Atlanta Falcons Already Love Their No. 8 Overall
May 26, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett (97) and linebacker Vic Beasley (44) shown on the field during OTA at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
In 2014, the Atlanta Falcons went 6-10 and in wasn’t because of their No. 8 ranked offense. Their No. 32 ranked defense did them in and the Falcons had to do something about it this offseason. So among other things, they selected edge-rusher Vic Beasley with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft.
And Beasley started to impress coaches and teammates alike right away in OTAs and minicamps. The athleticism that he flashed at the combine has been on full display during various drills. Defensive coordinator Richard Smith is among those who are pleased with the 6-foot-3 outside linebacker.
“[Beasley] He’s got great speed and quickness, very similar to Von Miller,” Smith told ESPN.com. “I’m not saying he’s a Von Miller. You’ve got to go out and earn those things. But I think if you talk to Vic, he would tell you that (Miller) is one of the players that he’s watched over the years. But he does have that elite quickness, very similar to what Von Miller had when he came out.”
There are no pads on but Beasley was able to display his technique as well as athleticism. Defensive line coach Bryan Cox was happy to see Beasley show up with the strengths he saw on tape. He gushed over Beasley when talking to Atlanta Falcons.com about the traits that got him selected No. 8 overall .
Cox said, “You really see the first step quickness,” Cox said. “You see the athleticism. You see his ability to close, closing speed. Right now, those things really stand out to us.”
The Falcons are going to need every bit of that with the quarterbacks they’ll face in the NFC North.