On the surface, Vontaze Burfict seems perfect, if potentially problematic, fit for the Oakland Raiders, within whom coach Jon Gruden wants to instill the old-school, tough-minded, physically-imposing aura that's long been a mark of the silver-and-black's best teams in franchise history. But the signing of Burfict on Tuesday registered with a jolt nonetheless given the seven-year veteran's penchant for play routinely bordering on dirty that's led to him being suspended to begin each of the last three seasons.
What makes the Raiders' addition of Burfict even more surprising? The assessment made by Oakland general manager Mike Mayock, then a draft analyst with NFL Network, concerning Burfict's prospects at the next level leading up to the 2012 NFL draft.
“I put his tape on with absolutely zero preconceived notions,” Mayock said in a conference call before the draft, as recalled by Pro Football Talk. “I watched three tapes and really didn’t like him as a football player… I think he's a non-draftable kid. For me, he’s a free agent.”
Mayock wasn't wrong. The draft came and went without Burfict being selected, prompting the Arizona State product to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. He immediately established himself as an impact player in Cincinnati, starting 14 games as a rookie and making his only Pro Bowl appearance to date one year later.
Burfict, by the way, suffered the seventh concussion of his career in a late December loss to the Cleveland Browns, ending his 2018 season early. He played in just seven games last season, finishing with 33 tackles, one tackle for loss, and three passes defended while fighting through various health maladies. The 28-year-old was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs.
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