Falcons 2015 draft: Implications of the Vic Beasley pick

The Falcons needed a bonafide pass rusher in the worst way heading into the 2015 NFL Draft, and they addressed that need by selecting Clemson's talented Vic Beasley.

Beasley immediately slides in as the starter at Dan Quinn's all-important LEO position. His speed and explosion off the snap makes him close to a perfect fit, and he's drawn favorable comparisons to Von Miller and Cliff Avril. He'll have to beat the competition there, but he should be the starter over players like Stansly Maponga and O'Brien Schofield when all is said and done.

He vastly upgrades the Falcons' pass rush — a unit that ranked second to last in the league in sacks with just 22. On the other hand, Beasley's run defense leaves a bit to be desired. But with his pass rushing ability, the Falcons can live with that negative, and he should immediately step into a major role for a Falcons defense looking to deliver better results.

Quinn plans to construct a fast and physical attacking defense. Beasley is a step in the right direction, and it sure doesn't hurt that he grew up a Falcons fan.