Prospect Comparison: Vic Beasley vs. Dante Fowler Jr.

theScore's prospect comparison series takes an in-depth, head-to-head look at some of the top players leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft.

Prospect Comparisons
Marcus Mariota vs. Jameis Winston
Amari Cooper vs. Kevin White
Dante Fowler vs. Vic Beasley
Todd Gurley vs. Melvin Gordon

Vic Beasley vs. Dante Fowler

Among a strong class of edge defenders - possibly comprising the most talented position group in this year's draft - it's down to either Florida's Dante Fowler and Clemson's Vic Beasley to be the first to hear their name called in the opening round.

Of the two, Fowler is likely the more versatile and complete prospect, but Beasley excels in areas that bring the most value to the position in today's game.

Here's a look at how Fowler and Beasley stack up.

Athleticism/Explosiveness

An incredible combine performance showcased everything Beasley is capable of as an athlete, solidifying his status as one of the most explosive players in the draft. An elite first step, impressive short-area quickness and ability to bend around the edge are the skills that combine to make him the disruptive and polished pass rusher everyone knows him to be.

Fowler doesn't approach Beasley's natural ability, but he plays as a much more complete and explosive athlete than his test scores suggest. Though he'll line up primarily as an edge defender in the NFL, there's a reason he was able to contribute and produce from a number of different positions on Florida's defensive front throughout his collegiate career.

Advantage: Beasley

Pass-Rush Ability/Technique

While he doesn't convert speed to power in his pass rush, Beasley's NFL success won't depend on him doing so given the varied ways he can get to the quarterback. Whether it's bending the edge and winning with speed to the outside or using his quickness to counter back inside - often with an incredible spin move - the argument can be made for Beasley as the most technically sound and polished edge rusher in this class.

Fowler has shown the ability to win as a pass rusher in just as many ways, and even with an added power element to his game, but it's a lack of consistency that has him behind Beasley. The popular idea that Fowler will be far more productive in the NFL than he was in college makes plenty of sense, however, as he'll finally be able to settle in and master one position.

Advantage: Beasley

Run Defense

As productive as he is getting after the quarterback, one of the most pressing concerns about Beasley is his ability to hold up as a run defender. His quickness and instincts allow him to make splash plays and tackles for a loss despite a relative lack of length, but he could struggle to do the same early on in his NFL career.

With a much longer frame and a more physical style of play, Fowler's ability to set the edge and contribute as a run defender is what makes him a complete prospect and likely top-10 pick. While he could stand to improve his technique at the point of attack, Fowler has both strength in his base to anchor against the run as well as the ability to disengage and find the ball to make the play.

Advantage: Fowler

Size/Frame

Beasley's combine weigh-in and the impressive on-field performance that followed alleviated some size concerns heading into the predraft process, but there's still some doubt as to whether he played at that weight in college. Either way, provided it doesn't involve sacrificing his elite quickness, he could add to his frame at the next level.

Possessing ideal weight and length for the position, Fowler is one of the lone edge defenders in this class that a team should be entirely comfortable with as either a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker. He could conceivably learn to make better use of his physical traits, but again, that should come in short order when finally settling into a full-time position.

Advantage: Fowler

Instincts

An experienced and productive college player, Beasley's athletic package also comes with impressive on-field instincts. Whether in setting up offensive tackles in his pass rush, or overcoming size and length concerns to make the occasional splash play against the run, he demonstrates a strong awareness and comfort of the game around him.

Adding to his complete skill set, Fowler is also a highly instinctive edge defender. For the versatile Florida standout, this is most evident not only when finding the ball in the running game, but also in his ability to avoid cut blocks and stay off the ground with consistency. 

Advantage: Push

Overall Comparison

Advantage: Beasley

While Beasley and Fowler each have particular traits that top the other, both players possess the kind of high-ceiling skill sets that should see them selected within the top-10 picks in the first round.

However, being the more advanced pass rusher both in explosiveness and technique - thus being less of a projection - Beasley should end up the more highly valued player of the two. Despite having some work to do in improving against the run, teams will always be able to find an impact role for such a dynamic pass-rush talent in today's game.