From now until the 2017 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#52 Kendell Beckwith / LB / 6’2 243 lbs
The Good:
– Able to fight through blockers to navigate to ball carrier
– Quick at attacking the hole to stop running backs in their tracks
– Uses football IQ to gain a first step on runs to the perimeter
– Waits for the offense to show their hand before pursuing, rarely caught out of position
– Physical tackler who plays with a mean streak
– Three-year starter at LSU
The Bad:
– Average athleticism leaves little room for error in diagnosing the play
– Struggles to change direction against more shifty running backs
– Will struggle in coverage against tight ends and/or running backs
– Plays too high, making Beckwith an easy target to be driven backwards
– Possible injury concerns after tearing his ACL last season
Bio:
– 2016: 91 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 sack,
– 2016 Second Team All America by America Football Coaches Association
– 2016 First Team All-SEC by SEC coaches
– Three-year starter at LSU
– Missed LSU’s final two games last season after tearing his ACL
– Played a fair share of quarterback in high school
Tape Breakdown:
A three-year starter at LSU, Kendell Beckwith was the heart and soul of the team’s defense until a catastrophic knee injury ended his senior season prematurely.