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Atlanta Falcons: Grading the 2015 draft class after rookie seasons

By Freddie Boston

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) runs against Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) in the third quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) runs against Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) in the third quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley (44) at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley (44) at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi /

Round 1: Vic Beasley – B

It was an up-and-down rookie season for Vic Beasley. Selected with the eighth overall pick, Beasley was expected to help transform the pass rush from one of the worst in the league. While he didn’t dominate as many hoped as a rookie, he certainly played his part and flashed a ton of potential for the future.

The Falcons only registered 19 sacks on the season, which is three fewer than their 2014 tally, but Beasley led the way with four of his own. There were a number of times his pressure came close to a sack, but the quarterback was able to get the ball out or escape just in time. There was a lot of good he did in games that doesn’t show up on the stat sheets, which is encouraging.

His 2015 season will be remembered for the strip sack on Cam Newton which sealed a Falcons win, ending the Panthers’ undefeated streak after starting the season 14-0. It’s the kind of big-time play Falcons fans were hoping to see from Beasley, and he delivered.

The first-round pick has shown in his rookie season that he is a player with a bright future. It didn’t help he was dealing with a torn labrum for much of the year. It wasn’t a dominant rookie campaign, but expect much bigger things from him in 2016 and beyond.

Next: Jalen Collins

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