Iindianapolis — Vic Beasley is a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end from Clemson that put his abilities on full display at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. Beasley measured in at 6-3, 246 pounds. He was known as a speed rusher while he played at Clemson. He used that speed to register 13 sacks and 23 tackles for a loss in 2013 as a junior. Beasley followed up his break out season with 12 sacks and 21.5 tackles for a loss in 2014.
The Combine was a showcase for Beasley. He was among the top performers if not a top performer at almost every test. The results that Beasley posted will without a doubt contribute towards the first 15 or so teams having to really consider him with their pick. Here are the numbers that he posted:
40 Yard Dash – 4.53 sec Bench Press – 35 reps Vertical Jump - 41.0 inches
Broad Jump – 10.8 inches 3 Cone Drill – 6.91 sec 20 Yard Shuttle – 4.15 sec
Beasley ran very well despite the fact that he put on 11 extra pounds. The weight gain was intentional. “Gaining the extra 11 pounds was on purpose. The weight is no issue. I used proper training, proper diet. I have been eating a lot of foods and doing a lot of heavy training, with high intensity.” said Beasley.
There will be a number of teams looking to play Beasley primarily at outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme which is something that he is ready to do. “I look forward to playing 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level. I am willing to play a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme but, the majority of the teams would like me to play outside linebacker and I am good with that.”
As a result, a lot of teams have talked to Beasley about his ability to drop into coverage. “I am also comfortable dropping back into coverage as you will see. Teams want to see me drop in coverage. They haven’t seen me with my hand not on the ground and obviously they want me to play the 3-4 outside linebacker position so they want to see me drop.”
The speed that Beasley used to run the fastest time for any defensive ends or outside linebackers came from his track background in high school in Georgia. His best time was 11.1 seconds. For Beasley, the most important thing is to just get drafted. His goal is to get drafted as high as possible and he put himself in a great position to go very early when the NFL Draft begins on April 30th of this year.
Many wondered why Beasley decided to come back to Clemson to play another season. Education is very important to him and he returned for his senior year to get his degree. He broke the all-time school record for sacks and was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Beasley was also a consensus All-American.
As a senior, Beasley got the opportunity to go to the Senior Bowl but declined. He was asked why and responded with a simple answer. “I got feedback from my people who talked to coaches and they said that the best decision for me was to not play in the Senior Bowl.” He grew up watching the NFL. Even while he was in school he watched a lot of NFL film. Growing up, Beasley’s favorite team was the Atlanta Falcons because of Michael Vick and how he was play maker. “Some guys that I watch now are guys like Von Miller, Bruce Irvin. Those are guys that I mirror my game after and guys that I think I will play like at the next level.”
Beasley is aware that the game is changing and that it’s a passing league. He said that the new trend of passing so much is great. “The NFL is a passing league and there is a great need for guys that can rush the passer. There are a lot of good pass rushers in this draft.” He said that he played on the right side 90% of the time but is able to play on both the left and the right. Beasley has the versatility to drop down to defensive end in sub packages as well. Whatever NFL team that selects him will be getting one of the best players in this draft.
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