2015 NFL Draft Profile: Vic Beasley, DL/OLB, Clemson

Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end

Vic Beasley

(3) after a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Clemson 28-6. Mandatory Credit:

Brett Davis

-USA TODAY Sports

Over the last several days, the NFL has been hard at working scouting college football’s finest at the Combine, and the Jets have been no exception. Mike Maccagnan and company need to fill the many voids on the New York Jets roster, and the Scouting Combine is a great place to begin.

Several players excelled yesterday during the defensive linemen and linebacker period, and we are going to take a look at one of those players today. This player would make a great choice at number six, and he dominated every drill yesterday. Today’s subject is Vic Beasley from Clemson.

Next: College Career

Jul 20, 2014; Greensboro, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley addresses the media during the ACC football media day at the Grandover Resort. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

As always, we start with the college career statistics for Vic Beasley:

Defense & Fumbles

These are the stats of a dominant player, ladies and gentlemen. You want a guy that can get to the quarterback? Vic Beasley can get to the quarterback. Beasley has gotten to the quarterback 25 times over the last two seasons.

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Look at the tackle stats too. As a junior, 23 out of 41 tackles were for a loss of yards. In his senior year, Beasley posted 21.5 tackles for a loss out of 34 tackles. That works out to nearly 60% of Beasley’s tackles being tackles for loss over the last two seasons. That is a player that makes his living in the offensive backfield.

Beasley can get the ball out too. He has forced seven fumbles over the last two seasons. When looking for a dominant player you look for a guy that can get in the backfield, bring down the quarterback, and get the ball out.

Vic Beasley fits that profile.

Next: Combine Performance

Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) in action against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Now let’s talk about his dominating performance at the Combine.

Beasley measured in at 6’3″, 246 pounds, and his arms were measured at 32.5 inches.

On the field, Beasley dominated every drill, leading the position. He ran a 4.53 in the 40 yard dash. Beasley posted 35 reps in the Bench Press. His vertical jump was a ridiculous 41 inches, and Beasley leaped 130 inches in the Broad Jump.

For a frame of reference, Beasley compared, and sometimes bested, DeMarcus Ware in several drills. Ware’s 40 was 4.56 seconds, he only bench pressed 27 reps, and his Broad Jump measured 122 inches.

If the Combine is any indication of what Vic Beasley is going to become, he is going to become pretty darn good.

Next: Draft Profile

Dec 29, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) celebrates with wide receiver

Mike Williams

(7) after scoring a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter of the 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Here is the analysis from Beasley’s draft profile:

STRENGTHS: Explosive athlete who’s always first off the snap. True edge bender who can torque hips and shoulders to turn corner. Has ankle flexion to dip and slalom around corner at difficult angles to block. Former running back with quick feet and fluid hips. Able to change directions and burst to target. Possesses potentially lethal spin move, but doesn’t use it enough. Primarily a hand-in-dirt rusher but has played standing, too. Able to drop into space. Solid instincts and outstanding closing burst. Quick hands to swat initial punch. Hands will get even better and could become a major weapon with more coaching. Can embarrass tackles who lunge and miss.

WEAKNESSES: High cut with narrow waist and thin legs. Needs to add more bulk. Unlikely to convert speed to power against NFL tackles. Wins with athleticism on majority of his sacks. Rarely transitions from speed rush to spin as an instinctual pass-rush counter. Lacks ideal arm length. Too often content to stay blocked if pass rush stalls out. Needs to shed blocks more consistently against run. Good football character, but scouts are concerned about a lack of alpha-dog tenacity.

Highlights and final thoughts on the next page.

Next: Highlights and Final Thoughts

Vic Beasley is a wonderful pass rusher. He has the moves, and he can power past his opponent as well. What I love most about Beasley is his motor. In a way, he gets after the quarterback the way Chris Ivory rushes the football. Stop laughing, let me explain.