Atlanta Falcons Seven-Round 2015 Mock Draft
Sep 27, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Marquise Williams (12) is brought down by Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) during the second quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1: OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson
The Falcons need to improve their pass-rush? Vic Beasley knows a thing or two about sacking the quarterback: Beasley is the all-time sack leader at Clemson, and he would bring a whole lot of power to Atlanta.
Beasley would be a perfect fit for the Falcons with the eighth-overall selection if he falls to them. He is an explosive athlete with great instincts; he has the potential to become one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL.
Multiple scouts and coaches told me that @ClemsonFB OLB Vic Beasley is the most polished pass rusher of the bunch.
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) March 19, 2015
Beasley falling to the Falcons in the first-round would be a perfect scenario where the best player available fulfills a need. Walter Cherepinsky of WalterFootball.com ranks Beasley second amongst outside linebackers in this year’s draft. Cherepinsky wrote:
"“Beasley may have been the star of the Combine. He raced a fast 40 time after impressing on the bench press a day earlier. Beasley officially ran the 40 in 4.53 seconds. That blistering time was especially impressive considering Beasley just added about 10-15 pounds of weight that was apparently muscle as he excelled in the bench press. Beasley gave NFL evaluators further evidence in 2014 that he has to move to outside linebacker and isn’t large enough to get any consideration as a defensive end outside of obvious passing situations. However, the senior is strong for his size, so once he moves to outside linebacker, he should be a well-rounded player. Beasley clearly is fast and athletic enough to play linebacker. He has natural pass-rushing skills and is a terror in the backfield.”"
Adding Beasley to the defense would be the perfect start to rebuilding a unit that struggled so much in 2014. With the additions of Brooks Reed and Justin Durant in free agency, the Falcons could have a complete overhaul at the position.
Next: More help on defense?