Setting Realistic Expectations for Top Atlanta Falcons Rookies

For the Atlanta Falcons to take the next step in 2015, the rookie class will have to make an immediate impact. However, expecting seven Pro Bowl players right away or any at all is a bit much for any rookie class. Atlanta should have some excellent talent coming in from this class, though.

With one of the best drafts that they have had in a long time, the Falcons should see some better results as a team in 2015. But expecting ridiculous production from anyone outside of first-round pick Vic Beasley would be setting expectations way too high.

Vic Beasley

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When it comes to Vic Beasley, he could have the biggest impact out of any Atlanta Falcon rookie because of his pass-rushing prowess. The Falcons haven't had a 10-plus sack player since the loss of John Abraham after the 2012 season. Beasley has been a 10-plus sack player in college for back-to-back seasons in a similar role.

In Atlanta, he should at least give Atlanta a consistent rush and eight-plus sacks as a rookie. He has such an amazing first step that there's no reason for him to be completely nonproductive. And it's not just about sacks, because Beasley will still be a creator in terms of pressure.

His rookie ceiling is close to the Von Miller 12-sack level. He has the speed to play linebacker or end and could wind up playing both weak-side linebacker and weak-side defensive end depending on the set. He's someone who needs to stay on the field and should see a lot of defensive snaps in 2015.

Jalen Collins

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Early on in his Falcons career, Jalen Collins will likely come in as a third cornerback covering the outside while Robert Alford covers the slot in nickel packages. As he develops, though, the rookie out of Louisiana State should play more outside corner in base packages.

Because of his length, strength and aggression, Collins has been compared to Richard Sherman by some analysts. However, he's closer to Sean Smith more than Sherman. And there's nothing wrong with that. His ceiling as a rookie is as an average NFL No. 2 cornerback playing behind Desmond Trufant.

The floor is him coming in as a nickel and playing at a below-average level as the team's third cornerback. And that's OK. The Falcons just need someone who is better than what Robert McClain was in 2014, and they should have that in Collins.

Tevin Coleman

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Fresh legs will make a huge difference in the running game in 2015. After letting Steven Jackson go and allowing Jaquizz Rodgers to sign with the Chicago Bears in the offseason, the Falcons got a lot younger at running back and should have a ton more carries for their new rookie, Tevin Coleman.

With Coleman and last years' fourth-round pick Devonta Freeman, the Falcons will have a pair of running backs who complement each other well. Coleman will likely see the bulk of the running plays for the Falcons in 2015—if he can beat out Freeman for the primary tailback role.

But even then, in the worst-case scenario, Coleman serves as an asset for the Falcons, getting at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage on around 150-175 touches. His best-case scenario has him getting around 1,500 yards from scrimmage on around 225-250 touches as the primary tailback.

Justin Hardy

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Justin Hardy is a unique player because in college he had arguably the worst quarterback in all of the Southeast. Yet, he was still able to come in, ball out and earn his spot as a fourth-round selection in the 2015 NFL draft. His hard work and natural talent are what got him to this spot.

His natural talent is what will make him a No. 4 receiver in Atlanta's offense early on in his career at worst. He's likely going to duplicate Harry Douglas' rookie production (23 catches, 320 yards, one touchdown) as his worst-case scenario.

But if Roddy White should see any time on the sidelines because of injury, the Falcons should look to have Hardy play the possession No. 2 role in the offense over Leonard Hankerson or Devin Hester. Hardy has the potential to duplicate Hakeem Nicks' rookie production (47 catches, 790 yards, six touchdowns) if he gets enough targets.

Grady Jarrett

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Grady Jarrett has the talent to turn into one of the better defensive tackles in the NFC if he can maximize his full potential. The son of Falcons legend Jessie Tuggle has the right body shape and low center of gravity to make a long-term impact similar to what Brandon Mebane did in Seattle.

However, as a rookie, his impact will likely be minimal. Jarrett will have to fight for playing time on the interior defensive line with the likes of Tyson Jackson, Paul Soliai, Jonathan Babineaux and Ra'Shede Hageman. He will likely earn a roster spot, but how much he produces as a rookie is debatable.

But he wasn't brought in to be an impactful rookie. He was brought in to be a long-term solution at nose tackle behind Soliai. If Soliai goes down early in the year, Jarrett could be a surprising starter who takes on double-teams and makes the Falcons look like geniuses for trading up in the fifth round for him.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also the Featured Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

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