NFL Nation reporter Vaughn McClure assesses which rookies on the Falcons could earn a starting berth this season.

Taking Vic Beasley in the first round was a big part of the Falcons' overhaul of their pass-rushers. Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports

Why Vic Beasley could start: Beasley was the eighth overall pick in the draft, so he's supposed to be a major contributor based on draft status alone. He's already displayed his outstanding speed off the edge as well as his overall athleticism. However, there is one obstacle Beasley needs to overcome before becoming a fixture in the lineup. Beasley knows there's some questions about his ability to stop the run. He's powerful enough to be a solid run defender. Now, he just has to go do it. But first and foremost, Beasley has to be the type of dominant pass-rusher the Falcons expect him to be. The Falcons have been one of the worst teams pressuring the quarterback in recent years, recording a league-low 83 sacks over the past three seasons. Beasley said he plans to reach double-digit sacks as a rookie. The Falcons will need such production from him as he settles into the Leo hybrid position ahead of veteran Kroy Biermann. Count on Beasley seeing the field plenty, particularly with the sub package being the norm these days.

Why Jalen Collins could start: The Falcons know they got a first-round talent in Collins, who fell to the second round most likely as a result of his admission to multiple failed marijuana tests at LSU. But the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Collins is the long, rangy-type corner that Falcons coach Dan Quinn desires in his aggressive, attacking defensive scheme. So it wouldn't be a surprise to see Collins settle into a starting role at one corner opposite Desmond Trufant, with Robert Alford possibly seeing more time covering the slot. But with Alford playing exceptionally well outside right now, Collins might have to earn it covering inside, first. Essentially, the Falcons will have three starting corners throughout the season. With all due respect to Alford and his ability, Collins' size should be beneficial against some of the big receivers in the NFC South such as Mike Evans, Kelvin Benjamin, Vincent Jackson and Marques Colston. No one had any doubts about Collins' ability to be solid as a tough, press corner. The biggest question surrounding him is his health following pre-draft foot surgery. Obviously, the Falcons felt comfortable enough with the timetable for Collins' recovery. In fact, Collins looked rather solid in coverage as he slowly saw his workload increased during mandatory minicamp although he was a little tentative.

Why Tevin Coleman should start: Coleman made clear his intentions to be the starting running back from the day he was drafted. And there's plenty of reason for him to come in with a swagger. He rushed for more than 2,000 yards at Indiana last season and enjoyed success against some formidable foes such as Ohio State (228 rushing yards, three touchdowns) and Michigan State (132 rushing yards). But Coleman has stiff competition in second-year player Devonta Freeman, who also plans to start. Based on the offseason, both players are more than capable of having success in Kyle Shanahan's outside zone-blocking scheme. Freeman has the edge now based on his unique ability to catch and run routes like a receiver. Coleman, who suffered a mild groin strain at the end of minicamp, is a capable pass-catcher too, although it's not an aspect he was called upon for often in college. A strong two-back system will be a healthy transition for a team striving for offensive balance. If Coleman consistently shows the ability to break off big plays like he did in college -- he was among the national leaders in plays of 20 (19), 30 (16), 40 (13), 50 (9), 60 (8) and 70 (4) yards -- he'll be hard to keep off the field. Again, the Falcons need to establish more of a running game after finishing 24th in rushing last season at just 93.6 yards per game.