Mock the Mocker: Chris Steuber’s Mock Draft Has Broncos Taking ASU LB Vontaze Burfict

Chris Steuber’s latest mock draft over at Bleacher Report has the Denver Broncos selecting Arizona State inside linebacker Vontaze Burfict, one of if not the most feared player in all of college football.

Burfict has drawn mixed reviews from draft fans and analysts across the web, but Steuber thinks that pairing Burfict and Von Miller would be a very tough matchup for opposing offenses. Here’s his full analysis of the pick:

There’s no denying the talent that Vontaze Burfict possesses; he’s an incredibly instinctive defender who has the potential to be an instant impact player at the next level. But, there’s also risk with him as well, and that risk could cause him to fall in the first round.

But not in this mock draft.

Burfict fits extremely well with the Broncos and would be an immediate upgrade at middle linebacker. Lining up next to Von Miller gives the Denver defense a scary look at the second level, as Miller’s speed and Burfict’s strength would be tough to match up against.

Burfict would certainly be an interesting pick for the Broncos, given they used a high third round pick on NC State’s Nate Irving this past year, but it’s easy to predict a team to take a player that they feel is a clear upgrade. With the Broncos selecting 12th in this mock, I think the pick is understandable, especially if Joe Mays continues to struggle at the line of scrimmage as he has.

Burfict would be an intriguing pick because the Broncos would possibly be able to use either him or Nate Irving on the outside for passing downs and let Von Miller do his thing in the pass rush department.