The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have signed four members of their 2012 Rookie Club, including Wisconsin guard Peter Konz, Wisconsin fullback Bradie Ewing, Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell and South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson.
Konz, 6-5, 317 pounds, was selected in the second round (55th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He started 31 games at center during his career at the University of Wisconsin. In 2011, he was named a Rimington Trophy finalist, a first-team All-American by AFCA and Pro Football Weekly as well as a second-team All-American according to Yahoo! Sports and SI.com, and third-team All-American by Phil Steele in 2011. He also added first-team All-Big Ten Conference accolades from the media and was an honorable mention pick by the league's coaches. In addition to his success on the football field, Konz leaves Wisconsin as a three-time Academic All-Big Ten Conference selection.
Ewing, 5-11, 243 pounds, Atlanta's fifth round selection (157th overall), began his career at Wisconsin as a walk-on running back and ended it as a team captain and first team All-American. He started 10 of 52 games at Wisconsin, rushing for two touchdowns and adding two more receiving scores. According to NFL Draft Report, his 30 touchdown-resulting blocks in 2011 were the most ever by a blocker in a season and were more than 99 teams at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level.
Mitchell, 5-11, 205 pounds, was the Falcons sixth round draft choice (192nd overall). He was one of the Bulldogs most consistent defenders as he played in 50 games and recorded 283 total tackles with four interceptions during his career. A team captain, Mitchell ranked second on the team with 95 tackles (50 solo) while notching three tackles for loss, one sack, six passes defensed and one forced fumble as a senior.
The Falcons selected Robertson (249th overall), 6-4, 304 pounds, in the seventh round with their compensatory selection. He was a team leader and experienced player for the Gamecocks, and earned preseason second-team All-SEC honors from Phil Steele as a key interior cog in South Carolina's defense. The three-year letter winner played in 12 games as a senior in 2011, recording 45 tackles (22 solo), two sacks and eight tackles for loss.
