Atlanta Falcons select Vic Beasley No. 8 in the 2015 NFL draft

The Atlanta Falcons addressed their undermanned pass rush by selecting OLB Vic Beasley No. 8 in the 2015 NFL draft.

Chris Burke | Apr 24, 2015

Atlanta Falcons select Vic Beasley No. 8 in the 2015 NFL draft /

The Atlanta Falcons went a long way toward addressing their undermanned pass rush Thursday night, selecting Clemson OLB Vic Beasley with the No. 8 pick. Beasley recorded a combined 25.0 sacks and 44.5 tackles for loss over his final two college seasons, and he was thought to be an option as early as the Jaguars' pick at No. 3. There will be some concerns about Beasley's playing weight until he proves that he can stay where he was at the combine: 246 pounds. He checked in much lighter than that while at Clemson, reportedly shy of 230 for much of the 2014 season. As such, Beasley could struggle initially to set the edge vs. the run, although he did put up 35 combine bench-press reps. He also should make up for any shortcomings with the work he does chasing the quarterback. Beasley is arguably the top pass-rusher in this draft class, filling a massive need in Atlanta.

• 2015 NFL draft grades: Pick-by-pick analysis and scouting reports

Strengths: Usually starts with an advantage because he plays as if he knows every single quarterback's count. Shoots out of a cannon at the snap. Coupled with his speed, that early quickness allows him to get offensive linemen back on their heels. Not a one-trick pony as a pass-rusher—will drop inside with a spin move when an OT creeps to his outside shoulder and can bull rush despite his 246-pound frame. Versatile beyond attacking the quarterback, both as an adequate coverage defender and speedy chase-and-tackle linebacker. Uses his hands about as well as any edge rusher in this draft. Keeps blockers from locking their arms into his chest by swatting them. Wastes minimal effort getting into his pass rush. Bulked up for the combine without losing any speed.

Weaknesses: May be hard-pressed to establish himself as a three-down linebacker early in his NFL career, unless he becomes more of a reliable force vs. the run. Desire to disrupt offenses in the backfield will hang him out to dry when teams come right after him. He's not yet strong enough to set the edge opposite 300-pound tackles. As with just about any pass-rusher jumping from college to the pros, Beasley's challenge will be in developing his bag of tricks so he's not overly reliant on speed and a quick first step. Size is less of a concern now than it was pre-combine, but he is still on the small side, with short arms.

Player comparison:Von Miller

Grade: A

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2015 NFL Draft in Pictures

The stage prior to the start of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago.

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Jameis Winston takes the call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who made him the first pick.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans react after their team drafted former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick during the NFL draft party in Tampa, Fla.

Jameis Winston posed for SI in his new team's jersey after he was taken No. 1.

Marcus Mariota at his draft party in Honolulu.

Washington defensive lineman Danny Shelton picks up NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he celebrates after being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 12th pick.

Fans cheer after Kevin White of the West Virginia Mountaineers was picked seventh by the Chicago Bears.

Bears fans cheer Chicago's selection of Kevin White of West Virginia Mountaineers.

Dante Fowler with commissioner Roger Goodell after being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Stanford offensive lineman Andrus Peat, right, talks to Deion Sanders after being selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 13th pick in the first round.

Green Bay Packers fans cheer during the first round of the draft.

A look at some of the NFL team representatives at the draft.

Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree celebrates after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 22nd pick in the first round.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans Keith Kunzig and David Miller are excited to have traveled from Florida to be at the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Shane Ray checks out his threads.

Leonard Williams is interviewed outside the draft venue before being taken by the New York Jets.

Jameis Winston waiting for the call.

The scene inside the Jameis Winston draft gathering.

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Marcus Mariotta in Hawaii before the first round began.

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Two Patriots fans in Chicago.

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly arriving at the NFL Draft.

img_c019-5024.w.JPG — Todd Rosenberg for SI

Chicago mounted police before the first round commenced.

img_3bf6-3442.w.JPG — Todd Rosenberg for SI

Dante Fowler's shoes on draft night.

Chicago welcomed the NFL Draft with open arms.

The view from outside Roosevelt University Auditorium Theatre.

NFL prospect Trae Waynes of Michigan State talks to pediatric patient Alec Cabacungan while doing a mock interview during the NFL PLAY 60 activities at Shriners Hospital for Children on Thursday, April 30 in Chicago.

Published Apr 24, 2015

CHRIS BURKE

Chris Burke covers the NFL for Sports Illustrated and is SI.com’s lead NFL draft expert. He joined SI in 2011 and lives in Ann Arbor, Mich.