Scouting Profile: Vic Beasley, EDGE, Clemson

[Dustin]

Previous Installments:

 

The RBs - Hub Post

The WRs - Hub Post

The Off-Ball LBs - Hub Post

 

 

Games watched: vs Georgia, vs FSU, vs NC State

 

The Good: 

 

That speed. Whew. Ran a 4.53 at the combine. I bet that was a 4.4 at his playing weight. 

  ex. http://www.draftbreakdown.com/gif-embed/?clip=253736&gif=InferiorZestyIriomotecat

 

Very explosive off the snap due to both physical ability and snap anticipation. He gets blocked out of the play here, but he was shot out of a cannon at the snap:

  ex. http://draftbreakdown.com/gif-embed/?clip=253736&gif=VapidZestyGoldeneye

 

Great job at using his speed to shoot gaps on stunts.

 

Very good lateral agility and change of direction ability. 

 

Plays with hand in the dirt and in a two-point stance. 

 

Decent field awareness. Here you can see him recognize a screen and at least slow down the RB:

  ex. http://www.draftbreakdown.com/gif-embed/?clip=253534&gif=ScornfulScentedIndigowingedparrot

 

Extremely flexible around the edge. 

  ex. http://www.draftbreakdown.com/gif-embed/?clip=253534&gif=CrispMenacingHydatidtapeworm

  ex. http://www.draftbreakdown.com/gif-embed/?clip=253534&gif=ThatClearCowbird

 

Gets hands up when he sees the QB attempting a pass. Doesn't get a lot of batted passes, but you've got to love the effort. 

 

Powerful spin move. Doesn't use it often enough IMO. 

 

Does a good job of using his hands to create separation from the tackle. 

 

Actually looks fluid in pass coverage. Though he only dropped back 23 times. 

 

The Bad: 

 

Played at a little above 220 in his final season. Up to 246 now. Can he maintain that and play effectively? 

 

Awful functional strength. Can't beat lineman with power. Probably won't be able to shed blocks well either. 

  ex. http://www.draftbreakdown.com/gif-embed/?clip=253534&gif=FocusedZigzagGrouper

  ex. http://www.draftbreakdown.com/gif-embed/?clip=253736&gif=RecentPossibleLark

 

Runs up-field and leaves big rushing lanes. 

 

Motor questions? Sometimes just gives up on the play when he gets blocked trying to go around the edge. 

 

Arms aren't as long as you'd like (32 1/4)

 

Not what I would call a "good" tackler. Too often goes for arm tackles.

  ex. http://www.draftbreakdown.com/gif-embed/?clip=253534&gif=ThatSpectacularComet

  ex. http://www.draftbreakdown.com/gif-embed/?clip=253736&gif=ViciousPresentIndianglassfish

 

Doesn't fit as a DE for a 4-3 team. 

 

Where he wins and Conclusion: 

 

Beasley is a one-trick pony. Luckily, he's very, very good at that one trick. He fits any 3-4 team who's looking for a bonafide, top-tier speed rusher. With his lack of size and functional strength, he always be one-dimensional. But teams with smart coaching staffs can work around that to put him in favorable situations where his speed can take over.

 

Projected Round: 1st

NFL Comparison: Bruce Irvin, Seattle

[Boiler_Colt]

Completely amazed that he showed up that heavy and put up 35 reps on the bench. He's a top 15 pick now for sure.

[Dr. T]

Crap. I was hoping he would drop to us.

[COLTS449]

I love Beasley. It would be awesome if somehow we came out of the draft with him. We'd most likely have to trade up. I didn't think he'd show up that heavy either btw. Nice write-up Dustin.

[James]

He was never going be there at 29 anyway. Neither will Fowler.

Maybe Harold.

[Defjamz26]

Completely amazed that he showed up that heavy and put up 35 reps on the bench. He's a top 15 pick now for sure.

He wont make it past the Falcons or the Bears. Even the Jets would take him.

[COLTS449]

He was never going be there at 29 anyway. Neither will Fowler.

Maybe Harold.

 

I like Harold too. He'd be a slight reach though, but I think he's going to be a really good pass rusher.

[COLTS449]

We need a freak like that btw. 

[NewColtsFan]

I'm pretty sure Beasley did NOT play his senior year at 220.

 

I know most websites showed that, but I believe them to be out of date.   Websites often are.

 

Somewhere during the season,  I started seeing Beasley at 235.    And that would make more sense.    Gaining 15 pounds leading into his senior season and then gaining 10 more before the combine.

 

The idea that he somehow gained 25 pounds of good weight in the span of just a few months is almost impossible to believe.

 

So,  I think he played his senior year at 235 and then gained 10 more for the combine.   To me,  it's the only logical scenario.....

 

For what it's worth,  Gavin and I had this very discussion about a month ago right here in a thread.

[BOTT]

I'm pretty sure Beasley did NOT play his senior year at 220.

 

I know most websites showed that, but I believe them to be out of date.   Websites often are.

 

Somewhere during the season,  I started seeing Beasley at 235.    And that would make more sense.    Gaining 15 pounds leading into his senior season and then gaining 10 more before the combine.

 

The idea that he somehow gained 25 pounds of good weight in the span of just a few months is almost impossible to believe.

 

So,  I think he played his senior year at 235 and then gained 10 more for the combine.   To me,  it's the only logical scenario.....

 

For what it's worth,  Gavin and I had this very discussion about a month ago right here in a thread.

McShay claimed Beasley played his junior year at 220 and gained most of the weight before his senior year.

[NewColtsFan]

McShay claimed Beasley played his junior year at 220 and gained most of the weight before his senior year.

 

Yup.   That's what I'm thinking too....