INDIANAPOLIS -- Vic Beasley left no doubt on Friday that NFL clubs see him as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, not surprising given the Clemson defensive end's size (6-foot-3, 246 pounds) and skill set. But as for which NFL club he fits best, Beasley has an eye on the Miami Dolphins, which employ a multiple defense with a mix of 4-3 and 3-4 elements.
"I've gotten a lot of looks from the Dolphins," Beasley said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "A lot of different teams, but mainly the Dolphins right now. I like guys like Cameron Wake, who is really able to get to the passer. They do a lot of different things, a lot of different (stunts), different things to get to the quarterback."
Wake has averaged nearly 12 sacks per year over the last three seasons, and at 6-3, 266 pounds, he's not the biggest physical presence either. Still, Wake is 33 years old, and NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt rates linebacker among the Dolphins' primary needs. Miami picks at No. 14 in the first round, later than some draft projections on Beasley, who is slotted at No. 8 to the Atlanta Falcons in the latest mock draft from NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks. Yet, Beasley is outside the first round altogether in analyst Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft. If the Dolphins address a different position at No. 14, Beasley doesn't figure to be available with their next pick, No. 46 overall in the second round.
He has added about 10 pounds since the end of the season to help relieve scouting concerns about his size. Beasley recorded 12 sacks for Clemson as a senior in 2014, all solos, and amassed 33 sacks and 52.5 tackles for loss over his Tigers career. He said he models his game after Von Miller of the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks' Bruce Irvin.
"A lot of teams see me as a 3-4 outside linebacker. I am willing to play defensive end in a 4-3 at the next level, but the majority of teams want me to play outside linebacker and I'm fine with that," Beasley said.
Beasley said he has yet to meet with the Dolphins at the combine -- but given the interest he indicated the club has shown, that's likely just a matter of time.
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