Beasley to play 'Leo'

The Falcons plan to play #8 overall pick Vic Beasley at the "Leo" position, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. That makes sense, given new HC Dan Quinn arrived from the DC position in Seattle. Also, new DC Richard Smith has piloted 4-3 defenses in each of his previous 4 turns as an NFL coordinator. Of course, many schemes now obscure the line between 3-4 and 4-3 fronts anyway, but fantasy football owners will feel the importance here. Beasley's position should technically give him DL or DE designations in IDP leagues, which will almost always give him more value. Look for him in the top 5 of our IDP dynasty rookie rankings. Beasley will also carry some sleeper potential in 2015 redraft leagues, depending on where he winds up going in drafts.

Falcons OLB Vic Beasley will make his return against the Dolphins today. It'll be his 1st action since a partial hamstring tear suffered in Week 2. We wouldn't push him back into IDP lineups yet, as we could see limited snaps in the return game. But getting Beasley back undoubtedly helps the sack outlook for an otherwise weak Atlanta pass rush.

Falcons OLB Vic Beasley put in a limited practice Monday for the 1st time since suffering a slight hamstring tear in Week 2, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure. We'll see whether Beasley is ready for game action in Week 6, but don't be surprised if the team eases him back.

Falcons OLB Vic Beasley suffered a "slight tear" in his right hamstring in Sunday night's win over the Packers, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure. The injury is expected to cost him at least a month. That removes the top pass rusher from a defense that already delivers inconsistent pocket pressure. Fortunately for fantasy owners, neither Beasley nor the Atlanta defense generally make for terrific starting options.

The Falcons expect OLB Vic Beasley to play in Thursday's 3rd exhibition game, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Beasley missed the 2nd preseason game because of shoulder trouble, but it's apparently not related to the torn labrum that affected his play last year. It'd be good to get a full look at Beasley in his new position for IDP purposes. The Falcons' team D needs an effected Beasley to improve it's overall value.

The Falcons announced recently that 2015 top pick Vic Beasley will move from DE to strong-side LB this year. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Beasley went along with the plan before totally buying in. But he seems fully on board after his 1st team workouts at the new spot. "I played a little bit of linebacker in college, but it’s different in the league," Beasley said. "There are more responsibilities, but I’m off to a great start with it.” He's expected to play early downs at OLB in the Falcons' base 4-3 but still rush from a DE position in nickel packages. That's similar to what Von Miller does in Denver. Beasley has reportedly been studying Miller on film. It would be foolish to expect the same level of sack production, but Beasley certainly presents 10+ sack potential. The position switch hurts his fantasy value just because of relative scarcity at the 2 spots, but the new spot might also help the 245-pounder hold up as an every-down player.