NFL Draft: Who could be the Green Bay Packers’ first pick?
By Dan Dahlke
North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Marquise Williams (12) is brought down by Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3). Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson (6-2, 235)
It would be a surprise if Beasley fell to the Packers at the end of the first round. Many believe the Clemson pass rusher is a top-15 pick.
However, Beasley could slide down draft boards because of size concerns and the number of edge rushers already projected to go in the first round. Many also believe Beasley fits almost exclusively as a 3-4 outside linebacker, eliminating over half of the teams picking ahead of the Packers.
This would be good news though for a team like the Packers picking at the end of first round and who may be looking for another edge rusher to add to their 3-4 defense.
Beasley would be a great addition to the Packers defense, especially at a position that already has good depth with Matthews, Julius Peppers, and Mike Neal all producing, but also a position that will need to add talent in the near future.
Peppers may retire in the next couple years and both Neal and Nick Perry‘s contracts expire after the 2015 season.
This would give Beasley time to find a specific pass rush role on the defense his rookie season and then move into a starting role at outside linebacker following the 2015 season.
Beasley has excellent speed and explosive ability off the edge. His motor never stops, and he has an array of pass rush moves to utilize. He’s also athletic enough to drop in space and hold up in coverage.
Beasley is a great fit for Green Bay’s aggressive, attack-style 3-4 defense.