Entering the NFL draft, a lot of questions surrounded what type of player Vic Beasley would be as a rookie.
Some viewed him as merely a situational pass-rusher during his first season with the Atlanta Falcons, as he grows into the game. But Beasley told NFL Media's Tiffany Blackmon on Wednesday he believes he can be a three-down player.
"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," he said of the perception.
The Falcons' glaring lack of pass rush will put pressure on the rookie to make plays out of the gate, but he understands what is being asked.
"(My role) is definitely to get after the quarterback," he said. "I think Coach (Dan) Quinn brought me in to get after the quarterback and I think that's my permanent goal this year."
During the draft process NFL Media's Lance Zierlein compared Beasley to Bruce Irvin, who excelled at outside linebacker under Quinn in Seattle. Irvin, it should be noted, didn't start as a rookie but compiled eight sacks in his first season.
The Falcons don't have the luxury to bring Beasley along slowly and the rookie understands a lot will be required in Year 1.
"The goal is to win the Super Bowl and I just want to help the team accomplish that goal," he said.
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