If you needed to find a word to describe the 2014 Atlanta Falcons defense, atrocious comes to mind. So does horrible, embarrassing, pathetic, and about 55 other not so complimentary words. Their defense finished last in yards allowed and 27^th in points allowed. They also had no ability to get to the quarterback, only notching 22 sacks as a team, good for 30th in the league. They were carved up on a regular basis and desperately needed help on the defensive side of the ball.

The Falcons finished the year 6-10 and earned themselves the eighth pick in the draft. It was no surprise when they used that draft choice on Vic Beasley, the talented pass rushing end from Clemson. Beasley was ACC Defensive Player of the Year as well as a consensus All-American and he has shown that he has the athleticism and skill to be a superb pass rusher and give the Falcons a much needed boost on the defensive side of the ball.

Beasley should be able to get to the quarterback as a rookie, but due to his size, he does not project as an every-down player immediately. Beasley is going to have to work on putting on weight and building strength, but has to be careful that the extra weight doesn’t adversely affect his speed and athleticism.

This is something Beasley is going to have to focus on immediately at training camp this year and continue to work on it throughout the season and offseason the following year. You can bet the Falcons didn’t select Beasley with the eighth overall pick with the plan that he would only be a situational pass rusher for his career. They want him on the field as often as possible, but they’ll be careful not to overexpose him as a rookie.

New head coach Dan Quinn is a defensive minded coach who is going to know how to utilize Beasley to the best of his ability. Quinn and Beasley will work closely together, as well as new defensive coordinator Richard Smith. Beasley needs to use his hands more effectively to help shed blockers and get to the quarterbacks — something the coaching staff worked with him on during OTAs and will continue to work with him during training camp. Beasley was a little banged up during OTAs, but when he did play, he earned high praise from the coaching staff and Smith stated that he sees him developing into a Von Miller-type player.

If Beasley can become as effective as Miller, the Falcons have a top notch defensive player on their hands who is going to help turn their defense around, and might even help make the unit respectable in 2015.

Bill Zimmerman is a featured writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook.