Week 3 ACC Scouting Notes: Cameron Erving’s Stock Sliding Thanks to Vic Beasley’s Big Night

The big battle of Week 3 happened last night in the ACC, as Florida State met Clemson without sophomore quarterback Jameis Winston, and two of this game’s top prospects were lined up against each other for the second straight season. Last year, Florida State left tackle Cameron Erving held his own against Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley, holding the potential first-round pick to just two tackles. Beasley got revenge this season, sacking backup quarterback Sam Maguire twice in the first half and getting the best of Erving around the edge.

Erving, who was given a second-round grade by the NFL Draft Advisory Board prior to the 2014 Draft, was too slow in his kick slide and struggled setting the edge against Beasley in pass protection. Beasley displayed his trademark burst off the line, great bend around the edge and improving hands to dominate Erving early. 

In comparison to his early performance, Beasley was quiet in the second half. Adjustments in the locker room gave Erving more help on Beasley, and Florida State was able to run at him effectively. Beasley’s size (6-3, 235) and tendency to get washed out of running plays will lead to questions around draft time, but as a naturally-gifted pass rusher entering a passing-heavy league, Beasley will be a highly-coveted prospect regardless of his issues against the run.

Erving, on the other hand, has the physical traits to be a good offensive tackle in the NFL, showing excellent athletic ability for a 6-6, 308-pound lineman. He was exposed against Beasley’s pure speed in this game, which is something he rarely sees in college but will face consistently in the NFL. Erving needs to refine his footwork and work on getting out to the edge to at least impede speed rushers. He has the natural ability to improve in that regard, and certainly wouldn’t be the first offensive line prospect to thrive with an NFL coaching staff.

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