The Atlanta Falcons have added a homegrown linebacker to their roster.
J. D. Bertrand, from Notre Dame, is the team’s fifth-round #143rd pick.
According to Fox 5’s Victor Prieto, Alpharetta-born Betrand filled two roles when he played for the Blessed Trinity High School team, offensive linebacker and wide receiver. The Titans won back-to-back Georgia Class AAAA State Championships in 2017 and 2018.
In his five-year career at Notre Dame, he played 50 games and got 266 total tackles, 6.0 sacks, and 9 interceptions. He only has nine fumbles in his college career. He played in the Rose (2021), both the Fiesta and Gator Bowls (2022), and the Sun Bowl last year.
The NFL’s Draft Tracker has Bertrand’s prospect grade at 5.66. It adds the 6’1″, 235 lb. Bertrand is a “team leader with above-average production who carries good lean mass on his frame.” It adds he has a “lack of speed and short-area quickness” and those shortcomings may need to be worked on in his new home at Flowery Branch. At this year’s Combine, he benched pressed 20 reps.
