Falcons: What about the Konz?

[ggp]

I noticed Peter Konz limping off the field during the Cincy game. Does anyone know whether he has a significant injury? During his college career, he missed playing time with a dislocated ankle and, of course, with blood clots to his lungs. Did he reaggravate his ankle injury?

Here is an article written about Konz during the draft. I include it only for a back drop to this post.


Falcons take Konz at No. 55 overall
By Jeff Potrykus of the Journal Sentinel
April 27, 2012

Madison – Peter Konz’s wait is over.

The standout center from Wisconsin was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 23rd pick of the second round of the National Football League draft Friday night.
Konz, 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, was the first center taken in the draft and the No. 55 pick overall. Konz, a graduate of Neenah High School, started 31 games and played in 32 in three seasons at UW.

He was a first-team All-American according to the American Football Coaches Association and Pro Football Weekly and was considered the No. 1 center in the draft.

UW athletic director Barry Alvarez raved about Konz's versatility. “He could play center or guard," Alvarez said Friday before the start of the second round. "It is hard to find a center that can pull… “That is really unique. You can get an extra guy at the point of attack. “Plus he is a good locker room guy."

According to ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Jon Gruden, the only concerns about Konz are his upper-body strength and injury history. Konz hit only 18 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the scouting combine, though he improved that to 23 in a later test at UW. Konz missed three games last season after suffering a dislocated ankle at Minnesota. He missed two games in 2010 after suffering an ankle injury and missed the final two games of the 2009 season with blood clots in his lungs. “Durability is a concern,” Kiper Jr. said. “Longer NFL season. Can he hold up physically?”

The Falcons' No. 1 center is 35-year-old Todd McClure, a 13-year veteran.
“You love to have a center that can get out on screens and that can pull to block some of these second-level linebackers," Gruden said of Konz. “He has great playing range. Strength and durability is the issue. But the Falcons needed a young center. “Todd McClure has been there a long time, is 35 years old. He will have a good mentor."

NFL Network Mike Mayock predicted Konz could be a 10-year starter at center but projected him to start first at guard for the Falcons. “He is a great pick,” Mayock said. “The only downside is not once in three years did he complete a season without missing a game due to injury. So you’ve got to be a little concerned.”

Fellow NFL Network analyst Brian Billick liked the pick. “They’re going to start with guard,” Billick said. “Because they’re not going to bail on their centre just yet. But he is about done. “And now you can move (Konz) back into center the next year.”

[ChrisD]

He's really tall for a guard, but he looked pretty good. As far as him walking off with a limp, I don't think it was anything. He came back to the game the series after he left and played really well.

Quote:Peter Konz, Backup Right Guard

Rookie Konz was shaken up in the third quarter of the Bengals game, but walked off field under his own power and later returned to the game.

Konz returned to play at a high level, so there is no immediate concern.

[ggp]

Great news. Thanks

[AUTiger7222]

I haven't even noticed Konz yet. I couldn't even tell you what number he is.

[3-23-hut]

[quote='ggp' pid='100062' dateline='1345311312']
Great news. Tha

It was his finger.

[TeamPlayer1]

Konz is a fine player at center or guard and I just want him healthy. Plain and simple, the Falcons need some people movers.

[TonyGraziani]

(08-18-2012 12:30 PM)ChrisD Wrote:  He's really tall for a guard, but he looked pretty good. As far as him walking off with a limp, I don't think it was anything. He came back to the game the series after he left and played really well.

Reynolds is 6'7" so Konz will be just fine

[The Don™]

I watched Konz very closely in the Cincy game. The following is my assessment of him...

Good
Very good feet and technique displayed. Nice hand punch. Very quick hands displayed. Bends well and anchoring is natural for him. Seems like a smart player and knows what he's doing out there. Got to the 2nd level when had to and found a man to block. Quick feet and hands displayed when DT made a nice move to the right but Konz very quickly adjusted and stonewalled the DT. Mirrors well. Looked nimble and light on two toss plays and stretch run. More athletic than the scouting reports indicate. Anchors and locks on very well. When he locked on to his man, forget about it! Nice hand fight with DT that Konz wins. Came back on next series after injury.

BAD
Pushed back a few times. Pushed back pretty hard one one pass play by DT. Beat by DT on swim move - didn't move feet well on play - called for holding(all gone wrong on that play). Hurt his wrist or lower arm but OK.

Summary
His technique is phenomenal. Very smart player and looks like a veteran out there. Hand punches are like little jolts of electricity - they keep the rushers at bay. Surprisingly athletic and good feet. Gets pushed back on occasion but anchors well and doesn't allow DT too far in the pocket. NEEDS TO START AND PLAY WITH THE FIRST TEAM. I really liked what I saw from the guy. He's gonna be a good one for MANY years to come.