Vic Beasley has been one of the main attractions throughout the offseason and the Falcons’ minicamp, which ended Thursday.
The key question over the offseason has been how will the Falcons improve their pass rush, which registered an NFL-low 19 sacks in 2015.
Beasley, the team’s first-round draft choice last year, is moving to strongside linebacker in the base 4-3 defense, but his main role will remain to add some fire to the Falcons’ pass rush.
“Last year was a great learning experience, and now this year I really know how to approach things,” Beasley said Thursday. “Moving to (strongside) linebacker has helped me be more of a committed player as I have to devote more time to my film study with hopes of being the best player.”
Beasley finished his rookie season with four sacks, five quarterback hits and 22 hurries. Defensive line coach Bryan Cox said the Falcons want to turn some of those hurries and hits into sacks.
Cox put the linemen through several drills that focused on improving technique. The drills consisted of hand-placement training and hip rotation to improve player’s flexibility.
They were looking for that extra step that may allow players to drop more quarterbacks.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn calls that “gaining the last yard.” It is a saying that he has adopted from rugby coach Stewart Lancaster. He wants to utilize it as an added wrinkle throughout the season.
“Gaining the last yard, it’s really a mindset. It’s another way to say finish,” Quinn said. “How to do that last yard better than the next guy? For us that mindset, that attitude and just trying to find different ways to pull it out.”
Beasley has taken to the message. He enters in his second season after he was drafted eighth overall out of Clemson.
On third downs, Beasley will transition into a pass-rushing role at defensive end. The Falcons hope the move can get him more opportunities for sacks and will keep him from battling 300-pound linemen on every play.
Beasley has spent more time in the film room as he tries to become a student of the pass rush.
The Falcons showed him tape of great rushers such as Denver’s Von Miller and former Tampa Bay rusher Simeon Rice. Beasley was able to pick up some techniques from the videos, especially former Arizona pass rusher Dwight Freeney.
“I like Dwight Freeney’s spin, as I have never seen anybody spin like that,” he said. “So I would probably incorporate that into my game and have it be a change-up for me.”
Many players also believe that they are further along in the system than last season.
“I think we are a lot closer, and I hope that shows up in the fall,” defensive end Adrian Clayborn said. “As far as the rookies and free agents, they have really adapted to what we do around here.”
Clayborn is another player who is changing positions to help create sacks on opposing quarterbacks. He will play at right defensive end.
The pass rush will continue to be a hot topic throughout training camp. Quinn believes that it is a good thing. He has challenged his players to improve before they report July 27.
“We don’t worry about the break,” he said. “We send the guys back to the plan. Here’s a couple of things specifically that each player can work at to get better, but that’s the challenge of being a really good pro, is working your craft.”
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