FLOWERY BRANCH — After his first practice with the team, Falcons’ top draft pick Peter Konz had an announcement.
“I’m bringing back the Dirty Bird,” Konz said Friday.
Then the massive 6-foot-5, 317-pound linemen preceded into his freestyle interpretation of the dance popularized by former tight end O.J. Santiago and the 1998 Super Bowl-bound Falcons.
He was a little stiff and still has some work before he’s in Santiago or Jamal Anderson’s class, but the effort was good. Let’s just say, that he’ll need a few sessions with Falcons cheer coordinator Chato Hendrix before he’s ready for “Dancing with the Stars.”
While the dancing was a little rough, Konz breezed through the practice after adjusting to the heat.
“It was hot,” said Konz, a Neehan, Wis., native. “I come from like 40 degrees, and I was comfortable. Last night, I was sweating in my own bed.
“But it was a good day. I didn’t feel like I missed a beat or hesitated too much. I think it was a successful day.”
By Georgia standards, it actually was a pretty nice day with a breeze sweeping over the practice fields. The August heat is going to be a major adjustment for Konz.
“Do they have like those little air conditioners in the helmets yet?” Konz said. “Like, totally Jetsons. I don’t know, I’m going to have to a lot of outdoor activities beforehand. I will have to get adjusted. I heard the humidity is horrible down here.”
Konz, who was projected to be selected in the first round of the draft, was picked by the Falcons with the 55th overall pick, in the second round. The team traded away their first- and fourth-round picks as part of the trade for wide receiver Julio Jones.
Konz spent most of the practice at right guard and received a few snaps at center.
“I thought Peter did a nice job,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Of course, Peter is being cross-trained at two positions. It’s obvious that he’s a big strong guy.”
Konz is expected to compete for the starting right guard position against several veterans. However, he hasn’t played guard on a regular basis since high school.
“I actually switched off from tackle to guard whenever we had a pulling play my junior year,” Konz said. “That’s how I got into pulling and all of that.”
The Falcons liked Konz in part because he is light on his feet and moves around well for a big guy. He flashed his movement skills on a couple of plays that called for him to get outside.
He attributes his good feet to playing basketball and running track in high school.
Konz, and the other 45 players on hand for the minicamp, arrived Thursday. Lamar Holmes, the third-round pick, suffered an injured left foot and will not participate in the minicamp. The players had meetings and study time before they practiced.
“They threw the playbook at us and told us to go memorize it,” Konz said. “Get in there and learn as much as you, as fast as you can.”
The Falcons plan to install all of the plays in the camp, which runs through Sunday.
Konz is learning from Pat Hill, the Falcons’ new offensive line coach. Hill was the former head coach at Fresno State.
“Anytime, any place,” Konz said. “That’s his little motto. He’s a great guy, and he’s been teaching us so far. I’m really excited to be under him and absorb all of the knowledge that I can.”
Konz was a little more comfortable than most rookies at their first NFL practice.
After not drafting any players from the Big Ten over the past four drafts, general manager Thomas Dimitroff selected Konz and his teammate Bradie Ewing, a fullback. The team also signed ex-Wisconsin defensive end Louis Nzeqwu as an undrafted rookie free agent.
“We are very good friends,” Konz said of Ewing. “We’re very religious people. Guys who like to try to do the right thing and be team leaders. Bradie and I know each other very well.”
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