clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Another SB Nation NFL Mock Draft

Getty Images

The fun keeps coming with even another one of SB Nation's Mock NFL Draft. This one has a few changes from the other one we posted on Wednesday, which had the Baltimore Ravens selecting LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle with their first round pick. Randle still goes in the first round, right after the Ravens pick at #29, to the San Francisco 49ers.

However, Baltimore fills what will soon bea huge void at their inside linebacker position, as All-Pro Ray Lewis may retire after this next season, his 17th in his sure-to-be Hall of Fame career. SB Nation projects the Ravens to grab Arizona State ILB Vontaze Burfict in the first round. Burfict is an absolute beast, one of the best in the nation, but comes with what many consider a ton of baggage, both on and off the field.


On the field, Vontaze has been mentioned as a headhunter, tackling high for the added effect of looking to tear an opponent's head off. The You-Tube video above (Warning: Turn off sound if you are easily offended by obscene lyrics) should both impress you as well as make you wary. His closing speed is unmatched, he hits like a freight train and obviously has natural instincts that combined with his obvious physical skills, could make him one of the best in the league as soon as he puts on the Ravens uniform.

Unfortunately, his style of play could also make him a big target of the referees and the NFL league offices, specifically the part that looks at illegal hits and fines players accordingly. Burfict's style of play could hurt his team as muchas it helps it, if he cannot get himself under control and play within the tighter rules of the NFL. If he can't, he will disappoint his fans and raise the blood pressure of his coaches and teammates.

However, if he can learn from the best, which will be Misters Lewis, Suggs, Ngata and Reed, then he will be the next great Baltimore Ravens linebacker to anchor the middle of what could continue to be one of the most feared in the league.