Mayock: Burfict a “non-draftable kid”
Apr 20, 2012, 1:00 AM | Updated: 2:17 am
Former Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict’s fall from grace has been monumental — and his highly publicized decline could result in the once highly touted prospect going undrafted.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Mayock, Burfict could justifiably not be selected at next week’s NFL Draft.
“I put his tape on with absolutely zero preconceived notions,” Mayock explained in a Thursday conference call with media. “I watched three tapes and really didn’t like him as a football player.
“I think he’s a non-draftable kid. For me, he’s a free agent.”
Burfict, who was once believed to be a first-round selection, struggled mightily at the NFL Combine, failed to impress at his Pro Day and has long been saddled with a reputation of character and temperament issues.
For Mayock, his issues with Burfict don’t stem from his pre-draft hiccups, but instead from his lackluster performance during games for the Sun Devils last season. The 6’3″, 250-pounder lacked discipline on the field and took numerous, senseless unsportsmanlike penalties. He also often didn’t see eye-to-eye with teammates and the ASU coaching staff.
In a draft class that’s lacking elite inside linebackers, to see Burfict fall so far and potentially become an undrafted free agent is staggering.
It’s safe to say no 2012 NFL Draft prospect has slipped further and quicker than Burfict. It’s hard not to imagine what could have been for the once promising player.
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