The Latest Local News from the Rome News
FLOWERY BRANCH — The Atlanta Falcons selected Clemson defensive end and Adairsville High School graduate Vic Beasley with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, addressing a glaring need on a struggling defense.
Beasley was regarded as perhaps the most explosive edge rusher in the draft.
Atlanta has made improving its defense an offseason priority under new coach Dan Quinn, the former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator. Quinn is working closely with general manager Thomas Dimitroff in the draft.
The Falcons gave up the most total yards
and passing yards in 2014. Their 22 sacks were the second-fewest in the league. Defensive end Kroy Biermann led the team with only 4½ sacks. Beasley (6-3, 235) should help improve those numbers. He had 33 sacks in his career to set a Clemson record and was a first-team All-America selection. He had 12 sacks as a senior in 2014.
Beasley was a stand out at Adairsville before heading to Clemson and was a multiple time member of the Rome News-Tribune All-Area Football Team.
The pass rush was a weakness for the Falcons the last two seasons under former coach Mike Smith. The Falcons struggled to replace defensive end John Abraham, who was cut after leading the team with 10 sacks in 2012.
Atlanta has signed free-agent defensive end Adrian Clayborn, who has battled injuries in his career. Clayborn, a first-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2011, played in only one game in 2014 because of a torn biceps. He had a combined 13 sacks in 2011 and 2013, his only full seasons.
Among other offseason free-agent signees were linebackers Brooks Reed, Justin Durant and O’Brien Schofield and tight ends Jacob Tamme and Tony Moeaki. The Falcons could look for more help at linebacker and tight end in the draft.
The Falcons passed on an opportunity to address another glaring need at running back. The team released veteran starting running back Steven Jackson and lost backup Jacquizz Rodgers, who signed with the Bears.
Local favorite Todd Gurley of Georgia, regarded as one of the top running backs in the draft, was taken by the Rams two picks after the Falcons selected Beasley.
Atlanta has eight picks in the draft, including two in the seventh round.
Source: Rome News
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