Oakland Raiders: Vic Beasley in play?

ByBrett Clancy|

With the 2015 NFL draft just hours away, the Oakland Raiders fourth overall pick has been whittled down by analysts to just two names: Leonard Williams and Amari Cooper. If Marcus Mariota and Dante Fowler Jr. are taken with the second and third picks, as some analysts have predicted, Oakland could have their choice of either. But the Titans could consider Williams too good to pass up at two and the Jaguars could opt for the polished pass catcher (Cooper,) over the raw edge rusher, (Fowler.)

In either case, Clemson pass rusher Vic Beasley ought to enter the conversation as a potential Raiders selection. Beasley has been projected as high as the third pick, and most analysts don’t expect him to make it past the Falcons at eight, so the value fits and it’s no secret that, even with last year’s rookie phenom, Khalil Mack, the Raiders need to improve their pass rush.

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Beasley is an explosive athlete who answered concerns about his weight by showing up to the combine at a solid 246 lbs, and still blazing a 4.53 in the 40 yard dash. Beasley has looked good in drills at the combine and his pro day, backing up the formidable pass rush skills he put on tape at Clemson. Still, size is one of the biggest knocks on Beasley, who can be taken out of plays by bigger tackles, particularly in the run game.

Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio knows a thing or two about undersized pass rushers. Del Rio spent the last four years in Denver developing Von Miller into one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, and he also had 5’11 veteran pass rusher Elvis Dumervil for his first season at Mile High. If there’s anyone who knows what traits a player like Beasley needs to succeed at the NFL, it’s Del Rio.

Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive linesman Jack Mewhort (74) lines up against Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) during their game in the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It may also be worth noting that Beasley himself, mentioned the Raiders, as well as the Bears and Falcons when asked to predict where he might land in a radio interview with Chris Allison and Bobby Rasinski of ESPN 730 in Charlotte. He also calls the idea of playing for the Falcons “a dream come true,” so there’d likely be no hard feelings if the Raiders let him pass.

Maybe it will take both Cooper and Williams being off the board to actually happen, but the Raiders have already bolstered their interior line with defensive tackle Dan Williams.

And while Raiders fans and analysts are adamant that they add Cooper, I’m not sure the front office feels the same burning need to grab the top pass catcher available in deep draft class with some very promising talent available at the position day two.

That’s not to say, they wouldn’t or shouldn’t draft Cooper if he’s available, but don’t expect the Raiders to run that pick up to the podium with Vic Beasley still on the board.

Next: Should the Oakland Raiders trade down?

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