*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Vic Beasley Visits Jaguars
Updated April 17, 2015By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
Sources tell WalterFootball.com that Clemson outside linebacker Vic Beasley will be taking a pre-draft visit to Jacksonville. The Jaguars are looking for an edge rusher, and Beasley could fit as the LEO linebacker in the Gus Bradley’s 4-3 scheme. Many assume that the Jaguars are going to select Florida’s Dante Flower Jr. in the first round, but Beasley could be in the running to go to Jacksonville with the third-overall pick.
Beasley totaled 12 sacks, 33 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, three passes batted and three forced fumbles in 2014. He was a pass-rushing terror, including excellent games against Florida State and South Carolina. After playing defensive end in college, Beasley’s weight and run defense demand a position change to linebacker in the NFL.
The 6-foot-2, 246-pound Beasley also would have the ability to play in a 4-3 scheme as a linebacker and situational defensive end. Sources told us that they feel that Beasley and Missouri’s Shane Ray compare to the Seahawks Bruce Irvin. Bradley was the defensive coordinator of the Seahawks when they took Irvin in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
The Jaguars addressed the defensive line in free agency by signing Jared Odrick to a big contract along with bringing back veterans Roy Miller, Tyson Alualu and Ziggy Hood. Sen’Derrick Marks played well in 2014, so the Jaguars have veterans on the defensive line and could use a young edge rusher to pair with them. Chris Clemons had eight sacks last season, but he turns 34 later this year.
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