10 leading candidates for rookie of the year

Vic Beasley, DE, Atlanta Falcons

One day, defensive players will get consideration for major awards like this or the NFL MVP. That day hasn’t come though, and it’s really hard to know when it will.

Let’s for a moment pretend it has though, and look at what makes Atlanta Falcons defensive end (and former Clemson outside linebacker) Vic Beasley a possible candidate for Rookie of the Year (Pepsi or otherwise).

Beasley arrives to join a Falcons defense which was desperate for a pass rusher last season. They added Adrian Clayborn this offseason, but Clayborn has struggled with injuries in his career. The Falcons still have Tyson Jackson and Ra’Shede Hageman, both of whom can rush the quarterback (though Hageman is more of an inside presence at tackle) but overall they aren’t assured of any production.

Both things leave plenty of room for Beasley to step right in and contribute. One of the better edge rushers in the 2015 NFL Draft, Beasley has speed and explosiveness and should be a terror off the edge.

There are a few things (aside from position discrimination) which might make it harder for him to win the award.

First of all, if Clayborn stays healthy (which he can do on occasion), the team won’t force Beasley on the field. He needs to continue refining his pass rush technique, especially at the pro level where he will find he needs to add a few tools to his repertoire.

Beasley also has a reputation for not quite being as aggressive as he could be. That is to say, sometimes he doesn’t fight through blocks and get angry enough. He needs to develop a killer mentality, which he didn’t always seem to have at Clemson.

However, if Beasley gets a chance and can get himself fired up for it, he could have a huge impact on this team.

Next: Danny Shelton, DT, Cleveland Browns