Jennifer Hilderbrand-US PRESSWIRE

If you frequent JBB then you know we’ve spent the last month digging deep to find potential prospects for the Raiders in the upcoming draft. In any other year that would be an easy task. Not so much when you’re talking about mid to late round prospects and nothing else. Anybody can talk Andrew Luck, RGIII and Trent Richardson all day. Get back to me when you’re breaking down Bill Bentley and Andre Hardy.

That being said there is one name that isn’t likely to be called until the end of the draft, if at all, yet is sure to be discussed just as much as any first round pick. I’m speaking of that sparkplug of controversy known as Vontaze Burfict.

At this time last year Burfict was being called a first round pick. What a difference a year makes.

The now former Arizona State Sun Devil was being compared to Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis. Now at days he’d be lucky to be the next Brian Bosworth. At least the Boz got a lackluster acting career for his troubles. For Burfict it’s looking like pro wrestling could be calling.

The book on Burfict is that he’s an aggressive middle linebacker capable of dominating a game, imposing his will on the opposition and creating absolute havoc in every way possible. Sounds like it’s exactly what you’d want from a player. Too bad Burfict’s poor attitude, problematic penalty issues and horrible conditioning have all contributed to his free fall on NFL draft boards.

So the question has got to be asked. With the Raiders holding only 5 draft picks, the first of which isn’t until #95 overall, does it make sense to roll the dice on Burfict?

From a pure competition standpoint it could make a lot of sense. Getting Burfict on the way down could be ideal. If the Corona Centennial alum has any pride he’ll be eager to prove everybody wrong. The hope would be his fiery nature might inspire Rolando McClain, pushing Oakland’s current middle linebacker to reach his full potential.

Of course the concern with Burfict is that he doesn’t know where the line is. A guy like that could be explosive in the locker room especially during the heat of training camp battles where tempers boil over like unwatched pots on the stove.

Beyond what he might bring competition wise and to the locker room, the football issue is Burfict’s inconsistent play.

In some instances Burfict looks like an all-pro making plays all over the field and absolutely destroying the offensive game plan. At times he’s also as lost as Tim Tebow in a strip club.

Then there’s his penchant for racking up personal fouls. That’s something the Oakland Raiders are in desperate need of correcting coming off a record setting season for penalties. In that instance adding Burfict to Oakland would be like taking an AA meeting to a wedding with an open bar.

Oh…and we haven’t even discussed how horribly he’s handled himself in the draft preparation process.

All that being said the Raiders badly need a shot in the arm on defense and an inspired Burfict would be B-12 to an exhausted marathon runner.

Reggie McKenzie is no Al Davis. There is no doubt Davis would have taken the Burfict challenge. McKenzie on the other hand has a different approach. Still, you can’t ignore his talent and if the stars lineup getting Vontaze Burfict in the 7^th round could go down as one of the great steals in the history of the draft. But that comes with plenty of ifs.

Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

Once upon a time Vontaze Burfict and the Oakland Raiders would have been a match made in heaven. Few players in the 2012 NFL Draft create such strong opinions as that of Burfict. He’s the kind of guy Al Davis would have welcomed with open arms if it was 1974.

On the one hand Burfict has been compared to Patrick Willis. His talent as a middle linebacker is that real. On the other hand Burfict draws comparisons on Ndamukong Suh and we’re not talking about his talent in that department. Burfict has a knack for crossing the line between being aggressive and playing dirty.

As it stands the Raiders are staying the course with Rolando McClain in the middle. He hasn’t amazed anyone in his first two seasons in the NFL but there is enough to work with that Reggie McKenzie isn’t willing to pull the plug on that Al Davis project just yet.

Still it is hard to ignore just how invisible McClain can be despite his size and considerable athleticism. Burfict was a lock as a first round talent until the wheels came off during his junior season at Arizona State. Inconsistent play, attitude issues and an unimpressive collection of draft workouts have dropped Burfict’s stock down to the late 4^th or 5^th round level. He could be a bargain at that price but might not be worth the headache. Either way, he’s a prospect some team will certainly roll the dice on. Why not the Raiders?

Vontaze Burfict, MLB, Arizona State

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 248lbs

Strengths: An absolute monster in the middle of the field. He creates havoc playing sideline to sideline with a high motor and a huge chip on his shoulder. Good in all phases of the game from defending the run to pass coverage to rushing the passer. Has a knack for sniffing out plays and blowing them up before they develop. Lays the lumber whenever he hits.

Weaknesses: Defines the term wildcard. His conditioning has gotten worse from each year. Has had problems with coaches at ASU and was benched despite being the Sun Devils best player. Lets emotions get the best of him and will no doubt be all over the Roger Goodell’s radar. Combine performance underwhelmed in all areas.