10 NFL Draft Prospects with Most to Prove at NFL Scouting Combine

Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson

Barring an extraordinary turn of events, Vic Beasley will probably be too light to be an edge rusher—either a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker—at the NFL level. Nonetheless, it should be interesting to see exactly how light he is, as he was listed at 236 pounds by Clemson this year but was rumored to be playing at a weight in the 220 range. Maybe if he gets up in the 240s, he could position himself as a projectable pass rusher, but it’s more likely than not that he’ll have to become a 4-3 outside ‘backer, becoming more proficient as a tackler and taking advantage of whatever blitzing opportunities he’s given.
Beasley, who will participate in drills as a linebacker, will need to show that he’s capable of contributing behind the line of scrimmage, and experiencing success in workouts like the pass-drop/hip rotation drill. While the greatest question about Beasley—his ability to be aggressive in pursuit and contribute consistently as a tackler—cannot really be answered at the combine, he can boost his reputation by performing well in the areas he can control.

Next: Darius Philon