National Football League

Falcons draft preview: 3 players Atlanta might take at No. 8

Published Mar. 30, 2015 3:49 p.m. ET

Ross Jones

The Atlanta Falcons hold the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

Typically when a team has a top-10 pick, it has a long road to travel to get back to postseason contention. For the Falcons, though, that's not the situation.

In the NFC South, where a team won the division with a sub-.500 record, getting back on track could be easier than expected.

The Falcons' shift in philosophy began by giving new head coach Dan Quinn final say over the 53-man roster. With general manager Thomas Dimitroff having done so in the past, Quinn has authority like Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, Lovie Smith and Bill Belichick.

Quinn, who led the Seahawks defense to two straight Super Bowl appearances, must fix an Atlanta squad that allowed the most yards in the league a season ago.

After only getting 22 sacks in 16 games last season, the Falcons must place the priority on finding pass rushers. During free agency, the Falcons signed defensive ends O'Brien Schofield and Adrian Clayborn and outside linebacker Brooks Reed. By re-signing outside linebacker Kroy Biermann, they keep some continuity, as he was the team's reigning sack leader (4.5).

The Falcons invested heavily in transitioning to a 3-4 defense by signing Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson and drafting Ra'Shede Hageman a year ago. Now, Quinn must complement those players for the multiple fronts he shows.

Offensively, Quinn does inherit a top-flight passing game headlined by quarterback Matt Ryan.

Adding Kyle Shanahan as Quinn's offensive coordinator might have been one of the most under-the-radar moves of the off-season. Despite not signing any veteran offensive linemen in free agency, look for Atlanta to target some in the draft. Spending an early first-rounder on tackle Jake Matthews was a starting point a season ago, now they must continue to fortify the line.

Positions of need: OLB/DE, OL and TE

Three options to consider

Vic Beasley, OLB/DE: If Quinn is searching for someone to play the "Leo" (or weakside edge rusher) in his defense, he should look no further than the hometown kid. Beasley, who is a Georgia native, played four seasons at Clemson and is a two-time All-American. Beasley is lightning-quick off the ball, which is a major asset at that position. As a former running back, Beasley is an explosive athlete and has a dangerous spin move.

Randy Gregory, OLB: Aside from failing a drug test at the NFL Combine, Gregory has rare size, speed and ability. Gregory can be used as a 3-4 outside linebacker with great length to create pressure. He could also stand to put more weight on his 6-5, 235-pound frame, though that's something that will come with time. Seen as a boom-or-bust prospect, Gregory has also been noted as one of the most pure pass rushers in the draft class.

Shane Ray, OLB: Ray, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, led the conference in sacks and tackles for loss. Ray plays with great burst and leverage and would immediately give the Falcons a rotational option behind Clayborn and Biermann.

FAN MOCK DRAFT: Whom should the Falcons draft? Tell us here.