Beau Atkinson

NFL Draft Profile: Beau Atkinson

Position: Defensive End / EDGE | School: Ohio State (via North Carolina)

Class: Senior | Height: 6'6" | Weight: 258 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Beau Atkinson’s collegiate journey is a story of consistent development culminating in a high-profile transfer. After a productive tenure at North Carolina, highlighted by a 2024 season where he tallied 11.0 TFLs and 6.5 sacks (including a dominant 3.5-sack performance against Florida State), Atkinson entered the transfer portal in early 2025. Joining Ohio State, he moved into a more specialized, rotational role within the Buckeyes' elite defensive front. While his raw statistics dipped in the 2025 season as he shared snaps with other NFL prospects, his efficiency and ability to hold the point of attack in a more disciplined Big Ten scheme showed a maturity that pro scouts value. He leaves college as an experienced, versatile end with a high technical floor.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 50

• Total Tackles: 94

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 30.0 (2.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 18.5 (1.0 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 2

• Career Note: ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week (Week 10, 2024).

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Texas	2 Tkl	B	Solid debut; showed discipline against a high-powered offense.
vs. Grambling State	0 Stats	C+	Rotated early in a blowout; limited impact opportunities.
vs. Ohio	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Season Best. First sack in the Silver Bullets uniform.
@ Washington	0 Stats	B-	High Pursuit; helped collapse the pocket on 3rd downs.
vs. Minnesota	1 Tkl	B	Strong edge setting against a power-run heavy team.
@ Illinois	0 Stats	B	Played clean football; stayed home on several trick plays.
@ Wisconsin	1 Tkl	B+	Heavy rotation game; showed great Stamina in the cold.
vs. UCLA	0 Stats	C	Worst Game. Struggled to disengage from quick blocks.
vs. Rutgers	0 Stats	B-	Gritty performance; occupied double teams for linebackers.
vs. Indiana	1 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B+	Physical presence; shared a stop in a top-5 matchup.
@ Michigan	2 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	A-	The Game. Played his most physical ball in the rivalry.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Ideal Frame: At 6'6", he has the elite length required to "peek and shed." He uses his long levers effectively to keep tackles at bay.

• Technical Mastery: Trained by some of the best in the business, his Technique is pro-ready. His hand usage—specifically his "long-arm" and "club-rip"—is violent and intentional.

• High Motor: Atkinson is a "whistle-to-whistle" player. He does not take plays off and is often seen chasing down screens or runs 15 yards downfield.

• IQ and Recognition: His Play Recognition is top-tier; he rarely bites on play-action or misdirection, showing the discipline of a veteran.

Weaknesses

• Linear Explosion: While he has good top speed, his initial "burst" off the line of scrimmage can be average. He wins with strength and hands more than raw twitch.

• Anchor Weight: At 258 lbs, he is lean for a 6'6" frame. He can occasionally be "walled off" by heavy road-grading guards when he slides inside.

• Production Ceiling: After a monster 2024, his 2025 stats were pedestrian. Scouts will question if he is a primary "alpha" or a high-end rotational piece.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 4-3 Strongside DE or a 5-Technique in a hybrid front.

NFL Comparison: Maxx Crosby (lite) / Sam Hubbard

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 16/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 89/100

Beau Atkinson is a "safe" NFL prospect. He offers the prototypical frame that GMs crave and the technical floor that allows him to contribute on day one. His 2025 season at Ohio State, while not statistically dominant, proved he could thrive in a disciplined, high-stakes environment. He may not have the elite 10-yard split of a top-10 pick, but his Leadership, Mental Toughness, and High Motor make him a locker-room favorite. He is a high-floor starter who will be a mainstay on an NFL defensive line for a decade.

Draft Projection: 3rd - 4th Round (High Positional Value)