When Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn addressed the media during his introductory news conference, he talked about wanting pass-rushers with speed and length.

Malliciah Goodman doesn't possess great speed, but the 6-foot-4 defensive lineman certainly has the length with 37-inch arms. Quinn obviously sees Goodman's value as a pass-rusher, which is why Goodman is in the process of dropping 25 pounds from his playing weight last year of 290. Remember, he bulked up to be more of a run-stuffer in last year's 3-4 hybrid system under Mike Nolan. Goodman doesn't have a sack in two seasons with the Falcons after recording 12 sacks in college at Clemson, including 9.5 sacks during his final year.

Malliciah Goodman is trying to drop 25 pounds from his 2014 playing weight so that he'll be a quicker, more agile pass-rusher. Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports

"I met with (Quinn) and Bryan Cox and I'm going to get my weight down and probably be back on the outside, working on tight ends and the tackles," Goodman said. "I'm excited to make that transition. I was that in college. We changed it once I got to Atlanta because of the different defenses. But I'll be back outside. It will all depend on the progress we have with that and the work we put in at [organized team activities]."

As of right now, Goodman weighs 280 pounds, still a little ways from the targeted 265. It's been far from easy trying to get down to his desired weight.

"You have to change your diet up, first of all, with high protein, less carbs and the cardio and exercise," Goodman said. "Just kind of getting your feet quicker. Initially, it was hard because I was 290 and I had these certain habits to keep my weight. Now I have to lose weight, so I've got to change my habits, alter my diet. It's just that quick transition. But I'm getting used to it. It will be fine."

Quickness is the key element in the whole equation for Goodman if he hopes to thrive in Quinn's 4-3-under defense that incorporates 3-4 personnel tendencies.

"Doing the ladder drills, jumping rope, doing reaction drills ... and I'm going to start working at the facility," Goodman said. "I'm excited about it.

"There's a lot of energy in the building right now. Everybody's excited about the new process with the new head coach, putting the offense and defense in and changing some things up. I'm excited to see how everything is going to be when we report."

There is another aspect that has Goodman a little giddy: the prospect of adding former Clemson teammate Vic Beasley to the mix via the draft. Goodman attended Beasley's pro day workout. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper, in his latest mock draft, has the Falcons selecting Beasley eighth overall.

"He's really matured and grown into a dominant player, as you all know," Goodman said of Beasley. "He's a very athletic and a very humble guy. And he can produce. He's really done well this past few years. He's from Georgia, so that would be cool just for him to be in the state. And he's been a Falcons fan for a while, so I know he'd definitely be happy to come."