Vontaze Burfict's Player Profile

Rarely do you see an inside linebacker these days being considered in the top half of the first round of the draft but that just goes to show you how good of a prospect Burfict is. Vontaze was the premier inside linebacker in the nation coming out of high school and in his college career he has shown why and projects without a doubt to be the top LB prospect in the NFL draft, and looks close to a cant miss pro bowl level player for many years to come. This guy is going to help your run defense right away. Not only is he a high volume tackler but he creates turnovers and has the knack to make a big play when it matters. Burfict has ideal size at 6ft3 250lbs, even though he is not a chiseled athlete he is extremely physical, aggressive and tough. Also, he has great game speed covering a ton of ground on the field going from sideline to sideline or blowing up plays behind the line of scrimmage. What really stands out with Vontaze is his intimidating demeanor on the field, when he hits you he will make you remember it, he is very intense and will give your team an attitude right away.

Vontaze is a throwback player which may not transition as well in today’s NFL. To say that he plays with craze might be an understatement. It is clear that Burfict only knows how to play one way and that way might draw the attention of the officials with roughing penalties and fines. In today’s NFL it is a spread out passing attack where everyone on defense has to cover which doesn’t suit Burfict who is a natural hunter of the ball carrier. The other thing that worries me is making sure he can separate his intensity off the field so there are no issues that come up when he runs into NFL riches.

I don’t like comparing prospects to legends but he certainly has the makeup of Dick Butkus and Ray Lewis. Time will tell if he becomes the student of the game that makes Ray Lewis one of the best ever, but Vontaze is the type of person and player that you draw up for an inside linebacker prospect. What I also really like about him is he is fully developed and finished product and he just turned 21. Even though it goes against the grain to draft an inside linebacker high in the 1st round, Vontaze profiles as a guy that is going to be a stud right away and project out to have a long career which will make him a steal almost anywhere he is drafted. Get used to hearing the name Vontaze Burfict.

Update Nov. 21st: Vontaze is seeing his stock slip as the season goes on due to untimely roughing penalties, inconsistent play and losses to his team. Burfict may have been better suited in playing in the old school era as the NFL is trying to minimize rough plays. Vontaze is too much like James Harrison, Bart Scott and Suh in the aggression at which he plays and Goodell and officiating crews are not letting them get away with playing the game the way that is was played when football became so popular. Also, you have to wonder if Burfict is one of those guys that isn’t trying as hard knowing NFL riches are right around the corner. Anyways, Burfict is a 1st rd talent all the way with the potential to dominate but he definitely has baggage.
Profile submitted by: Tom Patterson

Would you like to write a player profile for any prospect that may be entering the 2012 NFL Draft? Email profiles of any player (even player’s not on our list) to our Webmaster. Credit will be given to the author of the profile.

Vontaze Burfict Videos

Vontaze Burfict NFL Draft Analysis - 2010 Season

Vontaze Burfict [Heisman Darkhorse]

Vontaze Burfict-All American

Click here to return