2015 NFL Draft Profile: Vic Beasley, LB Clemson

Although he already had excellent game tape, Clemson linebacker Vic Beasley increased his stock even more at the 2015 NFL Combine. He was a top performer in every single category he participated in, showing that what we see on tape from him in the college game is truly the real deal.

But fans that watch the tape already knew how much of a monster Vic Beasley is. As a three-sport athlete who played football, basketball and ran track, Beasley exploded onto the college football scene in 2012 and led his team in sacks (8). His proficiency for getting to the quarterback got even better as time passed and he ended up averaging one sack for every 42 defensive snaps played while at Clemson in his final two years.

He’s blisteringly fast off the snap and can use agility or power to get to the quarterback. He shouldn’t be pigeon holed as a 3-4 outside linebacker as his speed and athleticism could make him just as effective in a 4-3 defense. Teams shouldn’t sleep on his contributions in run defense or ability to cover pass catchers, but those are both areas where Beasley could use some improvement as he can take bad angles at times.

Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) in action against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the third quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Clemson 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 246 pounds
Arm Length: 32.5″
Hand Size: 9.375″
40 Yard Dash: 4.53 seconds
Bench Press: 35 reps
Vertical Jump: 41″
Broad Jump: 130″
3 Cone Drill: 6.91 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.15 seconds

Draft Projection

Vic Beasley is CBS Sports’ #6 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft and the #2 outside linebacker. He should be an early first round selection due to excellent tape and a fantastic combine.

NFL Comparisons

CBS Sports compares Vic Beasley to Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller while NFL.com sees more of a Seattle Seahawks Bruce Irvin type player.

Fit For The Vikings

The Vikings could be looking to add competition at linebacker in the NFL Draft to add more young talent.

My Take

I have to admit, I’m a little obsessed with watching tape on Vic Beasley. He’s an impressive player whose game should translate well to the NFL. He is as athletic as they come in this year’s draft, and we all know how much the Vikings love to draft physically gifted players and then find roles for them. If Vic Beasley drops to the Vikings, it would be quite interesting to see him and Anthony Barr holding down linebacker spots in Minnesota.

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