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With the No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons absolutely made the right decision to select explosive outside linebacker Vic Beasley.
Considering the Falcons ranked 30th in the NFL in sacks (22) last season, it should come as no surprise the organization wanted to address the need immediately in the first round. Not to mention, the hiring of former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be their head coach solidifies the idea of getting a stellar defensive talent.
There may be better overall players at the outside linebacker position in the draft, but there is no one better than Beasley when it comes to getting after the quarterback. Even though there is a very good chance he will struggle against the run out of the gate due to his smaller size, he is going to wreak havoc on opposing offenses on passing downs. Watching Beasley shoot out of a cannon and burst past opposing offensive tackles is a sight fans in Atlanta can get used to for many years to come.
The Falcons have several needs on defense. Considering they addressed the pass rush in free agency, some may see selecting Beasley as a mistake. However, I disagree. If Atlanta wants to become a serious player in the AFC South once again, they need to shore up certain areas. Quinn expects the very best out of his defensive players, which is why having an obvious glare in such an important aspect of the team will not be tolerated.
Beasley is a stellar athlete who will bring a certain intensity to the defense, something the Falcons have lacked the last couple of years. It should not take long for his solid pass-rushing skills to be noticed by his teammates. In fact, no one should be surprised if he becomes a defensive leader in the ensuing years, similar to what Clay Matthews has been able to accomplish with the Green Bay Packers.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
