2015 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: Edge Player Vic Beasley

Scott CarasikMar 4, 2015

The Falcons' biggest need in the 2015 offseason comes off the edge and attacks the quarterback. The edge-rushers in the 2015 class are led by Vic Beasley, who projects as a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid, like a Bruce Irvin or Von Miller in the NFL.

Beasley should fit right into a Falcons scheme needing some impact players and could start right away at strong-side linebacker in base sets and designated pass-rusher in nickel sets. Combining him with some free-agent edge players would be the ideal way to go about this offseason for the Falcons.

Vic Beasley

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Edge Player

Clemson University

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'3" Weight: 246 pounds

Arm Length: 32-1/2" Hand Measurement: 9-3/8"

40 yard dash: 4.53 sec. 10 yard split: 1.59 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.15 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.91 sec. Bench Reps: 35 reps

Vertical Jump: 41.0" Broad Jump: 10'10"

Stats

2014: 13 Games Played, 34 Tackles, 21.5 Tackles for Loss, 12.0 Sacks, 6 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 3 Pass Deflections, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2013: 13 Games Played, 41 Tackles, 23.0 Tackles for Loss, 13.0 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 4 Fumbles Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 6 Pass Deflections, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2012: 13 Games Played, 14 Tackles, 8.0 Tackles for Loss, 8.0 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced

2011: 9 Games Played, 1 Tackle

2010: Redshirted

Scouting Report

Strengths

As one of the best pure pass-rushers in the draft, Beasley has the potential to go in the top 10 easily. His film shows him rushing both with a hand in the dirt as a down lineman and as a standing edge-rusher in both base and nickel sets. He's effective at using his hands to get around or through offensive linemen.

He also has a ton of pass-rushing moves and can bend the edge with the best of them. On top of that, his first step off the line is one of the best in the entire draft. He's also an effective run defender when he plays off the ball and is at least competent when he's at defensive end.

"
"I think Vic Beasley will be a great fit in Atlanta." http://t.co/VKTrdiWXzU pic.twitter.com/AiXghfB443
— NFL Now (@NFLNow) March 4, 2015"

Weaknesses

Beasley has played at weights under 230 pounds for most of his career at Clemson. He will have to show that he can maintain a weight of at least 240 pounds in the NFL to be properly effective. His low weight will hurt him against NFL offensive tackles if a team asks him to be a full-time defensive end.

At linebacker, he's got speed, but the issue comes in with his coverage ability. He's got to show that he can be more than just a short zone defender. It's more a matter of his lack of experience in coverage than poor play in coverage. If he can pick up coverage aspects, his value rises exponentially.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

When at Clemson, Beasley was a leader off the field and was never arrested nor suspended. He took some time to develop, but he's one of the hardest workers off the field. His motor shows on the field, too, with his relentless nature that gives him a shot at the quarterback almost every play.

The Falcons would love to have his intensity on their defense, and his fast and physical nature would fit the new defensive philosophy well. Atlanta would be bringing in the right kind of locker room influence in Beasley with an on-field personality of a fired up quarterback destroyer.

Overview

Beasley is an excellent linebacker and defensive end prospect who compares favorably to Miller, Khalil Mack or Irvin. He's a top pass-rusher and can set the edge well against the run. He's going to make a team happy when it takes him in the top 10 of the draft.

His overall pass rush set can be improved, but when a guy has the potential to be the next 15-20-sack player, he's going to go much higher than some are projecting. The Falcons would be an ideal fit for Beasley and should take a look at him with their first-round pick.

"
How does Vic Beasley not go top 10?!?!
— Canner Tarder (@Bobs_Ballin) March 3, 2015"

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

The Falcons would have to draft the Clemson standout with their No. 8 overall pick should he slip to there. And he'd be more than worth the money. He'd fit in right away in an Irvin- or Miller-type role as a strong-side linebacker on base downs and pass-rusher on passing downs.

With head coach Dan Quinn having experience using Irvin in that role as Seattle's coordinator, and defensive coordinator Richard Smith seeing Miller used in that role in Denver as their linebackers coach, they'll have the best possible plan on how to utilize Beasley to his maximum production.

All stats used are either from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN, CFBStats or the NFL. All combine and pro day info is courtesy NFL Draft Scout. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac and Rotoworld.