Cincinnati linebacker Darrian Beavers enters the 2022 NFL Draft as a run-stopping linebacker with a high-football IQ. Beavers played at UConn for 2017-18, but transferred to Cincinnati. He was named 2020 Second-Team All-ACC and was 2021 First-Team All-ACC. Beavers helped lead the Bearcats to ACC Championships in both 2020 and 2021. He played in the Senior Bowl as a part of the New York Jets team.
NFL Draft Measurables
| Height | 6’4 | Wingspan | 81” | Vertical | Player Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 252 | 40-time | N/A | Bench | Player Meaning |
| Hand | 9-5/8” | Shuttle | N/A | 3-Cone | Player Meaning |
| Arm | 32-5’8” | Broad Jump | N/A | RAS | Player Meaning |
How We Grade
| Grade | Player Meaning | Grade | Player Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5-10 | Generational Player | 6-6.4 | Average Starter |
| 9-9.4 | Perennial All-Pro, Top of Position | 5.5-5.9 | Below-Average Starter |
| 8.5-9 | Perennial Pro-Bowler | 5-5.4 | Developmental Player |
| 8-8.4 | Very Good | 4.5-4.9 | Special Teams Player |
| 7.5-7.9 | Talented Player | 4-4.4 | Practice Squad |
| 7-7.4 | High-End Starter | 3-4 | Journeyman PS |
| 6.5-6.9 | Above-Average | 0-2 | Free Agent |
NFL Draft Evaluation
| Trait | Grade | Trait | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explosiveness | 5.5 | Closing/Pursuit | 7.5 |
| Strength | 6 | Production | 7.5 |
| Agility | 6.5 | Awareness | 8.25 |
| Speed | 6 | Motor | 8 |
| Pass Rush | 5.5 | Size | 8.25 |
| Run Defense | 7.75 | ||
| Pass Coverage | 6.75 | ||
| Tackling | 6.25 | Overall | 6.78 |
Strengths
Darrian Beavers is a linebacker with superb awareness and play recognition in this NFL Draft. Knows immediately what’s coming and where he needs to be. When playing end, he is excellent at setting the edge against the run. Patient as a linebacker and fills holes, plugging up running lanes quickly.
Elite height and weight. Comes downhill with authority and avoids blockers well. Pursues very well on rushes outside.Doesn’t often blitz, but can sometimes get a good read on the offensive line and burst through a hole. Moves around defenders in the open field well. Always keeps eyes moving. Very good at containing quarterback. Reliable in both zone and man coverage.
Weaknesses
Darrian Beavers isn’t much of a factor in pass rush in this NFL Draft class. He lacks explosiveness, bend, and pass rush moves. Can be overtaken by blockers and has strength neutralized. Has average speed, can’t always keep up with running backs. Average strength, doesn’t push back blockers. Can reach too far in when shooting a gap and get dragged down. Not a top tier tackler in the open field.
Summary
Any teams who couldn’t stop the run in 2021 should look no further than Beavers in this NFL Draft. He plays with a high motor, can set the edge as a 9-tech, plug holes in the middle, or pursue a rusher on the outside. He plays far beyond his years when it comes to play recognition.
Beavers knows what’s coming like a seasoned vet. He doesn’t do much off the edge, and isn’t a great rusher, but can be brought down creeping on blitzes. He can play both man and zone coverage as well. Beavers will fit with a lot of teams due to his football IQ and natural processing. If he can develop some explosiveness and pass rush moves, he could be a versatile linebacker. He impressed on the first day of the Senior Bowl and will continue to see his stock rise until April.
Round Grade: 3rd
Team Fits: DEN, NYG
Pro Comp: Zach Cunningham
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