Arizona St. Sun Devils inside linebacker Vontaze Burfict is one of the few ASU players projected to find high placement in the 2012 NFL Draft. Some analysts are predicting that he will be selected late in the first round.
The latest mock draft at Draft Tek once again suggests that Burfict could go to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round, as the No. 29 overall pick. Analyst Eugene Stasak offers the following take:
Another week and another Vontaze Burfict selection. There isn't a whole lot that hasn't been said before. Burfict is a perfect fit for the Ravens in terms of scheme, need, and value. Ray Lewis is nearing the end and all three other ILBs on the roster are set to hit free agency this year. I expect at least one to be back, Dannell Ellerbe as he's restricted, but McClain is the starter and he could be moving on. Burfict would be able to step in and contribute as a rookie while learning from the great Ray Lewis, a player to whom he compares very favorably. Some other options would be if one of the big four OTs falls, Dont'a Hightower as an ILB alternative, Peter Konz as Matt Birk is contemplating retirement and is a free agent, and trading out is always a real possibility for Ozzie.
It will be a few months before all this shakes out, but Burfict could do a lot worse than find himself with the formidable defense in Baltimore.
For all news and information regarding the Arizona State Sun Devils, please visit House of Sparky. For updates and perspective on the Baltimore Ravens, head on over to Baltimore Beatdown. For lots more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out Mocking the Draft.
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