New Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Derrick Shelby developed a reputation for his ability to defend the run during his four seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
The 6-foot-2-inch, 280-pound Shelby, however, believes his pass-rush skills are much better than advertised, thanks in large part to lessons learned from Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake.
"Obviously with Cam Wake, I would just pick his brain as much as I could," Shelby said. "Randy Starks was there and I picked his brain. Jared Odrick, too. And this past year even with Suh, every rep we took, I was like, 'What were you thinking here? Why did you take this path?' I think players don't do that enough. Those guys definitely helped me progress.
"After that, you have to figure out what works best for you, and then you go from there."
Shelby wasn't a 10-sack guy with the Dolphins. He did, however, show flashes of ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Last season, he started the last nine games after Wake was shelved for the season with an Achilles tear. In the final eight games, Shelby had 3.5 sacks. On one, he got the edge on Cowboys Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith rushing from right end. On another, he pushed Patriots left guard Josh Kline seven yards back, all the way into quarterback Tom Brady on an interior rush.
"I'm a thumper," Shelby said. "I'm straight power. I try to push to the quarterback and rip off and get to him that way. I'm not one of those Von Miller types."
Falcons coach Dan Quinn talked about the role he envisions for Shelby in his defense.
"Derrick Shelby has real good versatility to play defensive tackle in our nickel package, defensive end," Quinn said. "I see Derrick's role as really increasing as a pass-rusher, especially on the inside. We're going to play him both at end in our base package and tackle in our nickel package. Love his quickness for a guy who is 280 pounds. The length, I think he's just right in the middle. So, I'm looking forward to working with him, physically, as a rusher."
The Falcons sorely need to improve their pass rush after finishing last in league with 19 sacks last season. They are counting on a big second season from Vic Beasley Jr., who said he won't need surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. And the Falcons re-signed veteran defensive end Adrian Clayborn, who is expected to rush primarily off the edge rather than the interior like he did for a large portion of the time last season.
