Prior to the start of the 2016 season, when all of the preseason accolades were compiled, it would have been hard to find Vic Beasley Jr's. name anywhere on the top pass-rushers to watch lists.
These lists were headlined by the names of Von Miller, J.J. Watt, Khalil Mack, and Justin Houston.
Rightfully so, as each one of those players have consistently dominated at their respective position year in and year out.
All the while, at the young age of 24, Beasley was refining his craft and has quickly emerged into this elite category due to his exceptional production on the field this season.
Things are really starting to come together for the Falcons' 2015 first-round draft pick (8th overall).
So much so that when comparing his statistics to the other top pass-rushers in the league, it's hard not to pause and simply just marvel at his performance this year.
Currently, Beasley is tied with Miller for first in the NFL in sacks with 13.5.
The former Clemson Tiger now leads the league in forced fumbles (six). Prior to Beasley's dominant performance in Los Angeles, Mack and Beasley were tied with five.
Both Miller and Mack have three pass break ups on the season, leaving Beasley one shy of them in that category.
The only statistical areas Miller and Mack rank significantly ahead of Beasley are quarterback hits and total tackles, both play much more in their team's base-defense.
For this to be just his second season in the league and to be producing at this type of level, it places him in a rare category.
Beasley is the first player since Miller and Watt in 2012 to have multiple three-sack games in his first or second season. Since 2009, Beasley is one of just seven players to have 13-plus sacks in Year-2, according to Pro Football Reference.
And as for what Beasley attributes his recent success too? It all comes down to just one thing.
"Just being relentless," Beasley will say when answering that question.
So, what exactly does being relentless mean to him?
"I think it's just a mentality," Beasley said. "A dog like mentality, never give up. Whatever it takes to actually get the quarterback down, or make that tackle, that's what I consider it."
It appears the sky could truly be the limit for this young star in his hometown.
