The Atlanta Falcons select a defensive player with their fourth consecutive pick.
After selecting Brandon Dorlus with their first selection on Day 3, the Atlanta Falcons kept churning with their selection of linebacker JD Bertrand out of Notre Dame with the 143rd overall pick, in the 5th round.
Atlanta addresses the second level of their defense after three consecutive selections addressing the defensive line, selecting a local product who comes from Alpharetta.
The Falcons have selected linebacker JD Bertrand out of Notre Dame with the 143rd pick (fifth round). He led the Irish in tackles each of the last three seasons.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) April 27, 2024
Bertrand is 6’1, 233 pounds who is known for his pre-snap strengths and fundamentals. While he is a little bit undersized, Bertrand showcases really strong intangibles (two-year team captain) and had very consisted production during his time at Notre Dame.
Bertrand has led the Fighting Irish in tackles over each of the past three consecutive years, since stepping into a starting role. He racked up a total of 23 tackles for loss over the past three seasons and had five pass breakups in 2023.
While the range in coverage and the overall size could be an issue in a potential starting LB role, Bertrand projects as a very good special teams player and will likely provided some needed depth at linebacker in 2024 and moving forward.