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As the Atlanta media waited in the media workroom at the Falcons' facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Thursday evening for the Falcons to make their selection, many wondered if Thomas Dimitroff et al would trade up to address the pass rush. The Jags took Dante Fowler off the board with the third overall pick, rumors abounded that the Saints were trying to move up to select Vic Beasley, and yet the Falcons stayed at eight. Thankfully, Beasley was available, the Falcons selected him, and the lifelong Falcons fan and dynamic pass rusher is an Atlanta Falcon.
A few of Beasley's new teammates took to Twitter to welcome him to the team.
Yes sir!
— Adrian Clayborn (@AJaClay) May 1, 2015
Welcome @VicBeasley3 #AtlantaFalcons #Atlanta
— Jared Smith (@unhsmitty90) May 1, 2015
Happy to have you in the #Falcons Red and Black, @vicbeasley3. #OurColors #RiseUp @TideNFL #Spon pic.twitter.com/jULOpYIhpa
— Jake Matthews (@jakematthews70) May 1, 2015
— Freddie Martino (@MartinoTheKid) May 1, 2015
Let's Go! I love it! #Rise
— Stansly Maponga (@BeAst_MoDe90) May 1, 2015
Former Falcon Todd McClure loved the pick, and caught up with Beasley after the first round and gave him a stamp of approval.
Great pick addressed a need got a great player and person. And did not have to sale the farm. #nowrushthepasser
— Todd Mcclure (@ToddMcclure62) May 1, 2015
Just meet @VicBeasley3 in hotel lobby. Smiling from ear to ear. I think @AtlantaFalcons got a good one here.
— Todd Mcclure (@ToddMcclure62) May 1, 2015
The Falcons as an organization seem pretty excited about the pick.
We totally approve of this ensemble. Looking sharp in red and black, @VicBeasley3. #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/pAov3W1bon
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 1, 2015
Here's the card that made it official! @VicBeasley3 #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/U80rP4QU7e
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 1, 2015
Just beastly. #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/jR2viirFiV
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 1, 2015
Listen in as the Falcons make the call to @VicBeasley3 to let him know he's coming home to Atlanta: http://t.co/5jbKVLp6S4
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 1, 2015
Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn seemed overwhelmingly pleased with the pick, for what Beasley offers athletically and for the way he fits into Quinn's vision for this team. Dimitroff indicated that the team was always focused on addressing the pass rush with this pick, and Quinn said he expects Beasley to fill the LEO role in the new-look Falcons defense. On his video conference with the Atlanta media, Beasley echoed that he also expects to be the LEO, and said he believes he'll be a double-digit sack guy next season. When asked to confirm that he had really projected himself to get double-digit sacks nest season, Beasley simply said, "Most definitely."