Atlanta Falcons 2012 Draft Second Day Review: Operation Protect Matty Ice

The Atlanta Falcons made some excellent picks in Rounds 2 and 3 in Peter Konz and Lamar Holmes. They send one message to the league, and that's "We will protect our quarterback!"

Peter Konz is a 6'5", 314-pound offensive guard from the University of Wisconsin. He was a three-year starter and a team captain for Bret Bielema's Badgers. Konz is a top run-blocker from the center spot and was able to take on multiple nose tackles one on one when Wisconsin played 3-4 teams.

Konz also is a guy who will make Falcons fans reminisce about Harvey Dahl, as he has a nasty streak to him that will only endear him to Atlanta fans. Konz is an instant starter at either guard spots, which may force a move from Justin Blalock.

The Falcons' second-rounder could also end up being that guy who replaces Todd McClure at center long term, but overall, Konz is a definite impact player on the offensive line who should be a 10-year-plus starter for the Falcons.

Lamar Holmes is a 6'5", 323-pound left tackle and is more of a project. He may or may not be ready to come right in and start, but his pass-blocking is one of the reasons why Thomas Dimitroff and Co. took him. The trend here obviously is surrounding Matt Ryan with large pass-blockers.

Holmes has one of the quickest lateral steps in the draft, and with his size, the Southern Miss product is arguably one of the top tackles when it comes to pass-blocking. However, Holmes needs a lot of work in his run-blocking, and that could be his downfall, as Mike Smith has taken a liking to the run.

Matt Ryan should be happy, though. In 2013, and possibly even 2012, the line should be projected as such:

Left Tackle: Lamar Holmes, 6'5", 323

Left Guard: Justin Blalock, 6'4", 330

Center: Joe Hawley, 6'1", 305

Right Guard: Peter Konz, 6'5", 315

Right Tackle: Tyson Clabo, 6'6", 330

The Falcons O-line would be one of the biggest in the league, and with Clabo and Holmes in pass protection on the edge, and the enhanced bulk between them, there is a lot of hope in Atlanta for a healthy Ryan with a lot of time to throw the ball.