Mike Mayock is widely considered one of the smartest and most respected personnel men in the game. When he speaks, we all tend to listen. Unfortunately for a pair of first round hopefuls, Mayock has spoken and the news isn’t flattering.

While many draft pundits and talent evaluators have salivated over the first round potential of South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, Mayock isn’t one of them. According to Mayock, Jeffery looks overweight and slow. “Alshon Jeffery does not separate” said Mayock.

Jeffery experienced a significant drop in stats between 2010 and 2011. He’s still widely considered a top five wide-out for April’s 2012 NFL Draft, but Mayock feels that his time in the 40 yard dash could be critical to him realizing his 2010 top 10 billing, or slipping out of the first round altogether.

Memories of former Lions washout (and current Seahawks reclamation project) Mike Williams come to mind.

Another highly-touted incoming talent is Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict. The 2010 All-American struggled mightily last year and saw his draft stock plummeting.

” I’m not a fan at all. I just watched a bunch of his tape. I came away unimpressed” said Mayock about Burfict. In addition to an on-field slip in production, Burfict has had issues with penalties and attitude.

Mayock also questioned his instincts and strength and said “I don’t see  first round pick at all”.

It’s still early in the off-season and there’s ample time for Burfict to prove his doubters wrong and have a strong showing at the NFL Combine to resurrect his draft stock.