Cincinnati Head Coach Luke Fickell on Darrian Beavers

that he thinks pass coverage is a strength of his game.... opposite of what some scouting reports said.

thanks for posting. Seems like a really good fit for Wink with his versatility and another prop to Neal at the end.

One of the biggest reason I was happy about Wink is he has a very deep background in LB's and the Ravens really know what to look for at this position. Hopefully some carryover.

In comment 15734744 Eric from BBI said:

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that he thinks pass coverage is a strength of his game.... opposite of what some scouting reports said.

One of the reports I read had him as strong in zone, but “mismatched” against more athletic TEs. Plus he has some pass rush skills. He’s one of the few Giants picks that most of the draft sites had rated higher than where we took him, FWIW. I like his chances in this D.

here's a good tweet thread from the senior bowl where jim nagy called out his coverage on trey mcbride. i think i heard him on a podcast somewhere also mention that he was the type of LB they would have liked a lot in NE.

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Jim Nagy @JimNagy_SB · Feb 12 Here’s three-clip highlight on why @GoBearcatsFB LB Darrian Beavers, a throwback big ‘backer (6040v, 252v, 9 5/8 hand, 32 5/8 arm, 81 wing), is one of the most versatile defenders in 2022 NFL draft. First, he has frame to handle TEs in red-area. #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ Jim Nagy @JimNagy_SB · Feb 12 There are few EDGE players in any draft who can legitimately cover AND rush but Darrian Beavers can be that guy as a pro. @duubbb finished his college career with 13.5 sacks as a part-time rusher and there likely won’t be a bigger & more explosive tester at the Combine (38.0 VJ). Jim Nagy @JimNagy_SB Most people forget Darrian Beavers began his career as a safety at UConn. In a league being dominated athletic pass-catching TE, teams MUST find guys who can cover them. Checkout the reactiveness to match this route by a potential first-rounder. And he can finish. #BestoftheBest

https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1492499392527540226 - ( New Window )

In comment 15734841 Eric on Li said:

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here's a good tweet thread from the senior bowl where jim nagy called out his coverage on trey mcbride. i think i heard him on a podcast somewhere also mention that he was the type of LB they would have liked a lot in NE.

This is not a shot at Beavers at all, so fwiw. I'm aware that McBride was the consensus #1 TE coming out for this draft. When I saw his highlight clips, however, I didn't see such a fluid, athletic TE, maybe his blocking abilities better than as a receiver, or combo that with receiving capability. As a receiver I saw a big, raw boned guy who is a bit stiff in the hips and not fluid in his cuts. I'm happy we got our guy where we did.

In comment 15734857 ColHowPepper said:

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In comment 15734841 Eric on Li said: Quote: here's a good tweet thread from the senior bowl where jim nagy called out his coverage on trey mcbride. i think i heard him on a podcast somewhere also mention that he was the type of LB they would have liked a lot in NE. This is not a shot at Beavers at all, so fwiw. I'm aware that McBride was the consensus #1 TE coming out for this draft. When I saw his highlight clips, however, I didn't see such a fluid, athletic TE, maybe his blocking abilities better than as a receiver, or combo that with receiving capability. As a receiver I saw a big, raw boned guy who is a bit stiff in the hips and not fluid in his cuts. I'm happy we got our guy where we did.

i dont have a strong pov on mcbride. he tested ok and he played against lower comp but he did put up big numbers and had some good moments in what i saw of senior bowl. i know some including sy were very high on him as TE1. in what ive seen from him he looks good at the catch point but whether or not he can get open consistently i have no idea. i liked freiermuth more last year.

In comment 15734821 Pepe LePugh said:

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In comment 15734744 Eric from BBI said: Quote: that he thinks pass coverage is a strength of his game.... opposite of what some scouting reports said. One of the reports I read had him as strong in zone, but “mismatched” against more athletic TEs. Plus he has some pass rush skills. He’s one of the few Giants picks that most of the draft sites had rated higher than where we took him, FWIW. I like his chances in this D.

Let’s not be too hard on the Beaver...

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The definition of the word “anomaly” is something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. Darrian, because of his size and athletic talent, deviates from what is the standard, normal, or expected athletic talent for those who “check all the boxes” when evaluating players for the draft. His workout numbers might not be what is the norm for a linebacker, but because of his size, length, instincts, and high football IQ, on the field those workout numbers will not reflect how well he plays and how much of an impact he can have. His workout numbers might not show the norm or standard to play the linebacker position. They may not show the perfect numbers to play Edge Rusher. They may not show the norm or standard for him to be good in coverage. All I can tell you is forget the freaking numbers, stop checking the freaking boxes, and turn on a game he has played in and you will see him show more than the normal and standard player who impacts a game and makes a defense better.

full profile - ( New Window )

one thing I'm looking forward to is seeing how Wink uses Beavers, McFadden and Belton. Belton is another hybrid type player, and they're all good pash rushers. I'm sure they'll get burn on specials more at first but it won't surprise me to see them in third down packages relatively early on as well.

Next to Blake.....eventually replacing him seems ideal

I wouldn't be surprised if Beavers starts over McFadden though. And Belton a darkhorse to start over Love.

Part of Wink's philosophy (aside from the blitzing) is having guys who hit.

Agreed

But I am wondering how much emphasis will be put on ST compared to the last regime.

Hardly anyone returns kickoffs anymore.

Our punter can kick it to the moon. And I am thinking that if the O can move the ball to the 50 we will be going for it on fourth down with much greater frequency than the last regime - sort of you know - like what the rest of the league has been doing.

So if no one is returning kicks any more and we will be punting a whole lot less - what do we need specialists for ST for ?

PATs?

In comment 15734986 ChicagoMarty said:

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Agreed But I am wondering how much emphasis will be put on ST compared to the last regime. Hardly anyone returns kickoffs anymore. Our punter can kick it to the moon. And I am thinking that if the O can move the ball to the 50 we will be going for it on fourth down with much greater frequency than the last regime - sort of you know - like what the rest of the league has been doing. So if no one is returning kicks any more and we will be punting a whole lot less - what do we need specialists for ST for ? PATs?

Just go for 2

I like your thinking

Especially late-round picks. But I've just got a feeling about this kid. I think he'll fit in nicely with what Wink wants to accomplish. I hope my faith in him is justified.

In comment 15734744 Eric from BBI said:

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that he thinks pass coverage is a strength of his game.... opposite of what some scouting reports said.

When I watched Derrian Beavers tape I said the same thing the kid didn't give up a touchdown against in his Cincinnati career while in coverage

as it were.

Beavers is the pick I am most excited about. I thinknhe will be a star under Martindale.