Scouting Report: OLB/DE Vic Beasley- Clemson

Pros:

• Extremely productive player, with over 30 sacks and 50 TFL over the last three years.
• Explosive rusher off the edge can get in the backfield before an OT can get set.
• Overall athletic freak, had a great combine top-to-bottom
• Able to drop in coverage when needed, will appeal to 3-4 teams.
• Already effectively uses a spin move and has good hands to get by tackles
• Smart player who sets up tackles well and will take advantage of their mistakes.
• Good motor, stays with plays even when he is initially blocked.

Cons:

• Weight is a question mark. Had a solid weight at the combine, but can he play at 240-250 lbs. will be the question.
• Will likely struggle vs the run at the next level, at least early on.
• May be a tough fit for 4-3 teams, limiting his market.

Overview:

In what is considered a very strong edge rusher group, Vic Beasley offers perhaps the best immediate value plus upside combination of the group. The only thing that limits him is questions about his size and how he will hold up at the next level.

Beasley looks to be the most advanced pass rusher and has been a terror for opposing quarterbacks these past three seasons. Beasley has also not just racked up big numbers versus inferior competition as he has a combined 12 of his 25 sacks from the last two seasons, in 8 games vs the likes of FSU, Ohio State, Georgia, etc.. He already has a dominating spin move and good hands to go along with advanced instincts. If he’s in the right system he should have immediate success as a 10+ sack guy, and he has the potential to be an elite pass rusher.

The concern with Beasley is that his weight and frame could limit him to 3-4 and hybrid defensive teams, and even in some of those schemes he figures to struggle some versus the run.

His pass rushing ability should easily more than make up for any concerns versus the run, but teams will have to be aware of those limitations and plan accordingly.