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Anyone looking to draw an early conclusion on a rookie after Sunday's Week 17 matchup should take a look at what Vic Beasley has accomplished in his second season with the Atlanta Falcons.
The pass rusher, selected eighth in the 2015 draft, might be an extreme example of the second-year leap. Beasley had some moments as a rookie and finished with four sacks, but it would be difficult to claim he showcased game-changing ability on a consistent basis.
This season, he leads the NFL with 14½ sacks. He’s changing nearly every game.
“You see his speed on the snap,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. "It’s going to provide a challenge to both tackles, and from Year 1 to Year 2, you see him bend and hit the edge. I think he’s done a real good job of incorporating some power into his rushes. I think he’s having a tremendous season.”
The reason for Beasley's improvement isn't difficult to pinpoint. He gained experience, and that taught him that not every tackle or pass set are the same. He had to learn that what worked for him in college might not always work in the NFL.
By Nick Underhill
Full Story - The Advocate