Size: Burfict, who is measured at 6’3” 252 lbs., is a better physical specimen than Kuechly who still stands at a respectable 6’2” 235 lbs. Both players use their size well but Burfict has to get the nod here. Winner: Burfict

Speed: Put on any game film and you will see Burfict flying around making plays. Occasionally he overshoots or comes in so hot that he misses the ball carrier, but there is no denying he has top quality speed for a MLB. Kuechly has decent speed, but he rarely gets to show it because he rarely lets plays get past the line of scrimmage that he is in position to make. He usually takes a more calculated approach to the ball taking short choppy steps, instead of over pursuing and getting beat on a cutback. Winner: Burfict

Intelligence: Burfict seems to understand where the run plays are going and hits the hole hard. The issue with this is that he sometimes struggles to think his angles through and overestimates his speed and strength, meaning that he whiffs and can let a gashing run occur. Kuechly is much more efficient, he waits until the runner has made a decision about where they are going to go and then he attacks there. He rarely over plays, and always puts himself in good position to at least slow the runner down. Winner: Kuechly

Big Play Ability: Burfict is a head-knocker and will make players think twice about running at him twice. He seems to crave contact and will play with reckless abandon in an effort to be the most explosive player he can be. Kuechly is much more controlled but still has an impressive pop at the point of contact. The only real difference between the two here is that Burfict seems to be able to knock the ball out more whether it is because of the fear he brings, or a constant knowledge for where the ball is. Winner: Burfict

Run Support: Burfict is a constant threat for a tackle for loss, but once the defender passes him, he sometimes loses interest in making the tackle. I think that is a huge sign of a guy who lives and breathes for the “big hit”. Kuechly on the other hand has no problem recovering after a miss, and chasing a guy down. However it is rare to find a miss from him because of his calculated style. Do not confuse his patience for hesitance, if he gets a clean shot he will explode through the running lane and hit the RB for a loss. Winner: Kuechly

Versatility: Burfict’s speed helps him a lot in this category. If he wanted he could probably play outside as a strong side linebacker in a 4-3 scheme or even possibly as a 3-4 OLB. Kuechly is limited to strictly inside guy in my opinion. While I like his ability to shed blockers and get to the run game, I think he is best used as a guy who can sit back and read a play instead of blitzing so often. Winner: Burfict

Coverage Skills: Once again, speed is a very important attribute of the physically imposing linebacker. Burfict shows the ability to run with most TEs and RBs, but would probably have issues against the “Jimmy Graham” types. Kuechly shows good skills in the underneath zones, and he does a good enough job studying film to put himself into good position for coverage. All that is no match for Burfict’s speed though and that makes your…  Winner: Burfict

Character: Burfict has some huge flaws in this category, he seems to get a flag in every game for some sort of conduct issue, and when he is not mouthing off, he is going helmet to helmet with people and hitting them out of bounds. Kuechly is much more polished as a leader on the field than Burfict and rarely gets a flag. The fact that he doesn’t get more frustrated after all the holds and being on a losing team is impressive actually. Winner: Kuechly

Production: This year Burfict has 68 tackles, 5 sacks, and an interception. Not to be outdone Kuechly has 191 tackles and 3 interceptions. Amazing. Winner: Kuechly

Conclusion: The matchup is tough, and this really all comes down to how much a team values the character of the players they draft. On the field they will both be likely upgrades to most teams and are both first round talents. However the numbers come out to 5-4 Burfict so therefore the first inside linebacker off the board should be…Final Winner: Vontaze Burfict