Garland, Schweitzer taking shared path to Falcons' RG battle

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The second day of minicamp was over for some Atlanta Falcons players.

For Wes Schweitzer and Ben Garland, it was time for Plan D.

Schweitzer and Garland, competing for the starting job at right guard, took turns holding a blocking pad while deflecting blocks from the other following Wednesday's practice. Back and forth they exchanged blows.

"We do it every day, pre- and post-practice," Schweitzer said. "It really takes your level of play to the next level."

The "D'' stands for development in the program installed by coach Dan Quinn. Schweitzer said there is "no way" he'd be in position to compete for a starting job without the extra work.

Quinn is especially happy to see two players competing for one starting job still trying to help each other improve.

"They are two of the guys I most admire on the team for their work ethic and toughness, kind of the go-for-it mentality, always trying to find an edge to get better," Quinn said.

"What makes it more meaningful to me is these guys play the same spot and are battling, but honestly are looking after one another and supporting and showing different examples to each other. That's the kind of team you'd like to be a part of."

The right guard position was left open following 2016 starter Chris Chester's retirement.

The Falcons made a statement in the NFL draft about their confidence in Garland and Schweitzer to handle the position. The team waited until the third day of the draft to select an offensive lineman, Sean Harlow of Oregon State.