There is a possible youth movement getting ready to take place in Atlanta as the Falcons like what they see out of this year's rookie class. The Falcons are in need of a major bounce back year and the rookie class is quickly making their mark on helping that happen. As the team prepares to enter training camp in less than a month, will younger players be taking over the roles of veterans?
Vic Beasley was drafted in the first round and is expected to start immediately. Head coach Dan Quinn has had nothing but praise for the defensive end who will be needed to push the sacks for Atlanta this upcoming season. Beasley made it very clear that he intends to start and be an every-down player for the franchise.
"I think I'm an every-down player. I think that's just motivation for me to go out there and prove that I can be an every-down player," Beasley said, via NFL.com. "(My role) is definitely to get after the quarterback. I think Coach (Dan) Quinn brought me in to get after the quarterback and I think that's my permanent goal this year. The goal is to win the Super Bowl and I just want to help the team accomplish that goal."
Beasley will be battling with players like Adrian Clayborn, Kroy Biermann and Ra'Shede Hageman for time on the field. The same goes for Tevin Coleman who plans on pushing Devonta Freeman for the starting spot. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported the running back battle is certainly one to watch as the two players are expected to elevate the run game in 2015. While Freeman is currently leading the race to start, Coleman is proving to be a contender.
The secondary has another question mark on it after Jalen Collins was drafted while players like Charles Godfrey were added. According to ESPN's Vaughn McClure, the added depth hurts players like Robert Alford and Kemal Ishmael who are fighting for roster spots. Collins is already getting penciled in as a potential starter with Desmond Trufant while Ricardo Allen and Jonathon Mincy have been impressive so far. With William Moore returning healthy, Ishmael has yet another body to compete with in camp.
Quinn is pushing competition this offseason. While the Falcons have their franchise stars, the team needs everyone to step up. Training camp will be critical in determining the final roster as the season approaches.
