NE Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Bralen Trice has been given significant opportunities during his first training camp with the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie outside linebacker was assigned reps with the first-team defense from the opening practice and has continued to receive elevated chances, including two sessions in full pads.

"I just got thrown out there," Trice said. "I don't like to mentally drop myself or put myself at a lower level. I'm ready, whether they throw me with the 1s or the 4s. No matter what, I'm going to give it my all."

Head coach Raheem Morris had to remind Trice to ease up during their reacclimation period when contact was still prohibited. However, once pads were introduced for the fifth camp practice, Trice engaged fully in physical drills against everyone except quarterbacks.

"It was a confidence booster, for sure," Trice noted about practicing against top-tier offensive linemen like Kaleb McGary and Jake Matthews. "It's fun to go against them. It's like iron sharpens iron."

Trice has been involved in various defensive packages alongside seasoned players such as Lorenzo Carter, Grady Jarrett, and David Onyemata. Out of all rookies on the team, he has received the most first-team opportunities.

"The best guy is going to get opportunities," Morris stated. "Trice is no different as a young draft pick that's coming in here and taking everything as far as he can take it."

The transition from college football to professional play is demanding, involving more detailed playbooks and faster gameplay among other challenges. Trice acknowledges this but remains focused on improvement.

"My get-off could be a lot better," he admitted. "I've been working on my mental aspect of the game – seeing backfield sets, seeing formations, knowing what's coming."

Teammates have also taken notice of Trice's abilities.

"He is a natural pass rusher," fellow outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie said. "The game is kind of natural to him."

Trice's notable moment came on Wednesday when he recorded a sack against quarterback Michael Penix Jr., although both were playing with second-team units at that time.

"Right now, my main role is to be the rookie: learn everything I can and also give everything I can," Trice concluded.