Leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft starting on April 27th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up...
Robert Beal Jr. (EDGE), Georgia, Senior
Robert Beal Jr. stands in at 6'4" tall, weighing 247lbs, and is a potential sleeper late in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Robert Beal Jr. IG (@b33fy_)
Robert Beal Jr. celebrates sacking Alabama QB Bryce Young in the 2022 CFB Playoff
Overview
It isn't at all surprising when people say it is hard to crack the starting lineup and get consistent playing time for the Georgia Bulldogs, but you don't necessarily expect a former 5-star recruit to only receive ten total starts over a five year career. That is exactly what happened to Beal as he struggled to gain consistent playing time after what seemed like a decent freshman season in 2018. In his final two seasons, he did manage to lead the Bulldogs in sacks during their 2021 College Football National Championship run, and prove he has some tools needed to play at the next level.
The same tools that made him a 5-star recruit, are what make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. He has ideal height, weight, and speed to have success as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, and has flashed those traits enough to make him worthy of a deeper look. He won't be a day one starter by any stretch, but his tools might be too good to pass up late in the draft.
Pros:
- Perfect build for a 3-4 OLB
- Good straight line speed
- Almost 7' wingspan
- Shows good instincts with pass rush and counters
- Has good strength to hold the edge against power in the run game
Cons:
- Limited playing time until fourth and fifth college seasons
- Change of direction and agility are below average
- Inconsistent technique
- No clear pass rush plan too often
- High level quick-twitch ability didn't show up too often
- Bend is average around the edge
Zachary Tate
Robert Beal Jr. makes a tackle in the backfield on a Vanderbilt running back.
The Steelers still have an unclear answer to who will be able to provide consistent depth behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith next season, and it is something clearly needed based on the team's lack of performance/pass rush during Watt's absence last season. The Steelers brought Beal in for a pre-draft visit, and should give Steeler Nation a very similar feel to them bringing in Mark Robinson last draft season. If he is still on the board with one of their seventh round picks, I would highly suspect he will be their choice.
Pass Rush Ability
Where Beal will likely have to grow the most to become an every down player is with his pass rush. He doesn't have natural bend to turn the corner on better offensive tackles, and his technique/hand fighting isn't to a point yet where he can consistently shed blocks. He does have a good feel for his counters, as while he doesn't have a go to first move or counter, he quickly is able to identify if he has the advantage mid-rush and adjust his course accordingly.
Run Defense
Setting the edge is something Beal should be able to do, and do rather well, early on in his NFL career. His size, length, and strength have given him the ability to be able to hold off opposing tackles and keep the outside sealed off on run plays. Beal doesn't always shed the block as quickly as you would like to break free and make the tackle in the backfield, but his ability to hold his ground can be valuable on a rotational basis early on.
Tony Walsh
Robert Beal Jr. lines up on the edge in a game against the Florida Gators.
Instincts and Athleticism
These are two areas where Beal really shines, as he has consistently shown good instincts as the play is developing. Where it is adjusting his course on his pass rush, or bunkering down in the hole on a run play, Beal shows the ability to make quick decisions and cause problems for the offense. Pairing his instincts with his speed and strength give him a pretty high ceiling if he is able to put the rest of his pieces together.
NFL Comparison - Smaller Za'Darius Smith
Finding a good comparison for Beal wasn't easy, as there simply aren't enough players around the NFL with his size and skillset. The best is probably Za'Darius Smith, as Smith started out as a very tough edge defender who pairs his size/strength to give offensive tackles all they could take play after play. Smith eventually developed into a plus pass rusher as well, putting together four seasons with at least 8.5 sacks. Beal could follow a similar path once in the NFL.
Draft Projection - Late Day 3
Early down run defenders aren't usually too high on people's must have list, and since he likely fits best in a 3-4, that also limits his potential suitors. There is enough upside with Beal to make someone want to snatch him up before the draft is over, but I don't see that happening before later in the day on Saturday.
Let us know below what you think about Beal Jr. as a prospect and the potential of seeing him in the black & gold! What other prospects would you be interested in seeing a profile on? Click to comment below!
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