Sarge's Mock Draft

[Sgt. Ryan]

Rufus Alexander & Jon Beason are similar players. Both guys are about the same size - 6'-0", 230 lb range - which projects them both into WLB roles at the pro level. Both guys are outstanding at lateral pursuit and both guys are fast enough to stay in on pass packages, though Beason is the faster of the two. Beason can probably carry more weight effectively than Alexander also.

 

The differences between the two are that Beason is the more instinctive of the two players. Alexander will make bigger plays, especially rushing the passer, but Beason is more consistent & better against the run. Alexander has a tough time shedding blocks & tries to run around blockers at times, and he doesn't play hard all the time, while Beason has a good motor.

 

I'd compare Beason favorably to a guy like Ian Gold of DEN. He'll probably go in the late 2nd/early 3rd round - about the 6th or 7th LB off the board - and will be a solid starter in a conventional defensive system. Alexander will probably go 1 1/2 to 2 rounds later and if he's going to start regularly he'll probably have to go to a 3/4 team, and it would definitely benefit him to play in a cover 2 system. On a conventional 4/3 team he'll most probably be more of a specialist/special teamer.

 

As far as FF goes, Beason might be a nice player to add as a 3rd LB. He won't put up eye popping numbers, but he'll be very steady with his production. Alexander, if he catches on with the right team, will be one of those FF LBs who'll give you the 6 tackle/2 sack game one week and a 2 tackle/0 sack game the next two - very frustrating to carry on the roster but can give you great production if you're lucky enough to play him the right week.

 

 

I couldnt disagree with you more. First, I think Beason will strong side in the pros like Dj Williams. I dont see him as a weak side LB. DJ was a superior college player to Beason, and he puts up very average numbers overall.

 

Alexander is a proto typical weak side LB, a6'1 and 230, with 4.49 speed and could be a monster at the next level, aka Lance Briggs who also supposedly couldnt shed blocks either. Alexander would be a steal in the end of round 1 to New England, or to Tampa early in round 2 to replace Derrick Brooks in the near future.

Edited February 19, 2007 by Sgt. Ryan