Atlanta ProView: Beasley fits Falcons in number of ways

NFL mock drafts are still all over the place for the Falcons, but the majority of the "mock-a-teers" are still targeting edge rushers for the No. 8 pick. No problem with that direction in this corner, and if the guys at NFL.com are correct, Vic Beasley won't mind it either.

Four of six mocks on the site are predicting the Clemson and former Adairsville High School star to be Dan Quinn's new pass rushing toy. According to Beasley's former prep coach, Jim Kremer, staying home would fit the athletic Beasley just fine.

Beasley recently visited Sonoraville High School - where Kremer now coaches - and told his old coach he and his family would love the Falcons to make the draft day call. However, the Falcons' 4-3 defense might not be the ideal fit, according to Kremer.

"I think he's a perfect fit for a 3-4 scheme," Kremer said. "But, he's such a gifted athlete that he'll be productive anywhere he goes."

At 6-foot-3 and 246 pounds, Beasley lacks ideal size for an NFL 4-3 end, but given the Falcons' lack of talent at outside linebacker, why not take a chance on a gifted athlete who ran a 4.53 40 at the NFL combine with 35 reps in the bench press and a 41-inch vertical jump. All of those numbers were tops among projected linebackers.

Read that again - all linebackers. Just like elite running backs and receivers, athletes like Beasley need space to be at their best. He can get to the quarterback just as well from outside linebacker as he can from end on passing downs.

I know this much, after watching the Falcons' outside linebackers last season, he and recently-signed Brooks Reed would be a major upgrade.

photo Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) drives against Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) in their basketball game Sunday, April 19, 2015, in Atlanta.

Hawks fuel naysayers

Sunday's 99-92 win over the Nets to open their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series was hardly inspiring for Hawks' fans and it already has critics the teams' critics chirping.

It's hard not to be concerned, especially after watching in horror as Al Horford bent over in pain midway through the final period. It was just a finger, but first thought went back to the two season-ending chest injuries he suffered. One more injury and it's just not going to happen for this team.

Sunday's issue was the turnover bug, something point guards Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroeder seemingly had overcome. Give away possessions against the Raptors - much less the Cavs or Bulls - like that and it won't be pretty.

Here's guessing the team is still bored from having nothing to play for the last month. Let's hope this closer-than-needed call might wake them. Game two's are always scary for this franchise.

photo Injection

McKirihan loss hurts

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported early Monday that Braves' lefty reliever Andrew McKirihan is being suspended for 80 games for taking PEDs.

This further thins an already iffy bullpen that could get worked to death by the all-star break. Don't be surprised if Manny Banuelos, acquired from the Yankees in the busy offseason, comes up soon to assume the lefty bullpen role.

With a bevy of top starting pitchers now in the minors, it's time to pinpoint a couple of guys who can help right now in middle and late relief and get them acclimated.

OK, the most disturbing part of this news is this: what are the Cubs teaching in their farm system? Both McKirihan and Arodys Vizcaino were acquired from Chicago and now both are suspended for PEDs. Coincidence? I'm guessing those stud Cubbie prospects are a little squeamish today.

photo Atlanta Braves Shelby Miller pitches against the Miami Marlins in the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 8, 2015, in Miami.

Do you still miss J-Hey?

Where would the Braves be without Shelby Miller? To me, that first big trade with the Cardinals for Miller and Tyrell Jenkins may prove to be John Hart's best. And it might not be close (even though shedding Bossman Upton's contact is pure genius).

Jason Heyward's mere presence and his unlimited potential will always make for great "what-if" moments for the Braves, but there is no what-if with Miller. He's 24 years old with a mid-90s fastball, a great pitcher's body and the makeup to always want to be better. Heyward may indeed re-sign with the Cardinals, but the Braves had seen enough to know they weren't going to give out another mega contract to an underachiever.

To get Miller and Jenkins, another right-hander with a huge fastball, for a player who was leaving after this season was the kind of move that can ignite a franchise. Miller may never be more than a No. 2 or 3 starter, but last time I checked those guys are pretty valuable, and teaming with Julio Teheran and Alex Wood - each also 24 - the rotation should be in good hands for a while.

And don't forget about the bevy of big arms now in the minors. This season could still end with 90 losses, but if even half those guys develop into big leaguers this will be the last losing season for some time.

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