The Atlanta Falcons might be getting linked to Todd Gurley as their first round draft pick, there are a slew of pass rushers hoping the franchise selects them instead. A pass rusher is a huge need for Falcons who ranked near the bottom in sacks last season. Currently working out some of the best options, both Vic Beasley and Dante Fowler Jr have requested to be the No. 8 pick in the draft.
Fowler's stock is on the rise. According to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr, the Florida pass rusher is the best in the draft at the moment and believed to be the most versatile defensive player in this year's rookie class. Fowler would be the ideal fit for the Falcons considering his past with head coach Dan Quinn. The two spent time together when Quinn was the Defensive Coordinator with the Gators and Fowler says he would like to continue that relationship in the pros. According to former Florida head coach Will Muschamp, he agrees.
"I think Dante would fit perfectly for Dan in that Leo (stand-up pass-rusher) position," 'Muschamp said, via ESPN.com. "He's the ideal guy for that position. I think Dante's a good fit for anybody, really. But certainly Dan was very instrumental in his recruitment to come to the University of Florida. I know they are very close.
Beasley is certainly hoping his Atlanta hometown roots get him selected at No. 8. The Falcons were present at the Clemson star's Pro Day and liked what they saw according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Beasley made it clear he would love to stay in Atlanta if the opportunity presents itself. After not signing an elite pass rusher in free agency, the opportunity is definitely there with Atlanta.
There is still the lingering idea that the Falcons could select Gurley with the first pick. According to NFL Media draft analyst Charles Davis via AtlantaFalcons.com, the team will select Todd Gurley with their No. 8 overall pick. A running back has not been selected that high in the draft since the Cleveland Browns drafted Trent Richardson, an experiment that failed in the end. Could the Falcons change all of that? Gurley is expected to be the first running back off the board and if Atlanta views him as the future of the position, the move could be made.