Rams sign OL Abdul Beecham

[shovelpass]

UDFA waived by the Chiefs last week. Not sure what it means for us in the immediate future.

 

[shovelpass]

https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/201...gent-spotlight-kansas-state-og-abdul-beecham/



Abdul Beecham is a stout and powerful interior offensive lineman who played college football in Manhattan, Kansas.
Beecham transferred to Kansas State after a successful season playing football for Blinn community college. Since joining Kansas State, Beecham been a part of some historic performances including a 2016 season, where the team set a school record for yards per carry. During the 2018 season, Beecham was part of an offensive line that paved the way for RB Alex Barnes to lead the Big 12 in rushing yards.

Rushing isn’t the only area that Beecham has found success. He earned high praise from Pro Football Focus following his 2017 season for the work he did as a pass blocker. They dubbed him as one of the top graded pass blockers at the guard position in a power five conference.
Stats:
2015: Community college.
2016: 8 games.

2017: 13 games.
2018: 12 games.
Pro day results (via draftscout.com)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 321
Hands: 10
40 Yards Dash: 5.77
20 Yard Dash: 3.28
10-yard dash: 2.06
225-pound bench: 15
Vertical: 25 inches
Broad Jump: 102 inches
20-yard shuttle: 5.06
3-Cone Drill: 7.80
Highlights:


Fit with the Chiefs:
There’s a new wildcat on the Chiefs roster.
Beecham signed with the Chiefs after his second tryout with the team during mandatory minicamp. Brett Veach clearly kept tabs on a few of the guys who had an opportunity at rookie minicamp and they brought them back in recently to give it another shot.
The Chiefs have a recent history of taking undrafted free agent offensive linemen, coaching them up and turning them into success stories. That appears to be the likeliest path to success for Beecham on when it comes to making it with the Chiefs.
A player that Beecham is reminiscent of is former Chiefs offensive lineman Zach Fulton. He’s not the most fleet-footed offensive lineman out there, but if you put him in a phone booth he can be a force to be reckon with.
Beecham is unlikely to make the roster right away because the Chiefs have lots of depth along the offensive line. Beecham, however, brings a strong amount of experience and character to the table. He’s slightly undersized for what the Chiefs like at the guard position, but if he can play the center position too, that’d help his chances of at least making it onto the practice squad.

 

[Riverumbbq]

I like the signal this sends to our wannabe OL reserves prior to heading into Houston.


ABDUL BEECHAM

• POSITION Offensive Line
• HEIGHT 6-3
• WEIGHT 321
• CLASS Senior
• HOMETOWN Cibolo, Texas
• HIGH SCHOOL Judson

Biography
CAREER: A big offensive lineman who played in 33 career games with 29 starts at guard.

2018: Played in all 12 games with 11 starts... Part of an offensive line that helped the Wildcats finished third in the Big 12 by averaging 182.6 rushing yards per game, which included a 184.2-yard average in conference games to rank second... Helped the Wildcat rushing attack average 208.6 yards and 2.3 rushing touchdowns per game in the final seven contests after averaging 146.2 yards and 0.8 rushing touchdowns in the first five... Paved the way for running back Alex Barnes, who was the Big 12 rushing champion with 1,355 yards and 12 touchdowns.

2017: Started all 13 games at left guard... Helped the Wildcats tie for third in school history in rushing yards per carry (4.98) and finished seventh with 2,584 total rushing yards to rank second in the Big 12 in both categories... Also blocked for a K-State bowl record 344-yard rushing output in the Cactus Bowl victory over UCLA.

2016: Played in eight games, including starts against Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa State and Oklahoma State... Helped K-State set the school record for rushing yards per carry (5.27), rank third in school history in total rushing yards (3,013) and rushing yards per game (231.8), and seventh in rushing touchdowns (39)... Helped block for an offense that ranked sixth nationally in rushing touchdowns.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Played one season at Blinn College under head coach Keith Thomas... Helped the Buccaneers earn a 5-4 record... Voted an Honorable Mention All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference offensive lineman as a freshman in 2015 after not allowing a sack the entire season.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played for Judson under head coach Sean McAuliffe... A two-time first team all-district selection as a junior and senior, while he earned second team all-state (Class 5A) honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association honors as a junior and third-team (Class 6A) accolades as a senior... Also named to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s preseason Class 6A all-state team in 2014.

PERSONAL: Abdul Najee Beecham was born March 5, 1997, in West Point, New York... Son of Samuel and Tina Beecham... Has three siblings... Majoring in family studies and human services.

 

[OldSchool]

Body for camp with Neary out imo.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Abdul Beecham Interview
July 7, 2018 Brian Johannes Updated


Over the last several years Kansas State has produced plenty of NFL players and today we look at one of their offensive lineman in left guard Abdul Beecham. Beecham has a lot going for him as he stands 6’3 310lbs with good movement skills. Whether it’s pulling in the run game or being graded by Pro Football Focus as the best pass blocking guard in 2017. I had the chance to interview Abdul and here is what he had to say.

Abdul Beecham Interview
1. What was it about football that drew you to the game?
I was always very big for my age and I always had to be careful playing with other kids. Football allowed me to be physical and test my limits. I also loved the competition and the games and my Father Loves College Football (He is from Alabama). Football was also a great teacher in that is teaches you teamwork, discipline, strategy and it challenges you mentally and physically.

2. You played 6A high school football in Texas, we all see movies about how crazy and passionate high school football is in Texas, what was that experience like for you?
There is NOTHING like Texas High School Football. My High School Converse Judson has won 6 State Titles and played in 11. The traditions and fan loyalty is second to none. I routinely played in front of sold out crowds of 10 thousand. The entire city would be at the games on Friday nights. For playoffs and Championships we played in front of 15-20K fans with some Title games having 40-50K fans. I enjoyed every second of my High School Football it was the most fun and most unforgettable time in my life. I played with and against some great players many of whom are Power 5 D1’s and a few who made it to the NFL.

3. Out of high school you went to Blinn Community College, a school that has produced a handful of NFL players, what lead you to Blinn and how did that experience prepare you?
I had my choices of Texas JUCO’s when I came out of High School, I chose Blinn because of the tradition , the proven record of players moving on to P5 D1’s and the way they prepared their players for University life. It was also super competitive and the staff pushed the players. I was rated as the #9 Offensive Guard in the Nation when I came out of Blinn. I received my first D1 offer from Iowa State after my second game at Blinn. Blinn has dorms , study hall, academic advisors, curfew, they run Blinn just like a major University, this really helped my transition to Kansas State I was ready.

4. Out of Blinn you signed with Kansas State, what drew you to playing for the Wildcats?
I went on my Official visit and I was blown away by the facilities, the loyalty of the fans (sold out home games every year), the coaching staff especially Coach Dickey and the concept of family that is Kansas State. I was also intrigued by the possibility of starting right away due to the high turnover of Offensive Linemen on the depth chart. Coach Dickey was also a main reason I chose Kansas State. He is in my opinion one of the best OL Coaches in College football. He believed in me and told me how he could help me become a better player and person.

5. Bill Synder doesn’t get the same attention that a Nick Saban or Urban Meyer get but is considered to be one of the best college football coaches in NCAA history. What makes him so special?
Coach Snyder is the toughest , most focused man I have ever met along with my Dad. He consistently gets the most out of his players and his staff. He is an inspiration and is beloved in Kansas and beyond because he himself has overcome so many obstacles (health issues, recruiting against blue bloods like Oklahoma and Texas, consistently winning with less etc) yet he sets the example for all of us by his dedication, focus and belief that hard work ,discipline, execution and mental toughness can overcome a lack of superior talent. Coach Snyder also has longevity. He has seen so much and he is innovative. He took Kansas State once the worst program in College Football and made us respectable and a threat each and every year. He also takes as much pride in molding players into respectable young men as he does in winning football games. In my Opinion he is in the upper echelon of Coaches in CFB along with the Coach Saban’s and Meyers. I wouldn’t want to have any other Coach to guide, mentor and teach me to be a better football player and a help me become a man.

6. You are known for you ability in pass protection as you didn’t allow a single sack at Blinn and were graded out by Pro Football Focus as the best pass blocking guard in 2017, what traits do you have that make you so efficient and successful?
I pride myself in my pass blocking ability. In Pass Protection you have to have quick reflexes, instinct, anticipation and great hands but more importantly you have to have great footwork. I was blessed to have those traits. I am a pretty good basketball player I love to play. Guys see me on the court and think I can’t move and they are surprised when I am guarding the point guard and stripping the ball from him. I can also jump. Even though I am only 6’3″ and 315lbs I can dunk a basketball. I also have very long arms (35inch arm length) my wingspan is that of someone 6’9″. I think that all of this translates to football. Instincts , anticipation, Quick feet, strong fast hands and long arms are a recipe for success in pass blocking.

7. With so many college teams running uptempo spread offenses, Kansas State tends to run a more traditional offense, how does that help you as you transition to the NFL?
As you know many players struggle when they get to the NFL because although spread concepts are used they are not the mainstay as in College Football. In some spread offenses you can get away with poor technique, lack of execution, missed assignments etc because the ball is released so fast and the tempo doesn’t allow the defense to set properly a lot of times. At Kansas state we use most of the play clock before running a play and we are run dominate. Your mistakes and missed assignments are magnified in our offense. This causes everyone to perfect technique, execute assignments, and to be become more complete players. Kansas State I believe will prepare me better for the NFL than other schools who run Spread offenses because the NFL is more traditional in its offensive approach. There is a reason Kansas State’s Offensive Line is predicted to be the best in the Big 12 again this season, we are all versatile, we have great technique, physicality and footwork and we want to outwork, out execute and wear down our opponents relentlessly.


8. On tape you show the ability to quickly get out and pull in the run game, how do you use your athletic ability as a run blocker?
I pride myself in my footwork, technique , ability to take the correct angles, my short area quickness and my power on contact, I use all of that to execute my assignments when pulling and run blocking. Many times players are surprised a 315Lb guard got up on them so fast. I pride myself in taking my man completely out of the play so my teammate with the ball can score or get the most yards possible. I think my ability to pull and block in space as well as battle head up on the line of scrimmage is what separates me from many other interior linemen in CFB.

9. Versatility and position flexibility is always key to an offensive lineman. You’ve played left tackle, right tackle and even right guard in your past before settling in at left guard. What was different about left guard compared to right guard?
The biggest difference is in two areas. The first is knowing where to block based on the play call. Play side vs Back side. When you play majority on one side you process your assignment very quickly, when you switch sides it takes a little longer to process the assignment. The second area is in Pass Blocking. Players who play majority one side kick step the same leg over and over, switching sides can be a challenge as you are kick stepping with a non dominate leg. Coach Dickey likes versatile Linemen and we move around a lot in practice. I am fully prepared for a switch to another position if asked and I practice techniques needed to be successful at either side.

10. I’ve heard that lineman moving from one side to the other is like trying to write with your non dominant hand, how true is that? Do you feel that if you had to play right guard again, your better prepared for it?
There is some truth to switching sides being a challenge and difficult but in today’s football world versatility is an asset and Kansas State prepares its OL to be versatile. I feel if asked by Coach Dickey or if I am fortunate enough to be selected by an NFL team I will be able to make the transition. As I stated Coach Dickey likes versatility and we move around a lot in practice.


11. What can we expect from the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2018 College Football season?
I think we will surprise a lot of people this season. We expect to contend for the Big 12 Title. We did lose a lot especially on defense but we have a lot of hungry upcoming players ready to make their mark. We return all 5 offensive lineman and we were rated as the best OL in the Big 12 by Pro Football Focus. (All American Dalton Risner, Remington nominee Adam Holtorf, All Conference Left Tackle Scott Frantz. All Conference Right Guard Tyler Mitchell, and of course myself All Conference Left Guard ). I believe we will have a devastating run game with our feature back Alex Barnes and a stable of versatile RBs (Mike McCoy, Justin Silmon , Dalvin Warmack) We have a two headed monster at QB with Alex Delton and Skylar Thompson who each brings something unique to the table. We have a great returning secondary and some athletic LB’s and DL’s ready to make step up. We have new coordinators on offense and defense and we have the best special teams Coach in the country in Coach Sean Snyder. Finally we have the best Coach in the Big 12 in Coach Bill Snyder and he will have us ready to play and compete every single game. I think our spring and summer workouts and conditioning has prepared us to have the best season in a long time at Kansas State

12. What type of player and person will an NFL team be getting from you?
I have dreamed of playing in the NFL since I was 7 years old. I have played organized tackle football since that age. The team that believes in me will be getting a versatile player who can excel at multiple positions, an athletic player who can block in space, pull and get to the second level, a player with the footwork and hands and counters to effectively pass block and protect the QB, a player who can transition to power move players off the line of scrimmage and excel in the run game, A player who grew up in a military family and who understands discipline, teamwork, sacrifice, hard work, A player who has never been in any type of trouble. A smart player who prides himself in being a student of the game. A player who is never satisfied and want to always improve and get better. And finally a player that will always give 100% on every play and who will always carry himself as a representative of his team and never embarrass them or put them in an awkward situation.

Abdul Beecham Interview |

The Abdul Beecham interview allows you to get to know the Kansas State left guard as we enter the 2018 college football season.

www.nfldraftgeek.com

 

[Ants]

Not sure what it means for us in the immediate future.

Just what came to mind for me:
This signing was a way of telling our backups (the ones we see floundering during our preseason games), "hey, you guys need to get it together. There are others that can replace you".

 

[Memento]

I'm intrigued. K-State is known for having good run-blocking O-linemen (since their offensive system relies on big quarterbacks who can rush for positive yardage as well as running backs), so Beecham is an intriguing addition, especially given that the Chiefs had an interest in him.

If he can pass-block, he might find his way onto our practice squad.

 

[oldnotdead]

By his build, this guy is a fireplug center in the NFL. He could become a developmental center and I think that might be what the Rams are thinking. They are going to need a better backup behind Allen than Demby who really is just a RG. Signing this late is a PS move. They might play him late in the game Thursday or not at all. But they would tell him and his agent he's going to be on their PS.

The PS is where teams stash their backup o-line. It allows them to continue to coach them up and to practice their position craft. He's a short, squat heavy guy with long arms, exactly what you want at center matched up against a NT. I would like to see him convert that bad belly fat to lean muscle weight while he builds his body up. At 6'2", 312-315 lbs and 34" arms he would be a classic center. He's shown decent feet so he would be a good fit in this offense. I think that's why the Chief's released him as he won't have the positional flexibility you want in a backup.

I'm wondering if McVay and Kromer are thinking that expecting a guy like Demby to play all 5 o-line positions really is unrealistic. Since they are converting college OT's into NFL OG's they would want the backups to play both positions. This would allow them to have their 3 backups be an OT/OG, OG/OT, and Center. On game day they would activate the OT/OG and the center. The backup OG would be viewed as more of a long term backup at OG. Learning to play center if they never have, is hard enough without adding all the other positions to it. Since Beecham is already a OG he only has to learn how to play center. That is the way most teams do it and it's how they did it with Brian Allen.

My only concern with Allen is his average arm length giving him a slightly smaller play radius than a long-armed guy like Beecham. But strength and quickness can compensate. Bottom line all that might change is the PS makeup if they like Beecham.

In reality, I think the only real question on the 53 roster is whether Evans goes to the PS and Brewer makes the 53 active roster. With Noteboom, they actually have an additional quality OT backup already as a starter, so carrying an additional OG makes sense.

 

[Riverumbbq]

So who got Pupped, IR'd or released to make room for Beecham ? I'm assuming we had the full compliment of 90 already in camp.

 

[Memento]

So who got Pupped, IR'd or released to make room for Beecham ? I'm assuming we had the full compliment of 90 already in camp.

Probably Carraway, as he has a torn ACL. Neary could also go on IR.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Probably Carraway, as he has a torn ACL. Neary could also go on IR.

Beecham is already on the official roster, Carraway & Neary also, and the count is at 90, so either we were at 89 or someone else has been released.

 

[Memento]

Beecham is already on the official roster, Carraway & Neary also, and the count is at 90, so either we were at 89 or someone else has been released.

It's probably not updated then. You'd think that Carraway is already on IR, given his injury.

 

[NERamsFan]

“Yo kid, let me see your old playbook”

 

[Loyal]

You know, getting better is always better than staying pat. But I have to say, this pick up is a little unsettling to me. I have been confident that Kromer can coach the guys we have to be starters, yet, does this signing mean he and McVay are not confident about who we have?

A lot of talking heads have said that our weakness is our Oline, which I have discounted. No matter, Sully was a liability at the end of the season and Saffold was gonna get paid. Allen and Boom moved into the starter positions, but now the other guys have been so impressive that we need to claim a guy off the garbage heap? ugh...

 

[rams1fan]

Beecham is already on the official roster, Carraway & Neary also, and the count is at 90, so either we were at 89 or someone else has been released.

I read we had one spot open already

 

[bubbaramfan]

The OL is the weak link of the Rams. Beecham is insurance. With Neary out C is thin.

 

[fearsomefour]

By his build, this guy is a fireplug center in the NFL. He could become a developmental center and I think that might be what the Rams are thinking. They are going to need a better backup behind Allen than Demby who really is just a RG. Signing this late is a PS move. They might play him late in the game Thursday or not at all. But they would tell him and his agent he's going to be on their PS.

The PS is where teams stash their backup o-line. It allows them to continue to coach them up and to practice their position craft. He's a short, squat heavy guy with long arms, exactly what you want at center matched up against a NT. I would like to see him convert that bad belly fat to lean muscle weight while he builds his body up. At 6'2", 312-315 lbs and 34" arms he would be a classic center. He's shown decent feet so he would be a good fit in this offense. I think that's why the Chief's released him as he won't have the positional flexibility you want in a backup.

I'm wondering if McVay and Kromer are thinking that expecting a guy like Demby to play all 5 o-line positions really is unrealistic. Since they are converting college OT's into NFL OG's they would want the backups to play both positions. This would allow them to have their 3 backups be an OT/OG, OG/OT, and Center. On game day they would activate the OT/OG and the center. The backup OG would be viewed as more of a long term backup at OG. Learning to play center if they never have, is hard enough without adding all the other positions to it. Since Beecham is already a OG he only has to learn how to play center. That is the way most teams do it and it's how they did it with Brian Allen.

My only concern with Allen is his average arm length giving him a slightly smaller play radius than a long-armed guy like Beecham. But strength and quickness can compensate. Bottom line all that might change is the PS makeup if they like Beecham.

In reality, I think the only real question on the 53 roster is whether Evans goes to the PS and Brewer makes the 53 active roster. With Noteboom, they actually have an additional quality OT backup already as a starter, so carrying an additional OG makes sense.

I don’t think there is a way Evans goes to the practice squad.
He is a relatively high draft pick and a guy many teams have looked at. First round of injuries he would get perched from the PS as well.
If Brewer stays the Rams May carry one more OL than they normally do for a bit.
As we saw with Noteboom and Allen, the Rams front office is drafting a year ahead with OL.
Whitworth likely to retire after this year and Blythe is a FA.
The best of the three Ts moves to LT and the other two settle in at the G spots.
I expect we will draft a couple of more OL in the mid rounds next year to build depth.....again.

 

[whitedk57]

"He’s not the most fleet-footed offensive lineman out there, but if you put him in a phone booth he can be a force to be reckoned with."

 

[BonifayRam]

UDFA Abdul Beecham has 35 inch arms know as being a outstanding pass blocking with good movement skills @ left OG...his run blocking not so good. Primarily a LG but does swing & play OT in an emergency but never center.

This late addition of a OG might indicate some concerns ongoing @ OG or like @OldSchool said just practice fodder?

What has happened thus far here just before regular season starts @ the OG position?

#1- 2nd season OG Jamil Demby- Failure to produce on the field.
#2- 2nd season interior OL'er Aaron Neary- Injured & Suspended
#3- 2nd season Jeremiah Kolone- this OG was moved to be the reserve OC.
#4- Rookie Bobby Evans- unimpressive & underachieved @ OG.
#4- Rookie David Edwards- demonstrated excellent play @ Swing OT.
#5- UDFA Chandler Brewer-demonstrated solid play & great versatility @ four OL posts.
#6- UDFA Vitas Hrynkiewicz- Has been hidden & very limited exposure in preseason. Did play good very late 4th quarter last Saturday @ RG!

Sure appears Brandon Hitner & Matt Kaskey are not NFL caliber prospects @ OG's @ this time?