Beasley dazzles at Combine, but did he help his NFL draft stock?
By: greenvillenewssc.com
Clemson’s Beasley dazzles at Combine, but did he help his NFL draft stock?
Detractors questioned his slim frame. They questioned his power. They questioned his tenacity. Former Clemson University defensive end Vic Beasley answered those questions in 4.53 seconds. That was the time Beasley clocked in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indianapolis on Sunday. That was the fastest time among all defensive linemen and linebackers.
Beasley answered those questions by bench pressing 225 pounds 35 times, the most among all defensive players. He answered those questions with a 41-inch vertical jump, a 6.91second cycle through the three-cone agility drill and a broad jump of 130inches.
He answered those questions simply by weighing in at 246 pounds, 11 pounds more than his listed weight in December.
Pushing a barbell in slim-fit shortsand a cutoff shirt will not completely eliminate doubts. Beasley set sack records at Clemson as an end in coordinator Brent Venables’ 4-3 scheme. However, Beasley most likely will transition into a 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker, or rush backer, in the NFL.
He must prove that he can translate that bench press strength and added bulk to the field. He must display persistence to fight off blockers. He must display determination to maintain his position on the edge.
No one questioned Beasley’s athleticism or speed. His 40-yard dash validated the natural ability that made him a promising tight end, running back and scout-team quarterback at Clemson. Once he finally converted to defensive end as a redshirt sophomore, he fused that natural ability with technique and blossomed into an All-American.
The first fourth of that 40 revealed Beasley’s explosiveness. He clocked a 1.59 in the 10-yard split, which, according to ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, confirms that Beasley also could blossom into a fearsome NFL pass rusher.
On Monday, McShay said he expects Beasley to maintain his position as a first-round draft pick, although the Combine performance did not persuade McShay to vault Beasley from the bottom of the round.
McShay ranks Beasley behind prospective pass rushers Shane Ray of Missouri, who did not participate in the combine because of injury, Randy Gregory of Nebraska and Dante Fowler Jr. of Florida.
According to McShay, a Combine performance, regardless of how dazzling or how daunting, will not trump what scouts have assessed from gamefilm. At the very least, Beasley has induced scouts to reassess his film.
“You go back and watch the tape again to see if you’re missing something or see if there’s more potential there,” McShay said. “You try to match it up thatway,butattheendoftheday,you’re going to pick tape over workout numbers every day of the week.”
Beasley’s game film will show his athleticism. His speed. His agility. His versatility.
It also will show his relative inexperience at the position. Beasley’s productivity at Clemson is indisputable. Yet, when comparing sheer instincts and counter moves, Beasley may not be as developed as the edge rushers McShay ranks ahead of him. Consequently, questions may linger about the proper place for Beasley, on the field and on draft boards.
The combine performance exhibited Beasley’s dedication to improving his deficiencies, to growing stronger, to adding weight, to focusing on his opportunity.
Detractors can question his size, his strength and his technique. No one can question his hunger, his character or his motor.
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