DL Robert Beal Jr. Press Conference

DL Robert Beal Jr.

Press Conference – April 29, 2023

San Francisco 49ers

What was your first reaction when you found out the 49ers were drafting you, and what are you expecting when you come here?

“It was a breath of fresh air. With the anticipation of the draft, waiting for your name to get called, I’ve been just waiting for that to happen and it finally happened. It is a breath of fresh air. I’m just ready to get to work.”

How familiar are you with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek and what he’s able to do with defensive lineman? How excited are you to work with him?

“I’m really excited to work with him. I really don’t know too much about what he does, but I know we have [DL] Nick Bosa and he’s a dog. I’m ready to learn everything that I can and take my game to the next level.”

You mentioned Nick Bosa, when you look at that defensive line and the talent there, just how excited are you to work with them and learn from them?

“I’m excited, it’s crazy. The 49ers were my favorite team growing up as a kid. It is like a dream come true being able to reunite and come play for you guys.”

What kind of interaction did you have with the 49ers? Did you have a visit and did you meet with Kocurek and assistant defensive line coach Darryl Tapp and those guys?

“I spoke with the 49ers at the Shrine Game and I had an informal meeting with them at the combine. All of that went pretty well for me.”

Can you explain your history as a 49ers fan?

“Growing up, it was between the 49ers and the Falcons but it was 49ers before the Falcons. It is crazy how it comes full circle. I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”

How would you describe your pass rush and moves? Is it speed, power? What are you going to be known for at this level?

“I feel like my primary moves are anything off of a long arm. Long arm bull rush, speed rush. I can also switch it up, so it is things like that that really take my game to the next level.”

You guys have quite the defensive line at Georgia. I’m wondering, did you watch Georgia as a position group much, San Francisco 49ers Nick Bosa, much of the 49ers kind of as an example of what to strive to kind of at that next level?

“Yes sir. We’ll always watch the top pass rushers and Nick Bosa was always one of them. So, there’d be pass rush clips from week-to-week we’ll watch sack tape, strip sack tape, stuff like that.”

Your speed is fairly unique for your position. Did you grow up playing other positions? I mean, were you ever a running back or anything like that?

“I played tight end in middle school, but that didn’t work out too well. So, it’s just, I didn’t really have that before.”

I’m just curious, who are the guys on the 49ers that you followed when you were a kid? I mean, who are your favorites on those teams?

“I forgot his name. What’s his name, defensive end. [Former San Francisco 49ers DL] Aldon Smith, yeah, that was the guy. I used to watch him day in and day out.”

Aldon has long arms, so I’m guessing he was going to ask about how you use your arms?

“Okay, yeah I really just use my length to an advantage. With long arms I really can’t fit into a shirt comfortably. It’s either much long, like my arms stick out the bottom of the shirt, or the shirt will be too big. So, it’s like, man, you know it’s kind of crazy coming up but working out for good now.”

You were at Georgia for six years. Did you get pretty antsy to get out of there, but at least you got two National Championships on the way out?

“Yeah, I did. I think that last year I kind of was like antsy to see what the next phase of life was going to be like. So, which is all you know, taking it in and realizing what the real world’s going to be like when I leave Georgia, because in college you’re kind of in a bubble. So, I’m ready to get out of that bubble and experience the real world.”

Speaking about that, have you been to California much? What do you expecting as you make the big move to the West Coast?

“I haven’t really been there much. I went there one time when I was at the IMG Academy and then one time for the Championship. So, I haven’t really seen much of California.”