FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Although Vic Beasley Jr. is adjusting to playing strongside linebacker rather than just rushing as a defensive end, the Atlanta Falcons second-year player is confident about elevating his pass rush during the 2016 season.

Beasley set a franchise rookie record with four sacks last season, but he still didn't play up to his high standards. Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he wanted Beasley to work on his counter moves rather than just relying on speed. And Beasley has taken Quinn's advice to heart this offseason while working closely with defensive coordinator Richard Smith, linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich, and defensive line coach Bryan Cox.

"Definitely counter moves, and I've been working with a number of coaches this year so far: Coach Smith, Coach Ulbrich, because I'm playing Sam now, and Coach Cox, and they've been helping me a whole lot," Beasley said. "Just having all their different opinions and different strategies has helped me a lot so far."

It's interesting that Beasley would single out Smith, formerly the linebackers coach in Denver. Smith helped tutor Super Bowl MVP Von Miller. Beasley actually has been studying Miller while working on his counter moves.

"Like, I watch Von Miller all the time," Beasley said. "We share a lot of similarities. I don't necessarily try to be exactly like him, because I am my own person. But we do share a lot of similarities, and I try to mirror some of myself after him."

Another year in Quinn's system should help Beasley's cause, regardless of the position switch. Sure, Beasley might have more responsibilities now when it comes to dropping into coverage, but his primary responsibility, no doubt, will be rushing the passer. The Falcons had a league-low 19 sacks last season, and didn't exactly secure a pass-rush specialist this offseason. But they will count on Beasley to show the dynamic ability that made him the eighth-overall pick in the 2015 draft.

He'll likely team with Adrian Clayborn, Grady Jarrett, Derrick Shelby, and sometimes Brooks Reed in the nickel pass-rush group. Beasley even singled out undrafted Ivan McLennan as a guy who might enhance the pass rush.

"We have great guys in place, and the guys that we brought in definitely are going to add to that," Beasley said. "Just relentless pursuit. You have to want to get after the quarterback. And I think we just have to have a relentless pursuit to get after the quarterback."

Although Beasley revealed he played last season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, he refused to use that as an excuse for an average season. Beasley maintains he won't need surgery on the shoulder.

"Honestly, I think that's kind of just blown out of proportion," Beasley said. "Last year, it didn't really hinder me. I played with the labrum in college, but it didn't hinder me any. I was able to become All-American in college. But now, I'm off to a great start, and I feel 100 percent with my labrum."

When he first came in as a rookie, Beasley boldly stated his goal of reaching double-digit sacks. He stopped short of declaring such a goal heading into this season, but he knows expectations are high for him, regardless where he lines up on the field.

"I probably shouldn't put a number on that," Beasley said. "Just try to adapt to the guys around me. The guys around me are going to push me. Obviously that's a goal of mine (double-digit sacks), and I'm just going to keep working hard to get there."