NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

Vic Beasley Makes Most Sense For Pittsburgh Steelers In 2015 NFL Draft

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Vic Beasley, Clemson Tigers

Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Were it not for the shortcomings of a disappointing defense in 2014, the Pittsburgh Steelers might well have spent this week analyzing how to best take down the New England Patriots in Foxborough, not scouting the best college players in the nation ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.

Despite the absence of Dick LeBeau, the defensive coordinator who has meant as much to the Black and Gold as any player in the last decade, defense will rightfully remain a priority, and Vic Beasley should be at the top of that list.

But before any fan can begin fantasizing about Beasley’s role in new DC Keith Butler’s scheme, the team’s draft position poses a serious threat. The Steelers pick at No. 22, potentially opening up a trade opportunity with a team sitting in the top half of the first round.

“Potentially” is the key word here, as some mock drafts cite Beasley as a top-10 pick, while others have him tumbling towards the end of day one, and everywhere in between. At any rate, the union between franchise and player would be a harmonious one.

The former Clemson Tigers outside linebacker possesses a killer burst at the snap. His finesse moves to sweep past blockers are enough for several highlight reels on their own, but even at an undersized 235 pounds, his upper body strength gives him a surprisingly effective bull rush. Beasley has most commonly drawn comparison to Von Miller, the malleable Denver Broncos linebacker who has developed into one of the biggest “splash” playmakers in the league.

But wait one second. How will one of college football’s premier 4-3 edge rushers fit with the Steelers, a unit notoriously stubborn about sticking with three down linemen? The answer lies not in the player, but the scheme. Earlier this week, Butler made it clear that while the 3-4 will remain a huge part of the defense, wrinkles to LeBeau’s tried-and-tested system will be introduced where the personnel allow for it.

That’s where Beasley comes in. A purely situational pass rusher on third downs or in long yardage is exactly the kind of x-factor Pittsburgh is missing. Troy Polamalu is a shell of his former self, and many members of the team’s young front seven have yet to prove themselves. Too small to set the edge against the run but the perfect potential complement to Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons on passing downs, Beasley could help revitalize a now-stale zone blitzing scheme that has been cracked by most of the league.

Forget the obvious need to plug holes in the secondary. The Steelers have historically looked to free agency or the middle rounds of the draft to fill out one of the most challenging positions in the modern NFL. On day one, as in previous years, Pittsburgh will again have its eyes on a quarterback’s worst nightmare.

With James Harrison and Brett Keisel expected to retire and Jason Worilds an almost-certain departure in free agency, Beasley could be the final piece of the unit’s new generation of cerebral monsters up front.

Jonathon Natsis covers the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JohnHollywood92, ‘like’ him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

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