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NFL: 15 Rookies who are future Pro Bowlers

By Andrew Garda

May 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is introduced at a press conference at One Buc Place the day after being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is introduced at a press conference at One Buc Place the day after being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) after a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Clemson 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) after a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Clemson 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Vic Beasley, DEOLB, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons defensive end (and former Clemson outside linebacker) Vic Beasley fell into a situation – and has the talent – to make a Pro Bowl in a short amount of time.

The Falcons defense was desperate for a pass rusher last season and while they added Adrian Clayborn this offseason, Clayborn has struggled with injuries in his career. It’s hard to bet on Clayborn long-term and even if he has a great season, he’s on a one-year contract and could leave after this season.The Falcons also have Tyson Jackson and Ra’Shede Hageman, both of whom can rush the quarterback (though Hageman is more of an inside presence at tackle).

That’s both a good thing and a bad thing for Beasley, at least for his first year. He does have room to step right in and contribute because of the uncertainty of those around him, but he’s also got competition.

One of the better edge rushers in the 2015 NFL Draft, Beasley has speed and explosiveness and should be a terror off the edge, though the transition from defensive end to linebacker could trip him up.

Also, if Clayborn stays healthy the team won’t force Beasley on the field this year and might rotate him in. Beasley needs to continue refining his pass rush technique and if Clayborn is healthy and productive, they will want to use both players, giving the edge in field time to the veteran.

All that might mean that Beasley doesn’t see a Pro Bowl berth this season. However, if Clayborn leaves next offseason, Beasley would have every opportunity to take over as a full-time starter – assuming he progresses well this coming season. At which point, his talent and the opportunity he’d have should allow him to see more than one Pro Bowl.

Next: Danny Shelton, DT, Cleveland Browns

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