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Steve Tasker on Vontaze Burfict: 'That kid is special'

After a standout rookie season, Vontaze Burfict has turned a lot of heads in the NFL, including that of CBS NFL analyst Steve Tasker.

By Mark Sandritter
Christian Petersen

Vontaze Burfict took plenty of criticism near the end of his Arizona State career, but now after completing a standout regular season, he is starting to change the minds of more than a few NFL analysts.

Burfict started 14 games for the playoff-bound Cincinnati Bengals this season, racking up a team-high 127 tackles. After the productive season on and off the field, NFL analysts have started to take notice. CBS NFL analyst Steve Tasker said Burfict received a fresh start and has taken advantage of it.

Tasker cited Burfict's relationship with Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis as one of the keys to his development. While many coaches refused to take a chance on Burfict after a rocky end to his ASU career, Lewis did and the decision has paid off for both the Bengals and Burfict.

While Lewis called Burfict one of the top three defensive players he's have been around, Tasker also had high praise.

"That kid is special," Tasker said.