If Burfict makes it to us in the second we definately should take him and probably will look at him pretty hard.


Like Houston last year.

Dude is actually the perfect specimen to play the thumper next to DJ. Get Soliai in front of those two and it would be pretty ****ing crazy.

A) I don't think Hightower has the ceiling Burfict does. Burfict has no-shit Ray Lewis kind of athletic ability. Hightower doesn't.

B) Like I said, disciplined is good, but a team full of robots isn't. I'm not entirely certain that I would want a more disciplined version of Burfict. Show me those moments of Jerome Harrison type berserker rage and I'll show you a defense that teams do not want to play against.

I'm not arguing with you DJ, I really like Burfict. I think he got alot of undeserved shit at ASU, that wasn't totally his fault.

I know we probably can't get a game changer at qb in this draft, but if Pioli drafts like he has the last couple years this draft could really bolster the back end of this roster.


It's time to start upgrading positions that potentially have guys that could be solid starters to guys that could be legit game changers.

Burfict is that kind of specimen.

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This is very long, but shows positives and negatives

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A bunch of times I've seen ASU use Burfict to rush the passer and even step out in coverage on a TE or RB. I know it's a different defensive scheme they play, but that really smacks of a 3-4 OLB in this particular scheme. Are you guys sure we'd want Burfict to play inside if we drafted him?

He's the prototypical thumper that can cover from the mlb spot. I think he's built pretty perfectly to play that role, with his size and all.

I like the kid from Nevada as a 3rd/4th round ILB prospect.

I don't think he can replace Belcher. He's more of a project guy IMO. And I'd be surprised if he went as early as the 4th.

If Burfict, Kuechly, and Hightower are gone, I'd like us to look at Jerry Franklin from Arkansas around rnd 4.

I think he has the tools to play as well against the run as Belcher does, while being better in coverage.

Burfict is a very tempting pick.

As far as the leadership goes that would keep him in line, thats a very interesting question. Berry to me will be or already is the emotional guy on the defense.

When I saw him go stare down the Ravens team before the playoff game for jumping all over the place in the endzone, I was in love. I love a guy like that and that was cool as hell to me. Does that translate into actual vocal leadership, it certainly can. I am just not positive one way or another if Berry would be vocal enough to do so. Also doesn't help him that he has played one season. Reason tells you Berry is a star, but people who need to be kept in line don't always think reasonably.

Overall, I think there is enough leadership on the defense to keep him in line. On top of that, Crennel is the type that can get through to him. I don't really believe that being a hard-ass or being respecful is an either or, one works the other doesn't. To me, its about being smart enough to get a guy to play the right way and respect his teammates. Like life, its a grey process. I am willing to take my chances that Romeo and the D-Leaders could do just that.

FWIW, the kid from Nevada was given a 4th round grade from cbssportsline.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...s/TSX/2012_ILB

Yeah I've seen him listed 4-6, I just think it will be more like 5 or 6. I would prefer that 4th be spent on a guy that's not going to need as much development. This is the area we should be looking for guys that can contribute as rookies in a limited role ie blocking/second TE, RB, rotational dline. jmo

We haven't seen enough of Berry to know this yet IMO. Your first yr you are just trying to get your feet underneath you to get not only your D system down but also more importantly get used to the speed of the NFL game. Your 2nd and 3rd yrs are where you really start to come into your own with a helluva a lot more confidence. Berry hasn't even had a 2nd yr so I say we wait-n-see:thumb:

As much as it pains me to agree with a mizzou fan, DJ made a really strong point.


Skill wise, this defense is pretty tough. They need a James harrison type crazy ass. Someone who just looks to knock people the **** out. I think Belcher has the attitude but not the overall skill.

Burfict has the skill oozing out every hole. Dude is a monster.

I've said it many times, but put Soliai in front of DJ and Burfict and see what happens.

Plus Belcher is a fantastic player to bring in on short yardage and goal line stuff.