Denver Broncos 2014 NFL Draft Prospect: Clemson DE Vic Beasley
Oct 5, 2013; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) is blocked by Syracuse Orange offensive tackle Sean Hickey (60) during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. Clemson defeated Syracuse 49-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
We talked last weekend about how the Broncos have some big contracts expiring in terms of the defensive end position (and a lot of positions, to be quite honest), so we’re going to continue to look at some 2014 NFL Draft prospects that could really help the team in future years.
Today’s subject is Clemson pass rusher Vic Beasley, who was a backup in 2012 but has emerged in 2013 as a legitimate first round prospect with 10 tackles for loss and eight sacks through the team’s first five games.
Beasley had eight sacks in the entire 2012 season.
With his emergence, he may very well not last to the Broncos’ first round pick, which is expected to be in the 32 range, but you simply never know. The Broncos could always trade up, Beasley could fall–any number of things could happen so you want to be aware of every possible player that could help your defense.
The Fit
Beasley is a fit for the Broncos because Denver needs more pass rushers. Plain and simple. The addition next year of Quanterus Smith is exciting for Broncos fans, but the team really likes having bigger defensive ends. That is one reason why Beasley might be an odd fit for the Broncos, because he’s a 235-pound former tight end who at this point is almost strictly a speed rusher off the edge. Denver is using 300 plus pound Derek Wolfe at LDE and 275 pound Robert Ayers at RDE.
Still, the fact remains that Denver needs pass rushers, and that might be their primary need heading into the 2014 NFL Draft.
Scouting Report
Beasley was a backup as a sophomore in 2012, but he led the team with eight sacks and also had eight tackles for loss. He started off his collegiate career as a tight end, then moved to linebacker, and now has settled in at the DE position where he is a pass rush specialist for the Tigers.
Last year, Beasley proved he has a bright future as a pass rusher, but he is still extremely raw. He is not the ideal size for a defensive end and needs to add muscle to his frame, probably at least 15 pounds to hold up on an NFL front seven. That fact alone leads me to believe that Beasley won’t make his way to the NFL until after his senior season, but you never know.
This is an impressive athlete with pass rushing ability that has scouts buzzing about his talent. He has good quickness off the snap and is a very speedy defensive lineman, as you’d expect from a player of his size. Clemson has done a good job of churning out pass rushers to the NFL in recent years, and Beasley could be the next in line.