Chicago Bears NFL Mock Draft 2015: Latest 7-round projections
By Ryan Lehrman
Round 1 pick 7: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson University
Under defense-minded Fox and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio — who has spent 28 years in the league and 15 as a DC — the D will likely switch to a 3-4 scheme. As a result, the Bears are honing in on players familiar with the structure, and Beasley, one of the most elite players in the draft, makes for a very good place to start.
The former Clemson University linebacker recently compared himself to Denver Broncos LB Von Miller due to their relatively undersized stature and pass-rushing prowess. At 6-foot-3 and 246 pounds, Beasley has faced doubts that he’s too small for the position. However, he silenced those claims at the combine when he led all outside linebackers in a 40-time of 4.53 seconds and benched 35 repetitions of 225 pounds.
It’s not the first time he’s trail-blazed records. At Clemson, he was the school’s all-time frontrunner with 29 career sacks. The LB was also third in the nation in tackles for losses and first in the ACC in sacks per game.
His speed surprises offensive tackles while his awareness allows him to close on rushers. He’s also been known to strip the ball, a highlight that could help avenge Cutler’s horrible turnover marks.
On all accounts, Beasley is a natural pass rusher. It’s worth pointing out, though, that because of his aggressive motor, he sometimes takes bad angles to the ball. He’ll have to sharpen his tracking skills and work on his rushing defense to evolve into the breakout star he’s hyped to be.
Next: Bulking up the Defense