*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Vic Beasley Visiting Bears
Updated April 4, 2015By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
Sources have told us that Clemson outside linebacker Vic Beasley will be taking a pre-draft visit to Chicago.
The Bears have switched to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and Beasley could fit as an outside linebacker and pass rusher for Chicago. The past few seasons, the once-great Bears’ defense has declined and has been a liability compared to a productive offense. Chicago has some outside linebackers for their 3-4 in Pernell McPhee and Willie Young, however Beasley could be their top player available when the Bears are on the clock and it may be too tempting for the Bears to pass on an impact pass rusher like Beasley.
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, posting excellent games against Florida State and South Carolina. After playing defensive end in college, Beasley’s weight and run defense suggests he is due for a position change in the NFL.
Beasley (6-2, 246) also would have the ability to play in a 4-3 scheme like the kind that Bears’ head coach John Fox utilized in Denver and Carolina. In that system, a good fit for Beasley would be in a similar style to Broncos’ linebacker Von Miller, who was very productive for Fox.
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