The Atlanta Falcons have defense on the brain as they prepare to enter the 2015 NFL Draft. Last season the Falcons' defense left a lot to be desired and new head coach Dan Quinn intends to do something about that. The team signed several rotational players in free agency that can help fill the need, but they have yet to get that home run player guaranteed to put the quarterback on the ground. All signs point to that person coming from the draft as the Falcons begin their pre-draft visits.
Currently holding the No. 8 pick in the draft, the Falcons are prepared to go defense before anything else. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Michael Cunningham, the Falcons will be holding a private workout for Vic Beasley as the Clemson star is projected as one of the top two defensive end/linebacker's entering the draft. The Georgia native has made it clear that he can drop into coverage and rush the passer, but he is also a Falcons fan since a kid which makes the desire to stay in Atlanta pretty big.
"I grew up a Falcons fan," Beasley said, via the AJC.com. "I would love to play for the Falcons. But wherever I go I'm going to honor that team and give my best effort."
Most NFL mock drafts have Atlanta selecting a pass rusher in the first round, but the name varies. Beasley is an option while ESPN's Todd McShay believes the Falcons could target Randy Gregory who is an outstanding prospect, but recently admitted he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL scouting combine. That has apparently not taken away interest from several teams who believe the Nebraska star might be one of the better defenders in this season's draft class.
Dante Fowler Jr is also an option for the Falcons given his previous relationship with Quinn. The coach was the defensive coordinator of the Gators during Fowler's first season. The Florida star has yet to take any visits, but the Falcons are expected to eye him as a potential option. Players not targets for the first round include wide receivers. Several mock drafts have reached and reported the Falcons could target players like Amari Cooper or Kevin White in the first round of the draft to play alongside Julio Jones and replace Roddy White. However, the AJC reports the Falcons are more likely to take a skill player until the second round.