The Atlanta Falcons will work out Clemson pass rusher Vic Beasley on Monday, getting a closer look at a first-round prospect at the club's most-pressing draft need. And given the draft slide that could be forthcoming for Nebraska's Randy Gregory, Beasley is all the more likely to be the Falcons' choice with the No. 8 overall pick -- if he's even available at the time.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on the work out, and noted that the Falcons hold a special place for Beasley.
News of a failed drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine has created some doubt about Gregory's draft status, who is also considered among the elite pass rushers in the draft. Gregory's bad news, however, can only be good news for the likes of Beasley, Florida's Dante Fowler, Jr., and Missouri's Shane Ray, who are all vying to be top-10 choices for the same role.
In a draft that has plenty of teams in need of a pass rusher picking early in the first round, Beasley's decision to return to Clemson for his senior season in 2014 is looking like an awfully good one.
Meanwhile, NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah sees Gregory slipping out of the draft's top 10 picks.
Among the teams drafting ahead of Atlanta that could choose a pass rusher are the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 3), Oakland Raiders (No. 4), Washington Redskins (No. 5) and Chicago Bears (No. 7).
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