When asked by Steak Shapiro of the Steakhouse to describe what he remembers walking in as a rookie to the NFL, Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary offered a very blunt answer.
"Terror," McGary said. "Utter terror."
After initially not having the fifth year of his rookie contract picked up, but being rewarded with a three-year, $34.5 million contract at the end of last season, it's safe to say McGary has overcome that fear.
The 31st pick of the 2019 draft, McGary knew there would be high expectations from the start. It was trying to live up to those expectations that caused trouble for him his first few seasons in Atlanta.
"You wanna show up, you wanna do your best, and you wanna make the guys that put your faith in you, your coaches, proud," the Falcons lineman said. "You're just not wanting to let anyone down."
In speaking with Steak after the second padded camp practice for the Falcons, McGary talked about how being more confident has allowed him to play much faster than he did his first few years.
"I have a greater understanding of the playbook now, which allows you to play a lot more freely," said McGary. "It allows you to help make adjustments and participate more freely in the offense. You're more confident. You're more capable."
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