National Football League

Falcons coach Quinn impressed with Vic Beasley's quickness

Published May. 8, 2015 6:26 p.m. ET

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) New Falcons coach Dan Quinn isn't surprised how Vic Beasley stands out among the team's rookie class.

After watching his first rookie minicamp with Atlanta on Friday, Quinn was impressed with Beasley's quick first step against the run and the pass.

Beasley, a former Clemson standout and the eighth overall pick of the NFL draft, will play defensive end and outside linebacker in Quinn's 4-3 scheme.

''We had a balance between the runs and the passes today,'' Quinn said. ''With everybody in a new system, there's a whole lot to learn, but I thought he did a good job of picking it up.''

Quinn spent the last two years as Seattle's defensive coordinator, helping the Seahawks win a Super Bowl and two NFC championships.

That's the kind of success Beasley hopes to enjoy with the Falcons. He's excited to be rejoined with former Clemson teammate Grady Jarrett, a fifth-round pick in last week's draft.

''I look forward to him having another great year and for the years to come,'' Beasley said. ''We ran stunts together at Clemson and we play off each other. He knows what I like to do. I know what he likes to do. It's a great fit for us.''

Cornerback Jalen Collins, Atlanta's second-round pick, was held out of Friday's workout as a precaution. The former LSU standout had right foot surgery March 19 to repair a fracture, but Quinn doesn't expect him to be sidelined long.

''We've got a lot of opportunities to work with him,'' Quinn said, ''and we didn't want to rush it.''

When the Falcons begin offseason training activities in a couple of weeks, it's unclear if Collins will be ready to begin competing with Robert Alford for the right corner job and show what he can do in the slot.

''We want to see who can play inside and outside,'' Quinn said. ''Can Rob also go inside? Can Jalen also go inside? And we're also trying Dez Southward out at corner, too. We're looking for versatility - who can play corner, who can play safety, who can play nickel - that's really what this time of year is about.''

Former Indiana running back Tevin Coleman, Atlanta's third-round pick, showed Quinn the kind of speed offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan wants at the position.

''For a guy who can set the edge and put his foot in the ground and cut, in this system when we're running our wide zone, that's really what we're looking for,'' Quinn said. ''I thought he was off to a good start today.''

Coleman has briefly studied the playbook and believes he can complement the scheme while competing with Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith for the starting job.

''I think I'm a great fit running inside zone, outside zone and running a lot of stretch plays,'' Coleman said. ''It's a big advantage for me.''

Notes: Quinn said that S Terell Floyd fainted during practice because of dehydration and was taken by ambulance to a hospital. ... The team's three-day camp consists of seven draft picks, 21 undrafted and inexperienced free agents and 25 players receiving tryouts.

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AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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