Wisconsin C Konz Round 2 pick by Atlanta

Wisconsin C Konz Round 2 pick by Atlanta

Published Apr. 27, 2012 7:51 p.m. ET

Former Wisconsin center Peter Konz waited a day longer than many anticipated, but he finally heard his name called in the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round Friday night.

Konz, a first-team All-American selection by the American Football Coaches Association and Pro Football Weekly last season, went 55th overall, the 23rd pick of the second round.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Konz played in 32 career games with 31 starts. He started at center during Wisconsin's first 10 games last season before dislocating his left ankle in a November game against Minnesota. He returned to start Wisconsin's game against Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

The injury kept Konz from participating fully during Wisconsin's pro day on March 7, but he worked out during his own pro day on campus in April to show he was fully healed.

Konz, who left Wisconsin after his junior season, was the top center taken in the draft, and many mock drafts projected him to be selected in the first round Thursday night.

He becomes the second Badgers player taken in this year's NFL draft. Right guard Kevin Zeitler went in the first round, at No. 27, to the Cincinnati Bengals.

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