First Pick Day Two: Josh Beekman

Sunday, April 29, 2007 | Jeff

The Bears took Josh Beekman from Boston College with their first selection on day two. Scouts Inc. via ESPN has Beekman listed as one of the ten best prospects still available and the best guard overall. Here's the full evaluation from Scouts.

Strengths: Possesses excellent size. Is a thickly built mauling type of interior offensive lineman. Engulfs undersized defenders at the point of attack and can wear defenders down over the course of the game. Does a good job of locking onto the defender's frame, plays with a wide base and can sustain blocks. Takes good angles to blocks, plays under control in space and can get into position at the second level. Gets adequate knee bend in pass set and rarely gives ground to bull rushers. Shows good awareness, keeps head up and does an adequate job of picking up blitzes as well as line stunts. He has shown some versatility playing guard and center during his collegiate career.

Weaknesses: Doesn't have an explosive first step, doesn't show great footwork and is going to have problems preventing penetration working against one-gap defenders. Foot-speed is lacking, has problems redirecting inside after starting outside and is vulnerable to double moves. Doesn't deliver a violent initial punch, doesn't roll hips into blocks and isn't going to knock defenders back. Lacks ideal range, doesn't cover downfield well and may need to shed some weight in order to gain some quickness. Ideal playing weight is under 320 pounds, but he has ballooned to 340 at points during his collegiate career.

Overall: Beekman was redshirted in 2002. He saw action in all 13 games in 2003, was plugged into the starting lineup twice, and played on special teams registering two tackles. In 2004, Beekman took over as the starting right guard for the entire season (12 games). He once again started all 12 games at right guard in 2005. Beekman started all 13 games as a senior in 2006, 10 at guard and three at center.

Beekman is a far better run blocker than he is a pass blocker but he has the size, strength, toughness and balance to develop into an every-down starting offensive guard in the NFL. He also showed some versatility playing center as a senior. Beekman projects as one of the top-five offensive guard prospects in this year's class and should come off the board no later than the third round.