Willie Beavers, OT, WMU: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Ross Woomer
Willie Beavers red-shirted his true freshman year and will enter the 2016 NFL draft after spending five years with Western Michigan. Beavers started in all 38 games his final three years. He was a part of an offensive line that blocked for the Mid Atlantic Conference’s top running backs the previous two seasons (Jarvion Franklin 2014, Jamauri Bogan 2015). Beavers also made first-team All-MAC in 2015 and was invited to the 2016 Senior Bowl.
Measurables
Height: 6′ 4
Weight: 324
Arm Length: 33.5 in
Hand Size: 9.5 in
Strengths
Beavers is able to use his large hands to stick with defenders. He is quick off the line and is engaged with his target, finishing blocks until the whistle. Beavers is quick to hit his target on run blocks and displays swift feet to hold a solid, protecting stance on pass blocks. He sticks with defenders and opens holes in space.
Watch Beavers lined up as a left tackle handle this block and use his hands
Weaknesses
Beavers can be awkward with the angles he chooses to block defenders, allowing players around inside. He will need to be more assertive in his positioning and learn how to read defenders better. Although Beavers can be quick off the line, he has also jumped snaps, whiffed on defenders and showed signs of jitters.
Beavers will need to become patient and consistent in composure.
Team Fits:
Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans
Final Thoughts
In Willie Beavers’s toughest match ups (Ohio State and Michigan State) he missed a few key blocks because he wasn’t athletic enough off the line. He may transition to guard, the position he played in the 2016 Senior Bowl. NFL weight rooms will improve his physical strength and film will improve his mental strength.
Once both areas are refined, Beavers should find himself starting somewhere in the National Football League.
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