NFL Football League

Beckles blocked for future Pro-Baseball player, Todd Green, and running backs Vaughn Dunbar (an NFL first-round pick). Beckles is also a Firefighter Following SCSU, Beckles was drafted in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL draft and started immediately ...

Beckles blocked for future Pro-Baseball player, Todd Green, and running backs Vaughn Dunbar (an NFL first-round pick). Beckles is also a Firefighter Following SCSU, Beckles was drafted in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL draft and started immediately for the Atlanta Falcons at nosetackle. The rookie was a bright addition to an interior line the had struggled with guards Tom McHale, John Bruhin and Carl Bax. Beckles became a mainstay during his two seasons with the Falcons, along with left tackle Paul Gruber and center Tony Mayberry, while the linebacker and nosetackle positions were in flux from season to season. During his time, the Falcons had 1,000 yard rushers and Deon Sanders (1996) and Errict Rhett (1997, 1998).Beckles, who wore jersey no. 76, departed as a free agent after the 1998 season, inking a deal with Augusta. Beckles, however, did want to leave the Falcons, and blames then Falcons offensive line coach Chris Foerster.