Man Crush

Every year I fall in love with a player. For some reason it tends to be a linebacker. Last year I fell in love with third round pick Mason Foster. He ended starting at MLB for the Bucs. I think he would be a better strong side LB but definitely a 4-3 guy. This year another MLB. I usually don't fall in love with early first round picks. I love that value pick of a guy that can start for you in a later round. This year I'm going to have to make an exception.

Vontaze Burfict, most people have him going to the Ravens as a late first round pick. To me he is one of the best backers in this draft. I do like Donta Hightower in this draft. Most people have Luke Kuechly as the top insider backer and right around 15. I don't see him as a first round pick to me. He lacks the ability to get off blocks and elite speed to be picked there.

Why I love Vontaze the guy is crazy and for that reason is going to fall down the draft according to most people. This guy isn't flat footed too many times. He has elite speed. Most people compare him to Ray Lewis. Not even close, he has that same attitude that Ray Lewis has. Ray Lewis has the best instincts that have ever really been around.  He could possibly get there if he can get the right coaches. When Vontaze tackles he wants to rip your head off. The problem is there are times he does bounce off without wrapping up. Pretty much every time he does get the guy to the ground but this is another level up. Don't get me wrong though he actually has really good form tackling.

Why I love him so much. Flat and simply his hands. Maybe I lied, I love his speed as well. I wouldn't be worried about Joe Webb running on his with him. Vontaze is very good at getting of blocks and is a great inside blitzer.

Top things for a MLB and where he rates (based on a college player)

Instinct - Above average, not outstanding
Add like to add a lit bit more to this. When he does something he is all in. He definitely lacks that initial first step. The times his first step was right the offense running game didn't stand a chance.

Speed - Elite

Tackling - Elite
He hits hard, but sometimes doesn't wrap up. What makes him elite is his tackling in the open field

Pass coverage - Average

Angle - Elite
It amazes me how far ranges to get runners.

Ability to get off blocks - Elite

Vontaze have the things you can't teach. He has the potential to be a Ray Lewis. He will need to have Ray's work ethic to get there though. Potential is just a dirty word if they don't want and I've never sat down with this guy. If he's there Vontaze would probably be my first round pick for the Lions.