Atlanta Falcons best moves of the 2015 offseason – #1
Today, we move on in our “Falcons 50” series, looking at the best offseason moves the Atlanta Falcons have made this year. What ranks at number one?
You can find the full list of “Falcons 50″ posts here.
We are now under two weeks away from the Falcons’ regular season opener with the Philadelphia Eagles. Our “Falcons 50” countdown is into the final stretch, so from here on out we won’t be looking at history, but this upcoming season. It’s been a busy offseason for Atlanta, but there’s been plenty of positive change. What’s the best move?
No. 1 – Drafting Vic Beasley
It was the move many of us wanted to see, other than those that were hoping for Todd Gurley. But with so much help needed to the Falcons pass rush, Vic Beasley was selected with the eighth overall pick. Beasley knows a thing or two about rushing the passer, after setting the all-time Clemson sack record last season.
When watching Beasley play, what stands out the most is his burst off the snap. He gets off quicker than anyone, and backs it up with his explosive play. He can beat blockers in a number of ways – he has a great spin move, but he can beat them outside or bull rush them. Against the Jets in the second preseason game, Beasley dominated D’Brickashaw Ferguson, a man who has been to the Pro Bowl three times.
RELATD: Why Vic Beasley will be defensive rookie of the year
So far, it’s been so good for the rookie. Every time he’s been on the field in preseason, he’s made an impact. It was his bull rush on Ferguson that led to an Adrian Clayborn sack against the Jets. His explosiveness helped him burst through against the Jets to bat down a pass, too.
With free agent acquisitions Clayborn, O’Brien Schofield, Justin Durant and Brooks Reed all alongside Beasley, this Falcons pass rush could be one of the NFL’s most improved in 2015. Throw in the mind of new head coach Dan Quinn and it gets exciting.
The Falcons desperately needed help on defense, and with the eighth overall pick they took the best pure pass rusher of the draft. Atlanta have a man who will be the centerpiece of the defense, and has star potential.
Drafting Vic Beasley was truly the best offseason move the Atlanta Falcons made this year.