NFL Combine 2012: Vontaze Burfict Goes Under The Microscope
by JasonB on Feb 22, 2012 12:24 PM EST
in Philadelphia Eagles News
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Fox Sports' Pete Schrager previewed the 2012 NFL combine with his major storylines to watch in Indy this week. Among them was the stock of Vontaze Burfict, a name that should be fairly familiar to us at this point. At least in Schrager's eyes, Burfict has fallen fast.
In the few games I watched Arizona State play the past few years, I always came away thinking the linebacker, No. 7, was the best player on either side of the ball. Vontaze Burfict was always good for a punishing hit, a high-impact tackle, and at least one "Whoa, did you see that?!" play. He was also always "good" for one back-breaking penalty.
Then I watched Arizona State's bowl game versus Boise State. Burfict was invisible. He had one tackle. The more research and film work I've done on the linebacker, the more I've cooled on him. His instincts aren't great. He's not as physically imposing as I recall him being, and he's consistently out of position. When it's him - one on one with a running back or quarterback - there may be no one better in this draft. When he has to fight to make a play, he too often fails to succeed. Oh, and from what I'm told by numerous sources, he's a bit of a head case.
There are probably few players with as much to gain or lose this week than Burfict. Physically, he's got almost everything you look for and he should test out well in the drills, but his real moment will be in the individual interviews. Is he able to show a level of maturity? Will he be able to make sophisticated reads and answer questions about defense?
His recent game tape and his reputation are going to hurt this April. There's not much he can do about the game tape at this point, but he can go a long way toward fixing that reputation with a good performance this week.
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"As long as no one tries to block me, I'm taking you down!"
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by JasonB on Feb 22, 2012 12:41 PM EST reply actions 11 recs
LOL
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
I know a lot of people aren’t Burfict fans (as I am as well), but you can’t deny how badass he looks in that picture.
"If I can get you to think twice, I'm in your head."
-Brian Dawkins
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If all he is good at is one-on-one situations with QBs and RBs, all he is good at pressure. Put on 15 pounds and become a situational pass rushing 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB.
"Sign Peyton Manning, Andy. It would be arrogant not to."
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Burfict is Ahmad Brooks
Versatile 3-4 linebacker who is best when you give him simple assignments and let him attack. Can play inside and outside in a 3-4 defense. The fewer responsibilities he has, the better. If we still ran the Jim Johnson style defense I’d consider him at SLB but not in Juan’s scheme.
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
Juan’s scheme.
What?! He has a scheme?!
"If I can get you to think twice, I'm in your head."
-Brian Dawkins
The SOPA and PIPA bills must be eradicated! Contact your local Representative and/or Senator. Spread the word! NO CENSORSHIP OF THE INTERNET!
You mean "Madden 12 has a scheme?!?
Formerly number5
RIP JJ
"Make sure you bone her in the missionary position (you on top) and right when you put it in her tell her in a microphony voice that "The Eagle has landed," and before you blow your load start waving your hands like you’re flying and screech like an eagle." - DickMuffin
Fear Tebus(Tim 3:16)!!!
by HawaiianGreen on Feb 23, 2012 3:41 AM EST up reply actions
Da dunnn
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
by KByars on Feb 22, 2012 1:02 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
2.0
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
So say he is sitting there when we have our 2nd, 2nd rounder
Do we take him?
Best Player Available. If it’s him, yes.
Astra Inclinant, Non Necessitant
by EagleGreeninMD on Feb 22, 2012 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
No way
I don’t want to risk another high pick on a guy destined to be mediocre. After hearing all this, why risk it? There is a way-to-eerie comparison to Ernie Sims here. If you’re cool with picking up that with our 2nd rounder, OK, but I’d rather not have yet another high pick to put into the “we get no production from our drafts” lists
depends:
assuming we got Kuechly, probably – yes.
but also, did we tag/trade DeSean yet? If so, did we get a replacement? Maybe we need to be looking at WR for that pick.
If he is still available in rd 3 – Definately.
This year’s draft rides a lot on our FA pick ups this year.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 22, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Yes if he's BPA..
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Bow your head and pray in Tebus name
Then make the Pick, If we haven’t already taken a LB at that point.
cant see him being a 'best player available'
till middle third………..sorry.Just too many issues , and question marks.
It's never easy being an Eagle fan........but I'll be damned if I ever stop !
We don't need the best players at every position,
we need players that play their best , at every position.
if theres any player the giants snag...
…and manage to capitalize with, its Vontaze
Guenth
by phuckthat on Feb 22, 2012 1:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The Giants have done it once, its not like they turn atlethic freaks into pro bowl players every year. Last season they even went the safe way with Prince instead of Jimmy Smith
by Anders Jensen on Feb 22, 2012 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
Not even close.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
I know, that was not my point. I was trying to point out that two things, 1) Vontaze is not like JPP (I failed) and 2) the Giants have taken the boom or bust play once in a recent draft and got lucky he didnt bust (I know alot people will now claim they knew JPP would be a Pro bowl DE in his 2nd season even tho most people said he was a risky pick and had a very high chance of busting)
by Anders Jensen on Feb 22, 2012 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
As long as...
Vontaze isn’t the Only upgrade we make at linebacker( tulloch or Luke ), I’ll be happy with drafting him. Preferably in the second round or later.
by Saidrick on Feb 22, 2012 1:42 PM EST via mobile reply actions
And still....
Worth one of our 2nd rounders.
"There are no pacts between lions and men"
by Lawdhvmercy on Feb 22, 2012 4:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions
This is the next Ray Lewis. Just ask YouTube.
Shady McCoy: Franchise records or GTFO
Go Dawgs!
#TeamKuechly
Follow @KeeepSwinging
ill reserve judgement til the end of combine
I do have a feeling he will work his way back into the first round
by ASObyNature on Feb 22, 2012 5:59 PM EST via mobile reply actions
If Andy wants to experiment.
It’s this guy. Admittedly I’ve only seen his highlights, and those are really excellent highlights. He seems like a guy that could add a big punch to our D if everything works out, but the more and more information that comes out on him the more I can see it ending poorly.
If we can draft him in the 5th and give him an incentive based contract to get him to work hard and reach his high ceiling I’m all for it as an experiment. Otherwise let’s pass.
2nd round if...
we sign a veteran MLB and he can play Strong Side and learn for the verteran.
This could work...
But only if we get him late in the 2nd.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
yea...
I was thinking with our second 2nd rounder. I think burfict could be a good player, but I would not want him as the leader of the defense. Learning from someone else and not being “the guy” is where he needs to be.
This guy could be a bust just as easily as he could be a beast. It depends on a number of factors, scheme, coaching, talent and leadership around him. As far as the eagles go I don’t think many of those factors would be favorable towards him being successful.
by Mycatsnameismilk on Feb 23, 2012 2:13 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Its funny how many people wanna take a flier on a player like Vontaze in the 2nd round, when all people do is bash AR for taken fliers on players in the 3rd round and lower.
Haha seriously, we have too many holes to be taking second round fliers
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
by mpd2005 on Feb 23, 2012 9:13 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
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