The Falcons coaching and personnel staffs continue with player evaluations as well as preparations for the upcoming 2015 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., next week.
Among the full list of players participating in the Combine, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. says there will be plenty of edge rushers drawing a lot of looks.
"In terms of defensive players that are going to go, in terms of pass rushers, there's a lot of them, that's probably the strongest position in this draft is those combo guys that can get after the quarterback," Kiper Jr. said via conference call. "This is the kind of year if you want those types of players; they're out there in high numbers this season."
Among the pass rushers entering the 2015 NFL Draft, Clemson linebacker Vic Beasley continues to be in the discussion as one of the elite players at the position. Beasley averaged one quarterback sack every 42 snaps over his last two seasons for the Tigers, ending his collegiate career as the all-time sack leader in Clemson history (29).
NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein offered an in-depth assessment of Beasley, with some of the main takeaways listed below:
Strengths:
Beasley is an explosive player - always first off the snap. He has a potentially lethal spin move but doesn't employ it enough. He has solid instincts as well as an outstanding closing burst, plus quick hands to swat an initial punch.
Areas to Improve:
He needs to add more size and infrequently transitions from speed rush to spin as an instinctual pass-rush counter. Beasley must improve shedding blocks more consistently against the run.
NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock ranks Beasley as the fourth-best edge rusher in this year's draft:
1. Dante Fowler, Jr., Florida
2. Randy Gregory, Nebraska
3. Shane Ray, Missouri
4.Vic Beasley, Clemson
5. Bud Dupree, Kentucky
