Packers Select EDGE Vince Biegel in 2017 NFL Draft, Round Four

With the first of two fourth-round picks (108 overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Vince Biegel, EDGE of Wisconsin.   

Vince Biegel gives the Packers the edge rusher they have been needing.

Vince Biegel gives the Packers the edge rusher they have been needing.

With the first of two fourth-round picks (108 overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Vince Biegel, EDGE of Wisconsin. 

Measureables:

6-3, 246

4.67 40-yard dash; 21 bench reps; 33.5 vertical; 118 broad jump; 6.92 3-cone drill; 4.3 20-yard shuttle. 

Career Notes:

Biegel has been a productive pass rusher for the Badgers over the past few seasons. He really became a full-time player in 2015, when he had eight sacks and 14 TFL. Last season as a senior, Biegel had just four sacks, but finished with 51 total pressure, which according to Pro Football Focus, was the second most among all college outside linebackers. He finished his career with 15 sacks and 28.5 TFL. He had 131 total tackles. 

NFL Draft Scout Profile: 

Scouting Report: 

CheeseheadTV: Biegel is a selfless player who will do anything his coaches ask of him, whether it’s being his team’s primary pass rusher or playing in a more of an off-ball linebacker role and dropping in space. Biegel can also rush effectively from any linebacker spot on the field, making him an intriguing weapon for 3-4 defenses. Biegel should contribute immediately to an NFL roster as a rotational player on defense and core special teams guy  as he develops into a full-time starting linebacker at the next level. In the draft Biegel could go as early as the latter half of the second round or be a late-third round steal. Regardless, his value is on Day 2 of the draft.

NFL.com: Effort-based worker bee with edge-setting hands and attitude, but a lack of power that could lead to inconsistency in play. Biegel's football character is off-the-charts and he can be counted on to put the effort into improving in areas that need work. He lacks individual rush talent but could be a good fit for teams utilizing exotic rush packages. Average NFL ceiling but has the demeanor and traits of a potential special teams demon.

Commentary: 

Edge rusher was one position that the Packers didn't address on day two of the NFL draft, so it was good to see them pick a pass rusher right away in the fourth round. 

Many wanted to see T.J. Watt land in Green Bay, but in his teammate Vince Biegel, the Packers get a pretty solid consolation prize. 

Biegel was tremendous pressuring the quarterback last season, (4 sacks, 51 pressures) and already knows how to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He also had pretty good speed (4.67 40) and can do a solid job of setting the edge.

At the end of the day, he's not a Pro Bowler or anything like that. But Biegel is a high-effort player that can get after the quarterback. He will push guys like Kyler Fackrell and Jayrone Elliot for snaps at outside linebacker right away and provide depth at a position where it's much needed. 

Video: 

 

__________________________

Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru

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Comments (56)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
dobber's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:19 am

That's a reach. I love Biegel, his effort and intangibles, but this was just too early for him.

That, and the Vikes take Jaleel Johnson immediately after. The selection of Adams makes Johnson a redundant piece, but I really liked him.

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chugwater's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:28 am

I thought he had a R3-R4 draft grade. Seems like he was picked about right.

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dobber's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:30 am

Depends on where you look. NFL.com had him as a 5-6. I hope I'm wrong, because I really like the guy in terms of what he did at UW. If he'd been healthy all year, who knows how Bucky would've fared.

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4zone's picture

April 29, 2017 at 08:25 pm

No reach here. Love the pick. Better in coverage than Watt and he's been doing it longer than Watt. Maybe not as high an upside, but a guy who gives it all on every play. Got to love that. Love the pick. Will be around for a long time I project.

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Spock's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:20 am

Hey, I actually got one right. I suggested that Vince Biegel might be the Packer's 4th round pick after the trade down (although I didn't express myself too well at the time.) Yeah. :)

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marpag1's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:40 am

I love the Badgers, but I'm not that thrilled about this. Do they plan to play him in the middle or the outside? Great intensity and attacks the LOS/ballcarrier, but a liability in coverage. If the Pack really loved him, he might have been available at the bottom of the round anyway.

Personally, I hoped that they would take Dorian Johnson or Isaac Asiata (guards). Oh, well. I can live with Biegel I guess.

Carl Lawson's medical must be scary bad.... surprised he's still on the board.

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dobber's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:26 am

Remember when I bet you $5 that the Packers would take Vince Biegel? ;)

I'm with you. I think they could've gotten him toward the end of the round. If they're looking for pass rushers, I think there was more upside available. I think he's a versatile piece and will be better in the middle than on the outside in a 3-4, but I don't think he's CMIII-lite.

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HankScorpio's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:34 pm

I will accept "liability in pass coverage" as the knock on a 4th round OLB/edge rusher. It's a little like saying a QB doesn't run well. It's an area of secondary importance that can be helpful but not really necessary.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 29, 2017 at 01:10 pm

Yeah if an OLB is going to have a weakness, and a 4th round OLB is gonna have a weakness. I'll take pass coverage as the weakeness.

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4zone's picture

April 29, 2017 at 08:28 pm

I think Biegel adds the same role flexibility that Matthews does, and could play inside or out. I don't think he is going to do what Matthews did coming in but he will be solid for some time,

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Since'61's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:30 am

I'm OK with Biegel, maybe he would still be there later in the round, we'll never know. In any case, it's time for some offense and I would like to see an RB or a speed WR with our next 4th round pick. Thanks, Since '61

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dobber's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:36 am

Holding out for Sheldon Gibson (WR, West Virginia). Feisty burner who can take the top off a defense.

Redskins take Perine for those who were in his camp.

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fthisJack's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:48 am

you knew he wouldn't last long after the Pack took Beigel.

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dobber's picture

April 29, 2017 at 02:09 pm

Crap... WR Gibson goes to Philly (5-22).

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Dzehren's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:34 am

We are not messing around with these D picks. Wow.

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NickPerry's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:36 am

The Packers got themselves a Football Player who loves the game, gives 100% for every second of every play. All in all it's a good pick IMO.

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GB Jacker's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:03 pm

Exactly. There's every chance that the first four selections make a significant and immediate impact (along with RJF & House) pushing the defense up to a level capable of getting us to the SB.

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4zone's picture

April 29, 2017 at 08:30 pm

This is a Packer kind of guy through and through. Was hoping we would get him.

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ChrisPeterson's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:38 am

Maybe a slight reach but he's ready to play right away. I don't think you can really reach too badly in 4-7. They got a pass rusher, now they need a running back and offensive line. Then best player available.

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MITM's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:42 am

Would have liked Perine, but there is still RB talent to be had this round. You cant really complain about Biegel, we needed to draft an OLB, and waited until Round 4 to do it. Off the field problems aside its hard to grasp passing up on guys like Tim Williams and a few other guys still available at 61. That being said, im still very happy with how its turned out so far for sure.

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ChrisPeterson's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:47 am

I would have liked Perine too. But you are right, this is a very deep draft for running back and EDGE was a bigger need. They really needed some depth there. Biegel is one of the few guys that I was ok with them taking over Perine.

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dobber's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:56 am

I just don't see much that Perine does that Ripper doesn't do in this offense. He's almost all bull. Not much shake 'n bake and not an accomplished receiver. I'd rather have a shifty runner at this stage that excels out of the backfield. Because, you know, run blocking?

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erkaftan's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:47 am

I am loving this draft! Just need a solid RB, some O-line for depth and maybe another Lb for competition/special teams

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ChrisPeterson's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:49 am

I am really liking it too. I wouldn't mind more help in the secondary. Channing Stribling of Michigan is someone I would like them to draft.

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pooch's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:49 am

Perine

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pooch's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:49 am

Perine

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al bundy's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:56 am

So Spielman who IMHO stole the past three drafts, has no first round picks, but moves up and gets thee best rb in the draft and OL, then moves back and gets three extra picks, most of them before the pack pick.

To me all Ted is doing is thinking, who am I not keeping next year do to money, etc" Bernette, Daniels, one of the three corners and possibly Mathews and is replacing them now. The money he saves next year pays for these guys.

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dobber's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:57 am

I try not to comment on people on these boards, but Al, you're a dumbshit.

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Spock's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:05 pm

This ^^^^^^

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Spock's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:07 pm

That was for dobber's comment.

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CAG123's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:02 pm

I hope you're not referring to Mike Daniels the best D-linemen we have by far who just signed a contract last year

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NickPerry's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:24 pm

Exactly, he's doesn't even know who's signed and who's not.

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NickPerry's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:23 pm

LOL.... Cooks was FAR from being the best RB in the draft. Hell Mixon is twice the RB Cook is except he had the whole knocking out of women issue. Cook slide for a reason yet you know better than all the GM's in the NFL and some who had TWO chances to grab him.

You and "ben" are a constant source of entertainment that's for sure.

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WKUPackFan's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:40 pm

The chatter was that Cook is an OK kid but his associates are shady. Mixon was easily the best RB.

There are plenty of RBs left that will be fine GB's offense.

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WKUPackFan's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:44 pm

Such as Jamaal Williams

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WKUPackFan's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:36 pm

The only thing Spielman is stealing is money from the Vikings.

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Art's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:02 pm

TT passes on Watt, trades down and gets a tall fast CB to fill the most evident need, and in 4th round gets the edge rusher/LB in Biegel. Great move, TT gets 2 top players instead of just one. Both Watt & Biegel productive players but add King, starting talent at CB and TT fills 2 needs instead of just one. Four defensive picks have improved this defense in the exact positions of need. Free agency added 2 proven tight ends and an experienced G so the offense has not been neglected. And expect additional RB choices either thru draft or free agency pick ups. Even RB by committee works when AR is at QB. We are NOT run oriented but want a capable back that can pass block to protect AR, catch passes and run the ball just enough to keep defenses honest.

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egbertsouse's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:13 pm

I have no real beef with this draft so far. Ted seems to be picking guys who fit the defense rather than those square peg/round hole projects he has done in the past.

That being said, I would still encourage Ted to join Vic Ketchman down on the beach in FL. Retirement is wonderful, Ted, take it from me. And you can take Dom with you....and Mark Murphy would make a foursome.

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Wiscokid's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:26 pm

Man, that is harsh. The Packers record under TT speaks for itself. Most of the other teams in the NFL would kill to have the kind of success that we've had. With the free agent moves and what we've done in the draft I don't see where Ted's skill have diminished.

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chugwater's picture

April 29, 2017 at 01:31 pm

Some people just won't allow themselves to be happy.

I'll never understand it.

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TKWorldWide's picture

April 29, 2017 at 10:47 pm

I think it's "YOU might be satisfied with playoffs, but I demand Super Bowls", which always makes me wonder, "who the hell
do you think you are?"
Enjoy the ride. This is entertainment.

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HankScorpio's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:14 pm

I was hoping for a guy that could step in to the back end of the OLB rotation and contribute a few snaps per game. I think Biegel fits that.

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4thand1's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:23 pm

Wisconsin could play defense. With a first name like Vince, how can you go wrong.

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Bearmeat's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:32 pm

Very happy with this pick! Very happy with this draft!

I'd like another RB and a speed option at WR. Other than that, I'm good now.

Now MM, let's actually WORK in the preseason so we don't start behind the 8 ball again, eh?

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MITM's picture

April 29, 2017 at 12:41 pm

Jamaal Williams yessss. What a fourth round!

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HankScorpio's picture

April 29, 2017 at 01:04 pm

NFL.com bio is not very flattering to Williams but who knows? As long as he runs hard, gains the yards the hole allows and not gets Rodgers killed, I'm good.

I like that they got a bigger back to team with Ty Montgomery

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Finwiz's picture

April 29, 2017 at 02:01 pm

Well I'm here to tell you boys....this is one of TT's best drafts in the last FIVE years. I am totally impressed with what he's done, and clearly they get the fact their defense let them down big time last year. Biegel is the icing on the cake of this one. I wanted Rivers, but the Patriots gain is our loss, but this guy is pretty damn good too, and better in coverage. I can't wait to see these guys in preseason.
Congratulations Mr. Ted Thompson - nice work addressing needs of the defense. Now I hope Capers can fit them in and make them all contributors.

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pooch's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:18 pm

Reports say Ted had less impact in this draft

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Allan Murphy's picture

April 29, 2017 at 02:03 pm

We need more speed pass rush more to come bet !

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dobber's picture

April 29, 2017 at 02:11 pm

I'm guessing another edge player and an OL to come in 5th.

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Allan Murphy's picture

April 29, 2017 at 02:06 pm

As a Steelers fan too T.J Watt was good for us but think
Vince Biegel is just as good good pic Packers..

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Finwiz's picture

April 29, 2017 at 02:27 pm

On paper on based on what I've seen, I think you are correct.
Steelers and Packers both got good players, Packers might of got the better bargain in round four.

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stockholder's picture

April 29, 2017 at 02:45 pm

Ok - Not upset. We need defense. TTs make up kiss?

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

April 29, 2017 at 10:44 pm

I'm 100% behind selecting Vince Biegel. This is a Tough Kid who comes from a Tough Tough family from Wisconsin Rapids, Wi. My son wrestled his Dad Rocky, who was a Heavyweight State Champion from Rapids. I'm glad GB got this guy. Time will tell, but IMO, he is Much Much Tougher than Watt. I'll be surprised if he doesn't help GB, right away. Great Pick!!
LVT

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pooch's picture

April 29, 2017 at 11:17 pm

Can play inside outside,big inprovement over Frackal,Ryan and Martinez

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