NFL Draft

[Techster]

Dupree is going to be NASTY for Pittsburgh.

 

[GTBandit22]

The problem is Beasley isn't an elite pass rusher. He's good, but has a lot of holes in his game. On the NFL level, he's not going to consistently beat OLs with speed...he's going to have to develop some power and punch that all elite pass rushers have. Gruden is right...Beasley isn't strong against the run, and doesn't always give maximum effort.

However you feel about Gurley because he's a mutt, he's still an elite RB. Probably the best RB to come out of college since Adrian Peterson. Size, Power, Speed, ability to be a weapon in the passing game...heck, he can even return kickoffs and do it better than half the returners in the NFL. Gurley's one question mark is durability...and that's not a small concern. However, his upsize is ridiculous. With Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Roddy White to keep defenders out of the box...good luck defense. As GT fans know, sometimes a good running game and good offense can be your defense.

Understand, I agree that Gurley is a better player, and has a high probability of being very good. But for a team like the Falcons, we aren't one great RB from being good.
Beasley has holes in his game, but so do all of these guys. He was/is the best pass rusher the Falcons could get, so it was a good pick. I disagree that he isn't elite at getting to the QB. He may take plays off in the run game, but he is a great pass rusher.

For me, its a value thing. I think we can still get a good running back later. I don't think we will get a great pass rusher.

 

[Techster]

Understand, I agree that Gurley is a better player, and has a high probability of being very good. But for a team like the Falcons, we aren't one great RB from being good.
Beasley has holes in his game, but so do all of these guys. He was/is the best pass rusher the Falcons could get, so it was a good pick. I disagree that he isn't elite at getting to the QB. He may take plays off in the run game, but he is a great pass rusher.

For me, its a value thing. I think we can still get a good running back later. I don't think we will get a great pass rusher.

That's my issue with Beasley...too many holes in his game to get picked that high. To me, that's not value.

I actually like the last two DEs (Dupree and Ray) more than Beasley. We'll see...I hope I'm wrong. I'm a Falcons fan, I'll be more than happy to be wrong.

 

[GTBandit22]

That's my issue with Beasley...too many holes in his game to get picked that high. To me, that's not value.

I actually like the last two DEs (Dupree and Ray) more than Beasley. We'll see...I hope I'm wrong. I'm a Falcons fan, I'll be more than happy to be wrong.

No worries man. It is all opinions at this point.
I will say that if we change to the 4-3 under, we don't have anyone besides Massaquoi that fits the "LEO" rush end spot. So Beasley fits a need.
Now we need a RB and ILB

 

[D-man44]

Eric what do you think of Carolina's pick

 

[Bennett]

The problem is Beasley isn't an elite pass rusher. He's good, but has a lot of holes in his game. On the NFL level, he's not going to consistently beat OLs with speed...he's going to have to develop some power and punch that all elite pass rushers have. Gruden is right...Beasley isn't strong against the run, and doesn't always give maximum effort.

However you feel about Gurley because he's a mutt, he's still an elite RB. Probably the best RB to come out of college since Adrian Peterson. Size, Power, Speed, ability to be a weapon in the passing game...heck, he can even return kickoffs and do it better than half the returners in the NFL. Gurley's one question mark is durability...and that's not a small concern. However, his upside is ridiculous. With Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Roddy White to keep defenders out of the box...good luck defense. As GT fans know, sometimes a good running game and good offense can be your defense.

Disagree... Beasley is the best pass rusher in the draft

 

[Jay Alexander]

No worries man. It is all opinions at this point.
I will say that if we change to the 4-3 under, we don't have anyone besides Massaquoi that fits the "LEO" rush end spot. So Beasley fits a need.
Now we need a RB and ILB

Massaquoi plays for the Titans now.

 

[GTBandit22]

Massaquoi plays for the Titans now.

Haha, well even more reason.

 

[Techster]

Disagree... Beasley is the best pass rusher in the draft

For the Falcon's sake, I hope so.

 

[RamblinCharger]

What?!? you people are crazy if you're discussing picking Gurley at EIGHT overall. I don't care if he was guaranteed to be Adrian Peterson, offense isn't the problem, and hasn't been. Peterson hasn't carried the Vikings to the super bowl. Defense along with running the ball can help, but our offense will be fine as long as matt Ryan is around and healthy. With a good to great defense we will win a championship or championships.

 

[Techster]

ACC and PAC12 tie for first with 9 1st rounders. SEC with 7.

 

[tech_wreck47]

That's my issue with Beasley...too many holes in his game to get picked that high. To me, that's not value.

I actually like the last two DEs (Dupree and Ray) more than Beasley. We'll see...I hope I'm wrong. I'm a Falcons fan, I'll be more than happy to be wrong.

Imo Dupree has a huge upside, but if you watch him he takes plays off just like Beasley. I like beasley because of his speed, footwork, and he uses his hands very well. When he gets to flowery branch they won't put up with that taking plays off crap, so I am hoping he can elevate his game with him having competition, and Quin. Ray to me is a one trick pony, he's just really fast. I do like that he has a high motor, and doesn't stop till the whistle is blown, but I don't think he has good hand work and is a little undersized. I really do see huge potential in Beasley though, he's a great athlete and looks awesome when coming off the edge and playing hard. He's prob not the most athletic but he's up there with anyone as far as fundamentals go.

 

[GTBandit22]

To bring it back to Tech, Clemson lost a lot on defense. Losing 2 first rounders out of your front 7 has to hurt, and Jarrett is a top NT prospect.
Nice to see the Duke kid's story. Even better that he is gone. Let's get Jabari back and test the new guard.
Miami has to be the most underachieving team in the country. You still have Perryman and Duke, who will be drafted in the next 2 rounds. If I were a Miami fan, Golden would be on the chopping block.

 

[RamblinCharger]

Imo Dupree has a huge upside, but if you watch him he takes plays off just like Beasley. I like beasley because of his speed, footwork, and he uses his hands very well. When he gets to flowery branch they won't put up with that taking plays off crap, so I am hoping he can elevate his game with him having competition, and Quin. Ray to me is a one trick pony, he's just really fast. I do like that he has a high motor, and doesn't stop till the whistle is blown, but I don't think he has good hand work and is a little undersized. I really do see huge potential in Beasley though, he's a great athlete and looks awesome when coming off the edge and playing hard. He's prob not the most athletic but he's up there with anyone as far as fundamentals go.

Beasley ran the second fastest time for OLB/DE a 4.53 I believe. He also had the most reps with 35, the second best verticle, the second best broad jump, the second best shuttle, and the third best 3 cone drill. He's a freak of an athlete.

Also to answer someone talking about him taking plays off... he's not an every down player in the NFL. He's not a run stopper in most situations. He'll play 3rd down and other pass situations. He's a better bruce Irvin, and that is the spot Dan Quin wanted to fill. He will generate a pass rush to help our corners, which are really solid up and coming players. Great pick IMO.

 

[stevo0718]

As a Falcons fan I was dreading the possibility that Girly would be a falcon. Very happy we did not go with him. I'm happy with Beasley, he seems like he could be a very versatile OlB with real pass rushing skills. I hope he can guard tight end with that speed.

As a side note I hope we get randy Gregory in the 2nd round. Many mocks had him as a top 5 talent pre weed bust. That doesn't bother me so much, so I think he is a huge value and we should take him.

 

[RamblinCharger]

As a Falcons fan I was dreading the possibility that Girly would be a falcon. Very happy we did not go with him. I'm happy with Beasley, he seems like he could be a very versatile OlB with real pass rushing skills. I hope he can guard tight end with that speed.

As a side note I hope we get randy Gregory in the 2nd round. Many mocks had him as a top 5 talent pre weed bust. That doesn't bother me so much, so I think he is a huge value and we should take him.

Evidently he has some possible depression issues that some teams are concerned with. I wouldn't mind getting two pass rushers either, but the Falcons don't have guys on the team that have ANY issues off the field ever since the Mike Vick thing. I think the worst thing we've had off the field since was a DUI or two, and that is literally it. I doubt we take Gregory, but I honestly wouldn't mind getting two really skilled pass rushers. I think we'll take a Guard next or a safety. If Landon Collins from Alabama is still there I would take him. He's a sure thing. Very good in run support and I think he'll be better in coverage than some will give him credit for.

 

[Techster]

Round 1 draft grades are in:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...fl-draft-day-1-quicksnap-grades-for-afc-teams

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...fl-draft-day-1-quicksnap-grades-for-nfc-teams

Falcons get an A- for Beasley
Rams get an A for Gurley
Steelers get an A- for Dupree

Three of the guys I liked for the Falcons.

 

[Techster]

Imo Dupree has a huge upside, but if you watch him he takes plays off just like Beasley. I like beasley because of his speed, footwork, and he uses his hands very well. When he gets to flowery branch they won't put up with that taking plays off crap, so I am hoping he can elevate his game with him having competition, and Quin. Ray to me is a one trick pony, he's just really fast. I do like that he has a high motor, and doesn't stop till the whistle is blown, but I don't think he has good hand work and is a little undersized. I really do see huge potential in Beasley though, he's a great athlete and looks awesome when coming off the edge and playing hard. He's prob not the most athletic but he's up there with anyone as far as fundamentals go.

I like Dupree more because he's more flexible in how he can be used, has comparable speed to Beasley, but also has a more physical game. His ability to get to the QB isn't limited by only speed. He can take OLs on and push them back, as well as run around them. He can play standing up, with his hands in the ground, and can play in space. He's effective against the run, and can be a terror against the pass.

Beasley is a passing rushing specialist...a very good one, but if the Falcons are constantly giving up yards and it's always 2nd/3rd and 5 yards or less...the other side can keep it on the ground, and at that point you risk playing Beasley in a situation he's not very good in (against the run) or you take him off the field because you're scared the other team is going to run the ball. A guy picked that high that has to be put in situations to "protect" him isn't a value pick.

People can say if an athlete get put in a pro environment with high character guys they'll get in line...but that's not always true. If everything was kosher in Flowery Branch, Mike Smith would still be coaching and the Falcons would not be making draft picks that high.

 

[RamblinCharger]

I like Dupree more because he's more flexible in how he can be used, has comparable speed to Beasley, but also has a more physical game. His ability to get to the QB isn't limited by only speed. He can take OLs on and push them back, as well as run around them. He can play standing up, with his hands in the ground, and can play in space. He's effective against the run, and can be a terror against the pass.

Beasley is a passing rushing specialist...a very good one, but if the Falcons are constantly giving up yards and it's always 2nd/3rd and 5 yards or less...the other side can keep it on the ground, and at that point you risk playing Beasley in a situation he's not very good in (against the run) or you take him off the field because you're scared the other team is going to run the ball. A guy picked that high that has to be put in situations to "protect" him isn't a value pick.

People can say if an athlete get put in a pro environment with high character guys they'll get in line...but that's not always true. If everything was kosher in Flowery Branch, Mike Smith would still be coaching and the Falcons would not be making draft picks that high.

I haven't seen Dupree show the ability to shed blockers any more so than Beasley. He weighs 20 pounds more, but he isn't any stronger, and in my opinion Beasley is a better hand fighter. I was okay with either one of them personally, but Beasley is better IMO. I really wanted them to try and trade back 5-6 spots, get a 2nd/3rd round pick from someone and then grab one of them at that later 1st round spot, but either they didn't try that, or no one was interested in moving up from the 12-15 spot, which is where I would've tried to move to in order to get either one of them. It would've been nice to have that extra pick to use to possibly move up in the second round to get Collins or Gregory, even though he is a risk.

 

[Sean311]

That's my issue with Beasley...too many holes in his game to get picked that high. To me, that's not value.

I actually like the last two DEs (Dupree and Ray) more than Beasley. We'll see...I hope I'm wrong. I'm a Falcons fan, I'll be more than happy to be wrong.

I agree I feel like Beasley was just a product of an all around great defense.. I wish they got Shane Ray..makes sense why they didn't though. I hope the Falcons get John Crockett.. I love his energy. Then they should draft Shaq, Smelter and Waller in that order lol.