Why the 49ers Drafted DE Robert Beal Jr.
It's always intriguing when the San Francisco 49ers add a defensive lineman.
This team always manages to churn out key role players, starters, and stars. Much of that is thanks to the magical work that defensive line coach Kris Kocurek does. He knows how to get his group of players to reach or tap into their potential, which makes the 49ers a great landing spot for Georgia defensive end Robert Beal Jr.
The 49ers drafted Beal in the fifth round with pick 173. He wasn't a clear cut lead dominant player at Georgia, given the array of talent they amass there, but he is definitely a player that can carve himself a role with the 49ers. He presents traits that made him too good to pass on, which is why they drafted him.
“Beal’s a really, really gifted athlete." John Lynch said. "You rely a lot on relationships in this thing and [University of Georgia Head Coach] Kirby Smart’s been good to us. He’s got a lot of players. Kirby was a safety and we kind of bonded over that, but Kirby said someone’s going to get a really gifted and talented player if they just let this guy go hunt QBs and set edges, and when he said that, that’s exactly what we do. He’s not really good at going back and all that stuff. He could do it but what Kirby said really resonated, or I saw the same thing. He ran a 4.47 [40-yard dash]. So, he adds speed. He’s in the 6’3” range but he’s got 34 and 35-inch [arm length] so he’s got that length you look for.”
So, the 49ers fell in love with Beal's measurables and the assessment from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. I'm sure there was some scouting done on Beal, but these two factors were the ones that convinced the 49ers to pull the trigger. However, there is another method the 49ers used that made Beal an easy draft selection to them. They use an analytics process they label as "GTFO" to help determine if a defensive lineman fits their mold.
“It’s within the first two-yards is what we’re measuring," explained Lynch. "And they’ve come up with a way to measure that and Beal’s right at the top of it, so that’s something. We’re always talking about getting length and explosion out of that stance, and Beal’s a guy that kind of embodies that. The other unique thing that you get from Beal, and I think it really helps on game day, we dress a lot of D-linemen. He’s a guy who can help you a lot in Special Teams as well, because he can really run and he’s really good in space. So, kind of a unique ability. When you get a D-lineman that can do that it’s an added bonus.”
This is the real ability that made Beal too good to pass up for the 49ers. Mixed in with a rave review from Smart and his measurables, this was a no brainer selection for the 49ers. He has enough talent that the 49ers can build upon. That is all they need to see, and if Kocurek is also giving the green light, then Beal is a player that can be a great role player sooner rather than later.
