?
The answer is still the same, no, and he was never accused of rape or charge with it. The charges were that other guys raped a woman and he was in the room. Funny how they never charged the guys who allegedly actually did the rape.
He has to be a top-of-the-board 3rd round target
by Blue Eyed Devil on Jan 22, 2012 12:25 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed. I have to say I would even be tempted in the second round (assuming I like our first round pick that is hahaha).
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
i would take Gilmore in the 2nd over Burfict. i think he's more of 3rd round guy with his baggage
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth. Sean Lee is a welcomed addition at ILB & Kegabear's prediction about Spencer looks spot on so far.
Here's the thing
1) If we still had Terrell Owens, T®ashard Choice, Roy E. Williams, Marian Barber, and Patrick Crayton on the roster, then I would be seriously worried about adding Vontaez Burfict into this powder keg of a locker room. He would be a WKG, because he would be drawn to TO’s presence.
2) However, with the roster as presently constructed, our only 2 questionable character guys are Marty B (he won’t be back) and Dez Bryant (if you consider Jewelry Bills, Sagged Pants, and fisticuffs with Lil Wayne (allegedly) to be bad character). I think this locker room can absorb him. Lee, Ratliff, and Ware will be able to handle him. Seriously, would anyone be surprised if Ratliff is the one assigned to mentor him, and keep him in line?
3) Rob Ryan, the moment he sees tape of this guy is going to bang the drum hard for him, especially since this draft is most likely to be his baby. Did anyone watch Navarro Bowan flying all over the place opposite Sean Lee today? Well, Burfict could be that guy for Rob’s Wrecking Crew, and he might be used in a Joey Porter role-blitz from the inside and line up outside as a pass rusher. There’s so many different ways he could be used.
4) He’s a guy that you tell “SEE BALL CARRIER, DESTROY BALL CARRIER.” How many of us have wanted a guy like this on our defense for years? I know I have.
5) Bringing him aboard will serve as motivation to Bruce Carter to not slack and expect ILB#2 to be just handed to him on a silver platter.
6) Jason played on those 1990s Cowboys teams. He knows perfectly well those guys were not choir boys. I don’t think Wade would’ve signed off on this. I do think Parcells would take a chance on this kid (especially in the 3rd round) and I have a gut feeling, Jason would too.
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
did you see P.Willis laying the wood?
that whole 49ers defense hits hard & tackles very good.
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth. Sean Lee is a welcomed addition at ILB & Kegabear's prediction about Spencer looks spot on so far.
Folks are Missing the Boat on Burfict...
When the name Vontaze Burfict comes up, I keep hearing about personal fouls, talent, instincts, et cetera.
I actually watched the kid play in four or five games this season, not just watched a highlight clip on YouTube from his season ‘’09-’10 season.
The biggest thing I came away with after each game was effort, or the total lack thereof.
I could care less if a kid gets an occasional PI for roughing someone up or being a hothead. I have no tolerance for a kid that won’t give effort. I saw him take horrendous angles, not even chase down plays and just generally look disinterested.
I wouldn’t touch the kid with anything higher than a 4th round pick.
Two forks in my eye > Watching an Aubrey Huff at-bat in '11
problem is
that reports are conflicting… I stongly disagree that he has not improved since being a freshman. He regressed this year and wilted in the spot light, but was still a better player than as a freshman.
He definitely has some green fuzzies on him, but all I can say is that I recommend people to watch his games and decide for themselves (and btw thanks phillyboi for basing your opinion on games and not on clips). I saw alot of the negatives on tape, but IMO many were blown out of proportion. On tape, I saw a dynamic, rangy linebacker that could play the run, cover the pass and blitz effectively. That said, he is a step slow diagnosing plays (I doubt he spent much time in the film room), and was out of position at times from what looked to be confusion in responsibilities. I do not think that he is stupid, because when he knew what to do he was impressive. I think that he is lazy off the field and is not a student of the game.
He should have went to USC were he would have been forced to prepare for games like a pro, and not be able to rely on raw talent as a star player on a sub par team.
Overall, he is a talented player that needs a big heaping dose of reality syrup shoved down his gullet. You will not maximize your potential in the nfl by not being a student of the game. If Burfict falls to the 3rd round, I can only imagine that this would be just the right amount of humble pie to put this kid on the right path. Whether or not he has a “talented leader” to take him under his wing, he needs to be responsible for himself. The NFL is the big boy league and if you want to be the best you have to work at it. Time to nut up, and be a man.
If the cowboys are able to take him at round 3, I think he has the potential to right the ship… it could be win/win. And if we loose, at the very least we took our shot at righting a “green fuzzied” blue chipper, and didn’t try to get the next Peterman or Marten. We have hits, we have misses, but its important to remember that not every third rounder is a guaranteed, solid player like some would have us believe.
by TheCowboyWay on Jan 23, 2012 7:41 PM CST up reply actions
Major Red Flags
You’ve mentioned a lot of things that should be major concerns. Again, I could care less about a random personal foul or rough play. It’s the other aspects of the game, namely effort, instincts, attention to detail, study habits, et cetera, that I would worry about with a guy like Burfict.
I think he’s going to be the kind of guy that’s going to struggle playing his responsibilities within a defensive scheme/system. He reminds me a lot of Lavar Arrington in that respect; a guy who just wants to just run around with total liberty to go off his “instincts” and make plays.
He regressed this past season for sure in terms of game in, game out productivity. Meanwhile, a guy like Luke Kuechly had roughly three times the production Burfict had this season (191 tackles vs. Burfict’s 69) despite playing in two less games!
Having said all that, I would still take a shot on Burfict, but nothing higher than 4th round pick. IMO, a 3rd rounder is a Top 100 pick and a draft pick I would expect to get production out of. I think the 4th and beyond is where you start taking risks.
Two forks in my eye > Watching an Aubrey Huff at-bat in '11
by Phillyboijr on Jan 23, 2012 8:26 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
My sentiments as well. This draft looks like the talent pool will extend into the 3rd to me.
If I’m wrong and we’re really just picking among Jimmy’s and Joe’s then I’d conced a risk on Burfict if he’s there. I just don’t think that’ll be how it plays out this year.
I also have faith in Garrett’s player evaluations and ability to sway JJ in the war room. I really though Garrett put together a smart draft last year. I was an avid advocate on this site for Tyron Smith vs. trading down or selecting JJ Watt at that spot and I think it will prove to be the smart choice in the years to come.
In this draft, with this Head Coach, I would really like to see what Garrett can do in the 3rd round besides taking a flyer on a guy who, imo, is nowhere near a Ray Lewis clone except in aggression…maybe.
I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010
Good post, and I'll be interested in how he does in the NFL so I can either confirm or tweak my thinking.
I do not think every 3rd rounder will be a solid player. I do think that this particular draft will have a lot of 3rd round talent in it.
I’m sure there will be a lot of rising and falling as results come out but right now we’re looking at guys like Kirk Cousins, Brandon Boykin, Nate Potter, Doug Martin, Robert Lester, and Tank Carder all projected to 3rd round.
I’d take Carder over Burfict and feel pretty good about it. I also think we have enough holes that it opens up our selection cone and brings many players into the realm of possibility.
So, if I am wrong about that, and all those players plus any I haven’t named are gone and we’re left picking from a bunch of ‘flip a coin’ guys then yeah, I’d roll the dice on Burfict. I just don’t think that will be the case. I think there will be quite a number of ‘name’ players from competitive football teams who have plenty of good game film. It’s not like we’d be selecting from a barrel of monkeys from Division II schools at the 3rd round this year.
I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010
Considering how we selected so many team capt's last year and how RG stresses smart football players, I don't see us taking this guy.
1 point about him, Do you know why Suh got ejected from that game this year. Which lead to his suspension for 2 more games? Because the other team knew to irritate him and piss him off, then he would lose it. What did they do? They had the OL guy across from him untie his shoe laces several times. He blew up over it.
Well, the college teams this guy plays bait him on purpose and know what? He almost always takes the bait and blow up, giving them a nice 15 yards for their 1st down they needed.
Think about that and if you really want that on the field here.
I'm THE guy that doesn't want him lol
But I’m not on any NFL scouting departments. If the 3rd round is evaluated by the pros differently than I see it, and they feel it is down to a roll of the dice on who has talent and who doesn’t then I don’t think we’ve lost much by taking a gamble on Burfict, who we can cut if he doesn’t pan out.
Currently, I don’t think that will be the case as I expect this year’s draft, which has a record number of underclassmen declaring for it, will have plenty of talent remaining in the 3rd round. If that’s the case then taking Burfict could be a double whammy if we end up cutting him b/c it also means we didn’t graba guy who could help improve the team.
You and I are in agreement…no Vontaze Burfict prior to round 4 at least and preferably (for me at least) round 5.
I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010
oops, it was phillyboijr and i who wouldn't take him until the 4th at the absolute earliest.
At any rate, I think this guy has bad juju written all over him. He’s an Al Davis pick, all numbers and no substance.
I’d much rather take Tank Carder if he’s available or get some safety or corner help, even if they are just nickel guys.
I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010
3rd round pick at #82
is a crapshoot anyway. I’d take a flyer on him at that spot. However, this team has too many needs to draft the kid in the 2nd round. Someone probably will (maybe Baltimore?) but we can’t take a 2nd round risk on him. If he’s there at #82 I’d seriously consider it, depending on which G/C was available at that pick. Gotta shore up the interior O-line ASAP.
One caveat though: Guys can be college studs and combine freaks with pure natural raw talent but in the NFL it’s impossible to continually succeed without a decent football IQ and studying, which requires a committment to your craft. Look at the number of guys drafted high for “instincts” and being a “physical specimen” at their position who never achieved their “potential” as a player. “Potential” will get a guy fired if it can never be reached.
My fear with Burfict is that I just don’t know how he will respond to the challenge of the NFL and its drastically increased workload on the playbook/film study side of things. He appears to be out of position more than I would like (which could be due to scheme/coaching I can’t say). He definitely has the talent, but is he motivated? None of us can know that (but I hope the Cowboys try and find out). His “off-field” stuff and penalties on the field don’t bother me, but if he doesn’t have the work ethic and mental capacity to learn and study and improve he’ll never make it in the NFL.
That said…I’d strongly consider him with the #82 pick.
"A successful coach needs a paitient wife, a loyal dog, and a great quarterback. But if you don't have a wife the dog can pull double duty." --Barry Switzer
Hmmm
the percentages are only adding up to 99%?
Did someone magically add an option I wasn’t aware of???
if he falls take him...
in the 3rd round, you take a chance to find out if hes a flame out or not. Risk is so worth the reward.
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