With 172 total collegiate tackles to his name, LSU linebacker Kendell Beckwith, is exactly the type of player NFL teams are looking for to solidify the middle of their defense.
Beckwith, the Louisiana native, is coming off his best season in Baton Rouge, recording 84 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks (statistics courtesy of ‘www.lsusports.net’).
Beckwith has great size at the linebacker position, standing 6’3, 247 lbs.
Beckwith is long, agile, and athletic. With these skills he can cover both half backs coming out of the back field as well as tight ends. He has stupendous body control and footwork in his route covering, excelling at staying with his assignment and giving them little space to maneuver in the field.
He also shows the ability to stay with his man while taking occasional glances at the eyes of the quarterback, eager to anticipate/jump the route. With that being said, he is a solid fundamental player, constantly making an abundance of great football plays (as visible by his stat line) while taking minimal risks.
One of the common problems young linebackers struggle with is with regards to their patience and efficiency when picking the correct gap to shoot…
This is not the case with the senior standout. Beckwith attacks opposing run plays with smarts and patience; watching the play develop in front of him before committing himself to a path; the routes he takes to the ball carrier often steer the play back towards the center of the field where his teammates have a better chance of making the tackle.
In passing downs Beckwith is typically assigned the oppositions half back coming out of the back field, even with his 6’3 frame, Beckwith has little trouble keeping pace with the backs.
He is consistently one of the first defenders to the ball and is unafraid of contact (in fact, he seeks it out).
Versatility: With Beckwith’s rare combination of skills he can fit into nearly any scheme (i.e. middle linebacker in a 4-3, or pass rushing linebacker in a 3-4).
Simply put, Beckwith is an athletic specimen who has clearly spent his time in the film room studying up and learning how to be a true all around talent. He is a clean-cut player that shows very little flaws in his game.
NFL Comp.: Luke Kuechly – Much like Kuechly, Beckwith is visible on just about every tackle or scrum on the field. He flies around the field looking to hit somebody and looking to make a play. Solid hands for a big man. Beckwith shares many of the traits Kuechly possessed coming out of BC. Strong leadership skills as well.
Draft Projection: 1st (picks 20-32)
Beckwith is one of the most talented linebackers in this year’s class and another solid season at LSU should solidify his spot as an everyday/every down player at the next level.