2014 NFL Mock Draft: The Tennessee Titans Select…
Nov 2, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) participates in warm ups prior to the Tigers game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Last week, FanSided editor-in-chief Josh Sanchez completed a 2014 NFL mock draft that had the Tennessee Titans taking UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley with the No. 12 pick. This week, NFL Mocks editor Sayre Bedinger brings us his version of what he believes will happen in the draft.
Here’s the complete article. Below was who Bedinger had going to Tennessee:
"Tennessee Titans: Vic Beasley, DE/LB, ClemsonThe Titans upgrade their pass rush here with Vic Beasley, who has speed off the edge and can move all over the defense. I think Tennessee could go a number of directions here, but I think Beasley might be the BPA here as well."
It’s worth noting that Bedinger has the Titans picking at No. 13, however, according to John Glennon from The Tennessean:
If season ended today, #Titans would have 11th overall pick in draft. #Texans would be 1st and #Jaguars 6th.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) December 10, 2013
Well if Beasley was available at No. 13 then he’s available at No. 11. All is forgiven.
The Titans need a pass-rusher on their defensive line. Derrick Morgan has never developed into the playmaking pass-rush specialist that the Titans wanted when they drafted him with the No. 16 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Through four seasons, Morgan has 14.5 sacks. His 2013 stats include 23 tackles with four sacks.
Beasley is an interesting choice. At 6-3 and 235 pounds, the junior defensive end isn’t guaranteed to declare for the draft. NFL.com has an article (Go) that discusses how Beasley’s production completely dropped off during the second half of the season. Beasley started the season with nine sacks in six games. Then he had one sack in five games. He finished the season with a two-sack performance against South Carolina.
Here’s an analysis from WalterFootball.com, who ranked him as the third-best outside linebacker behind Alabama’s C.J. Mosley and UCLA’s Anthony Barr.
"Beasley is lightning fast off the edge with good pass-rushing moves. He would be a lot higher in these rankings if he weren’t so undersized. Beasley needs to get better at defending runs that come straight at him. He will have to move to outside linebacker for the next level unless he stays for his senior year and can fill out his frame. His best in the NFL could be in a 4-3 defense as a rush linebacker a la Von Miller of the Broncos. Beasley also could fit a 3-4 defense if used in a variety of places."
Beasley needs to add mass, especially if he remains at defensive end. If he stays at outside linebacker, maybe he provides an upgrade over the hugely disappointing Akeem Ayers. Ayers has 40 tackles and one sack. Don’t forget that, in this past season’s draft, the Titans used a third-round pick on Zaviar Gooden.
I supposed if Beasley can rush the quarterback, then who cares what position he plays? Just get some coaches who know how to use him and properly develop his body. A double-digit sack man who can stay healthy is something this team needs. Then again, they also need some linebackers who can defend against the run.
What do our readers think? Would you be happy to see a Top 15 pick used on the Clemson defensive end / outside linebacker? Answer in the poll below and give your take in the comments, Twitter or Facebook.
SOURCE: