He possesses the strength to rush and set the edge and hold his ground in the run game, where he can battle well against bigger linemen and chase hard until the end of the play. He is a solid tackler once around the ball, and pursues plays from the backside with high effort and consistency.
His versatility across the line gives him good value for NFL teams, especially those running a 3-4. Look for him to be a late-round selection for a team looking for versatility and run support along its defensive line.
***
Doesn't have the ability to consistently threaten the edge at the next level. Tries to drop his pad level when trying to flatten out, but isn't real flexible. Tends to drop his head and bend at the waist and initially can get under blockers, but then pops upright and can routinely be pushed past the pocket.
Demonstrates a great motor and works hard in pursuit and most of his outside pressures come off his motor/power and not first step burst. Doesn't have much of a counter off his outside rush either. A linear rusher who struggles to change directions at speed. However, does have some savvy off the snap.
Will work the jab step to the edge and cleanly shoot the C-gap, fighting his way into the backfield. However, is at his best as a push/pull guy. Displays a strong bull rush, gets his hands under the pad level of defenders, keeps his base down, feet under him and can overwhelm on contact.
Not overly sudden when asked to disengage through contact and change directions, but creates havoc in the backfield and will work till the whistle. Has experience playing on both sides of the line of scrimmage at the college level and I could see him doing the same in the NFL as well.
Is a solid run defender, plays the run game with integrity, finds the football quickly and works hard in pursuit. Not overly fluid/flexible when asked to breakdown closing from the backside, but works hard to get there and puts himself in position to consistently make plays on the ball carrier.
Comes off the ball low when asked to anchor, gains inside leverage with his strong hands and not only can control blocks on contact, but does a nice job disengaging and making a play on the back. Lacks ideal range, but has some stack and shed ability when run at.
Impression: Not a special athlete, more of a savvy power player, but works hard rushing the pocket, has a great motor and can play the run. A rotational guy early on who has the ability to earn a starting role, but looks more like a rotational guy."
Limited functional strength, plays short-armed and soft-handed and does not provide enough pushback against the run.
Lacks explosion, flexibility and counter moves as a rusher.
Motor runs hot and cold and has an inflated opinion of his ability."
When watching Bequette, the first thing you notice is his good snap awareness and quick first step. This allows him to get into the blocker and create some pressure. He does a good job of getting his hands inside and extending his arms. His hand usage combined with this leverage allows him to get a good push on the pocket. While he is not an elite pass rush, he can still create pressure thanks to his hard work and rush repertoire.
Bequette plays like a 5 technique as he likes to get his hands on the lineman and plays two gap football. However, he needs to add more bulk and strength to hold up at that position in the NFL. His height makes it possible from him to add the needed bulk with out loosing what quickness he possesses.
Overall, Bequette has some potential but looks like a mid round prospect unless he has a very productive season.
Bold Statement: Bequette will be selected in the 2nd- 3rd round as a 5 technique
Games Viewed: Ohio State, Alabama, Mississippi State
Notes:
- Bequette has good height but needs to add a little more pounds
- He is able to fire off the football and maintain low pad level throughout the play
- That leverage coupled with good hand usage allows him to get a good push on the pocket
- His awareness helps him get a good jump off the line and find the ball for attempted strips
- Bequette is a relentless player always going at 100%
- He is not a great pass rusher but shows flashes and has a few different moves
- His lack of a 2nd gear hinders his ability to consistently threaten the edge
- Bequette is more of an engage and control type player and doesn't shoot gaps well
- While engaged, he struggles to shed and make plays away from his frame"
hard-worker with a great motor, but measurables are nothing special; thick player with long arms and a solid frame, but still could add another 10-15 pounds; plays high at times, but generally holds the point of attack;
Uses hands and arms to disengage, but is somewhat stiff and has limited lateral agility and actually doesn’t make a lot of plays defending the run; better pass rusher who had 7 sacks last fall; still primarily a bull-rusher who lacks an explosive first step and much in the way of real closing speed;
Has a good punch and can knock blockers off balance; can also dip his shoulder and get leverage around the corner, but doesn’t change direction all that well and lacks a counter move to his outside rush; character player, though, who will battle to the whistle."
Negatives -- Doesn't have a great first step and lacks the flexibility to dip his shoulder around the corner and can't consistently threaten the edge; gets upright around the edge and can be pushed out of plays... Favors the bull rush and creates pressure with motor and hard work, but lacks counter moves; collegiate pass rushing success came against tackles who lack base strength, struggles versus bigger OT's, is a straight-line type of athlete who lacks explosion and suddenness, and doesn't change direction particularly well... Can struggle to make plays away from his frame, doesn't have great range due to poor COD and lateral agility; isn't a special athlete, good height but needs to add 8-12 pounds to be a force against the run at the next level... Missed three games in 2011 due to an injured hamstring."