|FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) – The Atlanta Falcons have selected Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL draft, addressing a glaring need on a struggling defense.
Beasley, regarded as perhaps the most explosive edge rusher in the draft, had 11 ½ sacks as a senior in 2014.
The Falcons gave up the most total yards and passing yards in 2014 and ranked next to last in the league in sacks. They have made improving their defense an offseason priority under new coach Dan Quinn, the former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator.
Quinn is working closely with general manager Thomas Dimitroff in the draft.
Atlanta has eight picks in the draft, including two in the seventh round.
METAIRIE, La. (AP) – The New Orleans Saints selected Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony with their second of two first-round picks in Thursday night’s NFL draft.
The Saints acquired the pick, 31st overall when they traded star tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle, which also sent center Max Unger to New Orleans
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Anthony joins a Saints defense that ranked second-to-last in the NFL with 384 yards allowed per game. The Saints’ defense also ranked 23rd in sacks per pass attempt, and could have used another edge pass rusher, but Anthony has been an inside linebacker in college.
Last season, he led Clemson was 90 tackles, and was named first-team All-ACC.
With their first pick in the draft, at No. 13 overall, the Saints selected Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat.
