Cam Smith – May 12, 2023
Download PDF version
Friday, May 12, 2023
CB Cam Smith
(We don’t know your schedule, is that the first time you’ve worn a Dolphin’s jersey?) – “Definitely. It’s the first time I’ve put it on.”
(What was it like to put it on for the first time?) – “It felt kind of surreal. I had to send my mother a little first day at work picture. It was kind of surreal being in the moment, seeing myself for the first time with an NFL team logo on. It’s just kind of surreal.”
(How did you decide on No. 24?) – “It really was the only option left. I wasn’t going to be in 30 or nothing like that. I had to make sure I got me a little good number.”
(What have you been doing since you’ve gotten here?) – “The last week really has been hectic. I’ve been down here most of the time. I got a little Airbnb down here before camp started, so I’ve been staying there. I left like two days after I got drafted. I was ready to go so I came down here and started working out with Gold Feet (Global) to make sure I stayed in shape, making sure I stayed good with everything else.”
(Have you had a chance to meet some of the other cornerbacks on the team?) – “I met Xavien (Howard) when I was on a top 30 visit and then I saw him in the training room yesterday and chopped it up with him. I haven’t talked to (Jalen) Ramsey yet. But I probably will be in a little bit.”
(Did CB Xavien Howard give you any advice?) – “Not right now. He didn’t really say too much. We just wrapped it up about regular stuff.”
(I talked to Clayton White at South Carolina. He said that one of the first things you’re going to notice about Cam is his smile and how he loves to play football. Tell me about that, your personality, your love for the game, your competitiveness.) – “I feel like this is really the only time I really do smile a lot is when I’m talking about football or when I’m on the football field and stuff like that. Just being out there showing my personality, showing what I know, showing what I can do and just kind of being me.”
(He also said that you’re aggressive and sometimes you have to control that. Tell me about that. He said you’re going to make plays, you’re going to jump routes but sometimes you can be aggressive, it’s just got to be controlled. Tell me about that aspect of your game.) – “I try to stronghold people a lot and assert my dominance on people. Sometimes that gets me into trouble. But just playing controlled, playing within myself, and not really trying to do too much and just try to make a play.”
(How much of a luxury do you think it will be coming into a team with guys like CB Xavien Howard and CB Jalen Ramsey?) – “I’ve heard a lot of people say it. I know it. I’ve come into the right position. Being under two All-Pro corners, dudes that are the highest paid at their position, dudes that have done stuff the right way. Just being underneath them and picking their brains everyday is going to be big.”
(Do you know if you will get a spot on the beach or downtown? Are you a beach guy?) – “I’ll mess with the beach. I probably won’t mess with that price but the beach would be nice. Probably just a little pool or something in the back so I could look at the water and stuff like that.”
(Today is about as cool as it’s going to get. Have you been warned?) – “Like I said, I’ve been working with Gold Feet (Global), so I’ve been out in the sun the whole time trying to get acclimated to it. I’m blessed to have this day right here.”
(When you go into camp, how do you balance making a name for yourself, impressing coaches and not doing too much?) – “Just staying in the moment. Not really thinking about what’s next. Know what my assignment is, knowing what my technique is for that play, and doing that play, and staying on the same trail. Because if I start looking at too much, that’s when the emotions start flowing in.”
Elijah Higgins – May 12, 2023
Download PDF version
Friday, May 12, 2023
TE Elijah Higgins
(Has Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends Jon Embree given you any homework assignments?) – “Yeah, I got the playbook a couple of days ago, so I’ve been digging into that. Obviously learning a few different roles I’m not quite used to. But it has been fun so far and I’m excited for this first practice.”
(Are you studying tape of any particular tight ends that Jon Embree has recommended or that you’ve thought of on your own?) – “Yeah, we’ve been watching a lot of (George) Kittle tape. Obviously he was there with the 49ers. Then I’m going to watch the guys here, in the system that we run, seeing how they do it and emulating that.”
(Have you had to juggle Stanford exams or work while doing this the last two weeks?) – “No, I’m off from school right now. I’m off duty.”
(With this transition, when did it first get brought up to you as a possibility for your NFL career?) – “My senior year of high school.”
(So everybody wanted to convert you to tight end?) – “It was a talk for sure. A lot of teams were recruiting me, I guess, as a receiver. But obviously it became more real these past few months.”
(What were the talks like at Stanford regarding that?) – “I ended up playing a big slot role, so it was essentially very similar to a flexed-out F tight end minus all of the blocking assignments. That will carry over for sure but obviously we’re going to have to learn how to block on the interior.”
(What sticks out to you about the wide zone scheme, specifically the role of the tight end?) – “I’m excited, to be honest. I still don’t know too much. The practice plays that we are running right now are pretty minute and pretty straight-forward, so we’ll see how it feels today.”
(If you’ve had any questions the past two weeks, have you texted either Jon Embree or TE Durham Smythe or anyone? Or have you just been saving them?) – “A little bit of both. I’ve been in contact with Coach Embree and asking him questions here and there, just trying to earn my respect here on the field and do my best job.”
(The teams you visited, how many planned to move you to tight end?) – “I would say like 28 out of 32. A rough estimate.”
(So the first time you heard the words tight end from someone’s mouth, going back to high school, you thought what?) – “In high school, I wanted to play receiver. In college, I knew that was – seeing how my body transitioned through the years, I definitely got excited for it because I think it definitely fits my skill set pretty well.”
(So how close are you to being TE George Kittle right now?) – “(laughter) Far from it. I haven’t even had my first practice yet. So far from it.”
(Do you feel like you have to put on some pounds?) – “Not necessarily. I’m definitely going to try to get upwards of 240-245 going into training camp and try to maintain that. We’ll just see how my body feels. If I’m able to do things that I’m doing right now at 238, I’m cool with that. If not – obviously you’ve got professionals in here, so listening to them to see what they say about it as well.”
(There’s some overlap obviously playing in the slot and tight end, but is this the first time in your life you will officially be a tight end?) – “Yes, sir.”
(How close are you to getting your degree and what is your degree in?) – “My degree is in psychology and I’m about two-and-a-half classes away from getting it.”
(So when do you plan to finish?) – “Offseason.”
Chosen Anderson – May 9, 2023
Download PDF version
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
WR Chosen Anderson
(I know you’re from the area. I just wanted to ask you about your first Dolphins childhood memory, if you have a specific game that you went to or just how you remember the Dolphins as a fan growing up?) – “I remember back to the Zach Thomas, Jason Taylor, Ricky Williams days and then I remember when they won games, the Miami Dolphins’ song playing across the radio. Even back when it was like Joe Robbie Stadium, back in those days, I grew up in that era. I really remember too also when they came out with the Wildcat offense with Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown and struck everybody by surprise. I remember like back in those days and Chris Chambers and all that.”
(General Manager Chris Grier mentioned, I think it was last week or a couple weeks ago, that the process of bringing you down here, he mentioned that you spoke with Wide Receivers Coach Wes Welker for quite a while. I was curious about how that conversation went and just your first impression of Coach Welker?) – “I’m thankful to be coached by somebody that played at such a high level. Just all ears and just listening to everything. I’m just very thankful for that.”
(I wanted to ask you about the name change, how it came about, why you did it and what it took to do?) – “I don’t really want to touch on that right now. I want to keep it intimate. But it was a positive, positive thing. I’ll touch on it at a different time. It was a little process, legal things from such of that aspect. But it’s a positive meaning behind it. It’s something I’m very grateful for and it’s something I feel strongly about.”
(Do you think that this is your name for the rest of your life, that this is what you’re going to roll with?) – “Yeah, this is my new era and direction and just kind of like a foundational thing for moving forward for my generation.”
(I wanted to touch on last season for you. How difficult was it and what did you learn and take from that experience?) – “The difficult part of last year was just honestly seeing things before it kind of happened in Carolina but trying to stay positive in the situation. The trade, I feel like it was difficult, but I feel like that’s what brings out the best in you is hard times and I grew a lot from the situation. I was surrounded with a great coach in Shawn Jefferson, an OG, who coached me in New York. So I was being coached by a good coach. But I feel like it brought out the best in me. Being in Arizona was a very peaceful time for me. I found a lot of peace being out there. I wouldn’t really say – more so the word difficult and maybe more so a little disappointed in a sense. But it is what it is and I grew from it, and that’s what’s molded me to be where I am today.”
(I had a few questions for you. First is more so about your philanthropic efforts within the community. Knowing that you are typically down here during the summer months and do a lot of community give-backs, what does it mean to you finally be on the Dolphins and being able to have a more intimate give-back with the community?) – “It’s definitely a dream come true to be a Dolphin. Growing up watching the Dolphins, even like always being here driving past the stadium, being fascinated by the stadium. So it’s truly like really a dream come true opportunity I truly cherish. That’s like the cherry on top of that. I feel like my purpose is giving back to the community and trying to pay it forward and things like that. I just feel like being a Dolphin and being able to come home and being able to stay intact with that year-round is just truly a blessing.”
(You join a highly talented wide receiver room. What is it like being with WR Tyreek Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle, WR Braxton Berrios and the other guys too as well?) – “I love it. I’m a firm believer in you are the company you keep. Last year they were the two best receivers in the NFL. So I’m only learning and you are a product of your environment.”
(Chris Grier, the general manager, when we asked him about bringing you in he said, ‘we told him what the role would be and he was excited and all in on it.’ So what is your understanding of the role?) – “I don’t want to disclose that or give out no scouting reports. But like I told Chris and Coach (McDaniel), I want to contribute to winning and that’s it. Just pour into the guys around me and what I’ve learned and the leader I’ve grown into and just contribute towards winning and what the ultimate goal is.”
(Obviously, you have a lot of speed. So tell me about the role that you feel speed still plays in your game, and your confidence level in the ability to get deep and track the deep ball and make deep ball plays?) – “That’s one of my gifts. All players have their strong point and strongest attribute, and speed is one of mine. It’s an advantage of mine and like me and Coach (McDaniel) discussed, he coaches, I’m the player. I do what they say, and we keep it simple like that.”
(So on the night you agreed to terms, we saw this scene on Instagram where you pulled out the QB Tua Tagovailoa jersey to reveal that you were agreeing to terms with the Dolphins. I wonder if you can set the scene for us. Was the party specifically for you to announce to your family and friends who you were joining? Was there another occasion that became part of that? I wonder if you can share some details there.) – “Me and my family we were already going to the movies and then going to go bowling after. We had plans set for the weekend. My agent let me know that they had came to terms with everything like that Friday. I wanted to announce it to my family before it was announced to the world because past times, I’ve let it come out publicly first instead of sharing that moment with them. So I just kind of reached out to some other friends and invited them, let them know I was making my announcement for my decision and that was it. I knew what time they were going to announce it or were planning on announcing it publicly, so I went ahead and did it a little bit prior too so we could share that before it came out to the world.”
(Can you tell us why it was a QB Tua Tagovailoa jersey that you pulled on and not say WR Tyreek Hill or CB Jalen Ramsey or CB Xavien Howard or somebody else like that?) – “I just figured because he’s the head in charge. “The only other one I considered was Dan Marino but when I went to the store, I didn’t see it in there.”
(You’ve followed QB Tua Tagovailoa for a while. What’s it like to finally be working with them? Also, can you talk about the caliber and quality of quarterbacks that you’ve had to work with over the years?) – “I have a lot of respect for Tua. He’s a very, very cool dude, very down-to-earth. I’m familiar with his culture and they’re very loving, caring family-oriented individuals. You feel that presence and you feel that being around him. I have a lot of respect for him and seeing what he’s gone through in his career, where he is now and where he’s working towards. I wish the best for him and I’m here to offer my best to make him be his best.”
(I’m sure you’ve heard about how much of a player’s coach he has but I’m just curious to hear about that first impression when you met Coach McDaniel?) – “Honestly, it was a conversation that was very, honestly, fulfilling for me because I felt that over the years, a lot of things that he’s noticed about my game, what I’ve gone through, what I’ve been working towards, he’s noticed that and made that very evident. It felt good to finally hear that from a coach, a great coach too, a coach that’s had a lot of success and knows what it takes to be successful. Our conversation, we really connected. We had instant chemistry and pretty much was on the same page about everything. I pretty much told them before I left that my decision was made. They told me to still assess things but my heart led me to being here. I took my time with making this decision and made sure it was aligned with my purpose in life and what truly matters and my ultimate goals of what I’m here to accomplish and playing football.”
Jevon Holland – May 9, 2023
Download PDF version
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
S Jevon Holland
(I wanted to ask you, you lost S Brandon Jones about halfway through the season last year. How excited does it make you to see him back working again, getting back to healthy?) – “Feels great. I’m very excited for him. Brandon is a big piece of our defense, a close friend of mine. I’m happy he’s healthy and in good spirits and working hard.”
(The way you guys play, it’s pretty clear that preparation is a big part of your game. So I was wondering from an individual and team perspective, how do you guys maximize the limited amount of time you have on the grass with your teammates in the offseason, to really try to be as efficient as possible picking up a new system?) – “I would say just like focusing on what we got going on, on the field. That’s basically it. And then take advantage of meeting times, locking in in meetings. There’s like nothing else to it. You just got to focus up when it’s time to focus, don’t play around and waste reps.”
(I just had to ask about the addition in the secondary with CB Jalen Ramsey. What’s your initial thoughts about him? And how do you see yourself elevating this year?) – “Ramsey’s a hell of a player clearly. He’s just got so much knowledge that’s put me in a position to be able to develop more. He’s a great guy. A funny dude. He’s very nice for the locker room.”
(I wanted to ask about the addition of Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator. And when you think about what he’s been able to do with safeties like Justin Simmons and others, and you kind of kind of look ahead to what your role may be, what excites you about that?) – “It’s exciting to just learn from him. He’s been in the league longer than I’ve been alive. So it’s nice to hear him speak about football, and hear his perspective about defense and philosophy and scheme. I’m learning a lot from him. Just from the simplest thing to the most complex thing, he explains the game in a very knowledgeable manner. So I’m excited to learn and grow underneath him.”
(I know last year I talked to you and S Verone McKinley about how the chemistry back from your college days are really helped when Verone started to get more snaps, but now you also have S Brandon Jones and now you have S Deshon Elliot who played together as well. How do you see all of that familiarity helping you guys kind of move around in the secondary?) – “Everybody’s just vibing. We all know each other. We’re all good friends. So Verone and DeShon have known each other since like elementary school or something like that. So being able to just function together on the field, moving around, moving different positions should be like seamless. Guys just understanding that they can be interchangeable and everybody’s willing and able to move around when they need to be.”
(I want to ask you about the new additions that Miami has made to the receiving corps in WR Chosen Anderson and WR Braxton Berrios. What do you see from back there that you believe can help this team?) – “They’re hella fast and good receivers. They’re elite receivers. Braxton, he’s like in special teams and stuff – he’s an elite returner too. So that’s going to be great for us. He’s like a spark that we need. Same with Chosen. They’re both electric players. That’s about all I got. I haven’t really seen them on the field for real. We’re doing different stuff right now. But they’re electric in where they’ve been before and they’ve had success, so I’m excited to have them on the team.”
(With six of Vic Fangio’s safeties having made the Pro Bowl, and this is something that was referred to a few minutes ago, in what ways are you getting the feeling that his scheme is safety friendly?) – “Vic, his scheme is the scheme. I’m just enjoying it. It’s fun. It’s exciting. And yeah, that’s about it.”
(One of the things that a few players have referenced is that they feel freedom that they aren’t necessarily locked into rigid assignments. What have you heard about that? Or what are your feelings on that, if in fact, it’s true?) – “I feel freedom. We are moving around. There’s a lot of moving parts. But yeah, Vic’s defense is fun. I get to just see more. I really enjoy it.”
(I’m doing some on the secondary. And I’m wondering why the secondary works so well together. You guys are, for the most part, have all been drafted. And so it’s been a draft and develop plan there. Why do you guys work so well together?) – “I think we got a lot of easygoing personalities. I think everybody in the room enjoys each other’s presence, so we’re willing and able to maneuver around any kind of difficulty that we have together. We come to a common ground and are able to work through it. And I think we have a mixture between guys who are extremely talented, guys who are extremely smart, guys who are both, people who are vocal, people who are quiet, everybody kind of knows each other’s personalities so that we can kind of balance off and basically be successful.”
(We know the draft. You’ve gotten good draft picks. But you just talked about how you guys played well. What else goes into the development part of it? I mean, socializing, the hard work in the classroom, does making plays on the field encourage other guys to make plays? What else goes into the development?) – “I mean, you basically named it all. You took the words right out my mouth. I mean, on the field, off the field success, guys want to see each other win. Nobody has really a jealous personality. Everybody just wants to see each other be successful. That’s pretty much the main thing and like the fire that pushes everybody forward. Everybody has an equal and even opportunity to make plays and have success. So I think everybody just kind of takes advantage of that. And when other people have success, we celebrate because that good karma is going to come back at you. So that’s basically it.”
(With the arrival of Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator, and the addition of CB Jalen Ramsey and LB Bradley Chubb being there from the start, the expectations for this defense on the outside, as I’m pretty sure you are aware, are very, very high. So my question to you is, how do you guys feel about those very high expectations? Is that something you welcome? Would you rather lower expectations rather than everybody expecting so much from you guys? How do you feel about those?) – “It is what it is. It is what it is. I mean, it’s not going to change what we do on the field. Your expectation is your expectation. You’re not in the building. So I mean, it doesn’t have anything to do with us. We’re just got to keep doing what we’re doing and play.”
(As a follow up then, what are your expectations for how good this defense could be? – “I think this defense is very talented and I think we all have a have a like-minded expectation for us to be successful, s every high-level competitor should be.”
(What were you most proud of in 2022 from a personal development standpoint, and what do you still need to work on to take that next step?) – “That’s a great question. Tackling out of the post is always a difficult feat for free safeties, safeties in general. I feel like I improved on that as the season progressed. I was put in a lot of different positions during the season last year and I was able to handle those, so I was proud of myself for that. But also wanting to continue to build and capitalize on the opportunities that are in front of me. Not leaving money on the field. Things like that. It’s a new defense, so there’s a lot of moving parts, getting to know the defense better, just understanding more. So baby steps right now. But I’m not really goal based. When you’re goal-based and you don’t succeed or get to your goal, you kind of fall into a depressive state or a negative state. I’m enjoying myself and enjoying the process throughout my whole time here, so I’m happy either way. I’m just enjoying playing the game and living the good life, so I can’t even trip.”
(I’m sure every player would love to be selected the Pro Bowl, to the All-Pro, but if that’s something that motivates you or is that just something that if it happens, it happens?) – “Absolutely. People have north stars. I don’t think it’s negative or It’s a bad thing to have a north star but, I don’t focus on that day in and day out. I focus on pushing myself, pushing past my limits day in and day out, because I know that I’m getting better progressively. So if I’m getting better progressively from the point of when we started to now and so forth, I mean, I just know that I’ll be better next season because I’m continuing to get to get better. So that’s basically my process.”
Raheem Mostert – May 2, 2023
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
RB Raheem Mostert
(What went into your decision to return to the Dolphins and how do you feel about it?) – “Yeah, a great question. One of the biggest things for me is my family, so I planted my roots here, as you may know, but also I just want to be back in with the team. As far as we’ve gone along last year, I’m itching and ready, especially the pieces that we’ve added during the offseason as well as in the draft. It’s a great time to be a Dolphin, and I’m excited to help as much as I possibly can to get to where we need to get to.”
(There’s never any guarantees in life, but you did sign a two-year contract. Did that please you that the organization went the two years as opposed to just one?) – “Yeah, it definitely pleased me. The fact that you’re able to get two more years in an organization that really is taking a chance on you. It’s unbelievable, but being in this league, there’s so many years now, you’re starting to see guys, especially in my area that are doing one-year deals or anything like that. It’s a good moment right now and I can’t be thankful enough.”
(I wanted to get your reaction on the Dolphins selected RB Devon Achane in the third round and adding even more speed to this offense?) – “Yeah, it’s just exciting to get a young guy in there, be able to help him out and stuff like that in this offense and just teach them the ways of what it takes to be a pro. That’s the most important thing and also try to help utilize (him) and try to help us win games. That’s the ultimate goal, right? You want a player that comes in and understands his value, and hopefully he’s able to contribute in the way that he feels suits him best, but there’s a lot of work to be done and I know that he’s going to be excited when especially coming in the room with a bunch of guys that are well-established in this offense.”
(What kind of possibilities do you see for this offense with the amount of the insane speed with his addition along with you, WR Jaylen Waddle and WR Tyreek Hill?) – “Yeah, I mean, we pretty much have a 4×100 team in just those four guys and it’s going to bring a whole different dynamic to this offense. You get guys that can go out there and run routes, you get guys that can separate themselves and in the pass game, and then ultimately in the run game it’s very dynamic. And for you to be able to, like I said, go out there and do those things, it’s going to be a mismatch all across the board.”
(On the flip side of the drafting a running back, how nice is it to be back with RB Jeff Wilson Jr. and get the whole running back unit from the end of last season returning?) – “Man, honestly that’s the most exciting thing. I was having talks with ‘Studes’ (Eric Studesville) about the before free agency, and I was like, ‘Hey, man, you know what would be nice, is if we’re able to get everybody back in this building, in this room,’ because the chemistry is just unmatched in any other place that I’ve been a part of. There’s a lot of guys in this room that really, really want to be great. There’s a lot of guys that want to go out there and put their best foot forward. And that just makes you – and I’m speaking in regards to me – makes me want to go out there and play my best and put my best foot forward. So to be able to have Jeff (Wilson), Salvon (Ahmed), Myles (Gaskin), John Lovett and Alec (Ingold); we’re all in this thing together. It’s definitely exciting and I just can’t wait.”
(You know Head Coach Mike McDaniel as well as anyone. So I want to know, now that you’re a bit removed from last season, what changes if any, did you see from him going from a coordinator to head coach and early on this offseason do you see any changes or growth going into a second year for him leading a team?) – “Yeah, I know last year being his first time giving the play calls, also being his first time being a head coach; and there’s some things that I noticed in regards to Mike (McDaniel) and his personality with the whole scheme of football, but as of now, he’s totally locked in. He got his feet wet. That’s how every coach approaches it. You know, being a first-time (head) coach, you’re just testing the waters a little bit, but now that he’s settled down I believe that he’s going to start making some moves in a way that’s going to shock the world. It’s not going to be shocking for me because I know what he can do. That’s why I’m along this journey with him, but yeah, it’s going to be it’s going to be a lot. A lot of people are going to be shocked about what he does.”
(I have a couple of follow up questions to the previous questions that were asked here. So the first one was you mentioned kind of taking a mentor role with RB Devon Achane. What’s the one thing you would tell him to do or a way to act to get on Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Eric Studesville’s good side?) – “I mean, the easiest way to get on ‘Studes’’ (Eric Studesville) good side is just be present. When he asks you questions, make sure that you understand the question thoroughly and then give a good response. That’s what you want to do in regards to getting on ‘Studes’’ good side. But it’s all about patience and time. You got time and patience right now to understand this offense and that’s what he needs right now, is a little bit of time to get used to everything, get acclimated on being a pro and everything like that.”
(My other question was, I know you played in a similar offense prior to coming here with the 49ers and under Coach McDaniel, obviously. But you still have to develop those new relationships in terms of blocking angles and all the stuff that goes into a new offensive line. How do you think a second year together can help you and all the backs that are coming back operate even smoother here in Year 2?) – “Yeah, you know, that’s a great question. The fact that we have this o-line, that they started hitting their stride towards the end of the year, and then moving into the offseason, getting the second year under them. Prime example, I look at Connor Williams. Take a guy like him. He moved from being a left guard out in Dallas, to moving to center for the first time in his career and then having to learn his offense, making the right calls. And now I just feel like he’s going to take himself up to another notch just simply because he understands offense a lot better. So if you got that chemistry right there, everything starts up front. If that those guys are front can make it happen, then we’re going to be in good hands and as of as of right now, they’re all locked in, especially with Frank (Smith) being there to help him and then we also got Butch (Barry) as well. So I know Butch. Very familiar with Butch out in San Fran so he’s going to have them boys over there, he’s going to get them right.”
(I asked a couple other guys about the mood around the team and so I’ll ask you. Is everybody like super hype? Is it more business? And does it matter what the attitude is at this point?) – “Yeah, I mean, right now, it’s still early on, especially when we get the new guys coming in, the draftees and undrafted guys. It’s still early on, but I think that the biggest thing as far as our level of where we’re at, I think everybody’s on a copacetic level. Everybody’s on a smooth level right now, just because we all want to work and we all want to just hang out. I’ve been able to hang out with a couple guys already. The new tight end we signed from Denver and stuff like that. We’ve all been hanging out. I’ve been hanging out with Jason (Sanders). We all go to hockey games, so it’s been fun, man. But right now, I think that we’re all just on a level head right now and we’re just trying to work and put in that work and we know what it takes to move forward. I mean, Mike McDaniel, he’s been able to have us in a commitment phase in these different phases. Right now we’re on commitment number two, which is to lock in on phase two. Everybody’s bought in, everybody’s really trying to do the best they possibly can.”
(I want to ask you more about the atmosphere around the team because last year, Head Coach Mike McDaniel, we saw him switch up the locker room and it wasn’t offensive linemen with offensive linemen. How much does this stuff – the camaraderie, going to hockey games, sitting next to another guy and getting to know an offensive lineman instead of another running back – how much does that help and how does that help you win games?) – “Yeah, I mean, that helps tremendous amounts simply because, you know, we were and when I say we I’m also alluding to Jeff Wilson, when we were headed to the Super Bowl down here at Hard Rock in 2019, the camaraderie on that team was unmatched. It was something that was very special because everybody was hanging out with everybody. So that’s what Mike (McDaniel) is trying to do with this team now, just trying to make sure that everybody’s on the same page. Try to get to know your teammates, because you’re going to need them at some point during the season. So what better way than to start that early on and that’s what we’re able to do right now.”
(Regarding RB Devon Achane and yourself, the 40 time, you know Achane’s 4.32 certainly gets your attention in a hurry. And I’m wondering at the running back position, you’ve got so many different qualities that you can lean on whether its elusiveness, power, quickness, and speed. Can you describe how important speed is in that, where does it rank for you?) – “Speed for me is definitely a given obviously because who I am. I bring a lot of speed to the offense. But I would say that when you’re dealing with speed in the league, guys are big all the time. There’s going to be guys that are big that can run, too. But when you’re dealing with a guy that’s very fast and can separate themselves, that’s the ultimate thing. You can’t teach speed. I know you’ve heard that saying multiple times. That’s something that is just from within a certain guy. It’s going to be fun getting to have him alongside a lot of guys that are fast in this offense. When you talk about us it’s definitely going to be more about speed. We are really a track team out there, but it has to be the right situation and I think it’s going to be beneficial for everybody.”
(Panthers vs Bruins was pretty insane. Now they play the Maple Leafs. Who you got?) – “I’ve got to go with the Panthers of course. I’m picking up on hockey and I know a little bit about the sport a little bit more now. But I know that the Maple Leafs were struggling to get into the playoffs and they finally ended up winning the first round. The Panthers are just hot right now so I’ve got to go with the Panthers.”
(I was looking at the stats from last year. You averaged 4.9 which is good. RB Jeff (Wilson Jr.) averaged 4.7 which is good. Coach McDaniel told us at the owners meetings, and you’ll like this, he said, ‘we didn’t run enough.’ Has he told you guys that and do you think that you all really are going to run more this year?) – “I had a talk with him during the exit interviews at the end of the season. One thing that he was very apologetic about was the fact that we didn’t run enough and that he was going to do his best to change that for the upcoming year. When he talks like that it just gets me fired up even more like hey, I know I’m getting the ball a little bit more. The running back room is going to get the ball a little bit more in regards to touches. It’s a thriller, man. I’m excited and I truly can’t wait for that opportunity when he calls out when we’re getting the ball.”
(Because the thumb injury kept you out of the playoff game last year, how badly would you like to play in a playoff game for the Dolphins this year?) – “Oh man, so bad. I was trying my best to try to get out there. I had talked to like, five different doctors. All of them pretty much said the same thing, that my season was over with for the year. It was tough trying to swallow that pill. But ultimately as a player that’s something that you definitely don’t want to hear. But all is well now. I’m ready to rock.”
(I realize this might just be unique to the quarterback position, but sometimes you’ll hear stories about coaches telling their starting quarterback before a draft, ‘don’t be surprised if we draft a quarterback.’ Did that happen with Head Coach Mike (McDaniel) with you or with RB Jeff Wilson Jr.? Did he tell you at all before the draft, ‘hey, we might draft a running back don’t be surprised,’ or has he said anything about it after the draft?) – “No, he didn’t mention anything about drafting a running back. Honestly, I look at the draft as a way for the future which is awesome. That‘s what you want in an organization. I’m an undrafted guy so I really don’t pay attention all that much to it. I just see when we get the picks or whatever. It’s exciting though because like I said, you always want to see a young guy make it and do his best and stuff like that. He needs some guidance at some point, especially early on and I’m willing and able to do those things for him.”
(You have such a mentoring spirit for a lot of these young players and it’s about teamwork and camaraderie which is a unique approach. Where does that come from? Does it come from your background trying to get your footing in the league?) – “Yeah, honestly, I was fortunate and blessed enough when I came out undrafted with the Eagles, I didn’t really have much guidance in college. I didn’t have a role model that I could look up to. But with the Eagles I did have Darren Sproles. He was one of the biggest influential people in my life in regard to football. I’ll never forget we had a – you know how like right now when the rookies come in, they’ll have their rookie meetings after all the other activities. We also had workshops where we had to focus on the mental capacity and how to handle adversity. They brought in a mental coach from Australia, Paddy, who I’m still cool with to this day. We did an exercise and they were like, ’name something that people always say about you and I want you to name something in regards to your reaction and what you would say to them.’ And Darren Sproles, me and him were partnered up, and he stood up and was like, ‘hey look, this is what people say about me.’ He was like, ‘people say I’m too small to play in the league and they say I’m too short, I’m too this I’m too that.’ Of course the coach was like, ‘well what’s your reaction?’ He was like, ‘I don’t care what they say because I know who I am as a person. I know who I am as a player.’ Then at that moment I was just like, man this guy really just, he’s the smallest guy on the field. That’s a given fact. He’s always going to be the smallest guy. But at the end of the day he doesn’t care because he has that lion heart in him. That really struck with me to have somebody that was like a mentor. So that’s why I try to do my best to bring that mentorship to not only football but in life in general because everybody goes through different phases of life and everybody has their ups and downs. But if you have somebody that can at least speak to you or guide you or talk to you in a way that you can relate, and it’s all about relatability, then I think that’s the most important thing.”
(You mentioned Darren Sproles, he’s a legend by the way, but that experiment I think is interesting. If someone asked you the same, what would you say in your own game about what people say about you and your reaction?) – “I would tell them, people would say, one thing that’s a prime example, ‘oh he’s not built for the league,’ right? I could react and counter-react that with, ‘well I’m going into Year 9,’ so there’s not too many guys that can say they’re going into Year 9 playing in this league whether they’re dealing with injury or bouncing back from a major injury like I have and my age as well. I would tell them it doesn’t matter what other people say about you. As long as you go out there and put in the work and be true to yourself and look yourself in the mirror that’s all that really matters. That’s something that I’ve always taken the approach of every year. If I’m able to go out there and be injury-free, be successful in my own way, try to rush for 1000 yards, try to catch for 500 yards, then that’s ultimately who I am as a person. That’s what I want to become. I want to end my career with the mindset that I left it out there but at the same time I want to be a gold jacket member. So whatever I’ve got to do to get that done – I know it’s a long shot – but it’s still not going to stop me from me being me.”
(There have been a couple conversations in this chat about the speed that you guys have on offense. I want to ask you to maybe take me into your shoes, what does that speed do to defenses when you’re on the field this past year and as you look forward to 2023?) – “Speed separates a lot. If you get those man-to-man matchups, which you will, and you’re able to separate, that’s going to wreak havoc across the whole NFL, especially with a few guys. I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be awesome.”
Jerome Baker – May 2, 2023
Download PDF version
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
LB Jerome Baker
(I wanted to get your thoughts on Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio in two ways. How has he introduced himself as a person? And how was he introduced his system? And what have you learned about each in the time you guys have spent together?) – “I mean, I’m still learning who he is as a person. So far he just shoots you straight and he’s not going to sugarcoat it. He likes things the way he likes it. And so far it’s working out. As far as his ability with the playbook and everything, I’m still learning. I’m still trying to figure out his style and the things he likes to do, but that’s why we have this offseason to really learn each other.”
(What excites you about the X’s and O’s that you’ve learned so far?) – “It gives me some freedom to just go out there and just play ball. Sometimes I ask ‘what’s the rule on this?’ And he kind of gives me like, ‘it’s not really a rule, it’s kind of a go play ball.’ So things like that for a player, just to have that freedom, I’ve been playing ball for a long time. So it’s one of those things of, I know what I’m doing. It’s kind of he gives me the freedom to make a play and I’m excited for that.”
(If I could get you to expand a little bit on that freedom to just go out and play ball, do you have like an example on a certain running play or something where maybe you didn’t have that freedom last year? And this year, how is that going to allow you to adjust and maybe be that much more effective?) – “A quick example is just simple things like alignment. Some instances it’s not just an exact thing; it’s kind of however you feel you can get your job done. That’s like a quick example. Little things like that, for a player, it gives you the freedom of you don’t have somebody looking over your back or trying to make sure everything is correctly right. Some guys play a different way and just that little freedom definitely helps.”
(And the second question I have for you real quick, and you probably knew this was coming, but the Tweet you sent yesterday?) – “I always wanted to be a cop. That’s what I went to school for – criminology. I was going to be a cop and I find myself watching movies that are detective movies. Cops, where they just how they pull everybody over and just record all that. And it was just like a random thought of like, ‘I wonder like, could I ever get away?’ I’ll probably never try it. But it was like a random thought. And I knew it was going to stir the pot a little bit, so that’s why I did it.(laughter)”
(Could you get away?) – “Drew (Brooks) said I wouldn’t. (laughter)”
(I know every team their goal for the season is to win the Super Bowl. But I’m wondering what is the spoken goal around there? Do you guys openly talk about winning the Super Bowl? And does that talk start now? Does it start in training camp? What’s going on along those lines?) – “Yeah, I think Mike (McDaniel) does a great job of just keeping us focused on what we’re on right now. And that’s the offseason and just getting back to football and how we do things. But of course you look around the room, you can tell we have a talented group. We had a talented group last year, but we just added more guys, guys got more experience. So I don’t think we said it out loud what our expectations are, but you can just feel the energy of our expectations are high. And that’s why everybody’s here and we’re already working. We’re all locked in.”
(Been here for a while and you’ve seen especially over the last two years or so a lot of new big personalities come into this locker room. I’m curious to hear from your perspective, how you’ve seen those guys integrate themselves into the team because the belief from the outside is too many egos, too many personalities. It’s hard to fit. So from somebody who’s inside there, how have you seen these big name, big personality stars integrate themselves into your locker room?) – “I always said this. I never told them this, but Mr. (Chris) Grier and Mike (McDaniel), they do a great job of just getting guys that are just like, they’re a great teammate outside of great players. They’re just great people. I had my initial thoughts of like, ‘Oh, we’re getting a ‘superstar’ – how’s he going to fit in the locker room where we all push each other no matter who you are, we all push each other?’ Man, it’s no complaints at all, like even like going back to last year when Tyreek (Hill) came. He pushed us to hang out with each other more. Having a Halloween party, those little things of just getting the team together, he pushed it and he was all for it. He was the first one to say let’s play ping pong. Guys like that, they come into the locker room, they really help us. The same thing with (Bradley) Chubb, those guys come in, and they just really want to be a part of the team. They really want to win and it truly just helps the locker room as a whole.”
(And you mentioned something that I think the world probably wants to know. Is the ping pong table back in the locker room?) – “No, it isn’t there. (laughter)”
(I want to get your take on… because you played for so many different defensive coordinators. Can you name them all number one, and what did they all help you bring to your game?) – “No. I can’t name them all because I truly am one of those guys, once I’m on this year, everything before it’s kind of out the window. No, I can’t name them all. I don’t even want to try. (laughter)”
(How many different defenses has this been for you?) – “Three or four, maybe three or four? I mean, two of them were kind of similar. Yeah, three or four.”
(Earlier you had mentioned the freedom to kind of just go play ball, and I’m curious to hear from your perspective, the role that the guys up front play for you to do that, DT Christian Wilkins, DT Zach Sieler, and DT Raekwon Davis. How do they help you I guess, stay clean, stay free like that?) – “I mean, those guys, they’re tough. They’re team players and they have the ability to make plays on their own. Playing behind those guys for a few years now, you kind of know what each player’s strengths are. What some things that they don’t really do. When I play behind Raekwon (Davis), it’s a lot different than when I play behind Christian (Wilkins), and when I play behind Christian it’s a lot different than (Zach) Sieler. Those guys are kind of different in their own way. Just like with any sport, being around a guy and playing with the guy for so long, you kind of figure out what they like and what they like to do. I know sometimes Christian is just going to shoot the gap and make the play. Raekwon is going to clog it up. Like all these guys have different roles and different ways they play the game and it’s my job as a linebacker to make them right and definitely getting a great feel for that and this defense, it allows me to do other things now so definitely excited.”
(You got another name the linebacker room this year, LB David Long. What’s your impressions of him so far?) – “Man, he fits right in. His personality, everything he does, he just fits right. I’m excited. He came in and he just strictly just wanted to work and just get each other better. And man, he’s been doing that. Communication has been on point. So I’m excited. Right now it’s easy. There’s nobody playing against us so for now it’s definitely working out and I’m excited. He’s one of those guys that it’s not this or that it’s kind of let’s just talk through and figure it out and it’s definitely working out.”
(Like obviously you’ve been in a few different defenses, but I think this is the first time since your rookie year you haven’t been like in a ‘Patriot-style’ defense. I’m curious like when you have a Vic Fangio scheme, more zone, what that may do for you and you guys as a defense?) – “I think the main thing is it gives us a chance to really disguise and kind of make plays. I’m not going to say our last defense I’d been on that we couldn’t make plays, but it was a lot of rules like, this is what you have to do. This is what it has to be. This matchup has to be this matchup. There’s no switching with the guy or talking to somebody. It’s more ‘this is what it is and this is what we’re going to do.’ In this defense it’s kind of players figure it out. There are no set rules on how far your drops are. This guy’s got to cover this guy. It’s really know the defense and apply the defense with what the offense is doing. So it’s a lot more freedom. Definitely a lot more freedom. But it looks like it’s definitely going to work out for us.”
(I wanted to ask based on what you have heard or seen on film, how do you think LB David Long skill set complements your skill sets since you’ll be working together?) – “Yeah, I’m one of them guys. I don’t like asking about guys or asking around about guys, because I want to get the impression that they gave me. Some guys, they’ve been on a team and their circumstance wasn’t as great and they come here and they’ve got something to prove. And the way they do things might have been different. And I mean, so far, man, we kind of just feed off each other. He’s a fast, physical guy. I think of myself as fast, physical guy. He communicates. I like to communicate. Right now, we’re kind of just feeling each other out. We’re both learning at the same pace. We’re both new for both of us. So we’re still just learning how to feel each other out and so far, so good. There are no complaints or anything like that. Just the subtle difference. I mean, he’s very similar to me as far as like his body type and how he plays the game so I’m excited. I’m definitely excited.”
(I think that both of you guys are officially listed as inside linebackers, but not traditional like big guys who are lumbering thumper. You guys are athletic, you can run, you can theoretically play outside linebacker, you’ve even played the edge. I guess where I’m going with this is does anything change in regard to how we should describe your position? Or is it just inside linebacker? Is that correct?) – “Honestly, I’ve always tried to describe my position to a lot of people and I had a hard time doing it. I would just tell people, I just go wherever they need me. I pride myself on that. I will always pride myself on that. And this defense, we haven’t put in too much yet, but it looks of it, you never know where I could be so I’m just preparing for whatever and I’m happy to get another year in this league and I’m excited.”
Ryan Hayes – April 29, 2023
Download PDF version
Saturday, April 29, 2023
T Ryan Hayes
(I wanted to know about position versatility and can you play inside? Are you going to play left tackle? Can you play right tackle? What have the Dolphins told you about your role?) – “I don’t know a ton about what they want me to do yet, but I’m definitely – I’ll play anywhere. I can play tackle. Played tackle – both tackles a little bit in college – mostly left, but I’d be open to moving inside, wherever gets me on the field and helps the team win. So I’m open.”
(Do you have any experience – extensive – I know you just said you played on the right side, but any extensive experience moving around – high school or earlier in your career?) – “In high school, I was actually – I came into college as a tight end, so I actually hadn’t played any o-line until I got to Michigan. And then for my first year I played on the right side and then the last four years I was mainly left tackle.”
(For those of us who have not yet studied your film, how would you describe what we’ll probably see?) – “I think I’m a smart player. I know where I’m going at all times. That allows me to know my angles, so I think I play fast. It allows me to play extremely fast and use my athleticism to an advantage. And every play I’m out there, I’m going to finish as hard as I can to the whistle. So you’re going to get a hard-working guy that flies around the field.”
(Is there an NFL lineman that you have enjoyed studying especially I don’t know, maybe a former Michigan guy? Anything like that?) – “Yeah, I kind of like to watch the top guys around the league at other positions. Guys like Trent Williams, guys like that. But I definitely have watched a ton of Terron Armstead. We had an old coach that used to coach, so we watched a lot of his old film so it’s really going to be awesome getting in that room with him and learning what he has for me.”
(Who was the coach and what was his position on the staff?) – “It was Bret Ingalls with the Saints.”
(I was looking at some of your background here. I saw conference player of the year in basketball, conference pitcher of the year in high school. How do you think playing multiple sports and excelling at that really helped you on the football field?) – “I was always competing year-round. I think that’s what I love to do. I just loved sports growing up so that kept me busy, kept me doing all kinds of things. I think it got me prepared for the next level, switching to o-line – I had never done that before, but did so many things already that I think I was prepared for it. So I’m super excited for this next challenge.”
(I also saw that your dad was a guard at Central Michigan and your mother was a hooper, an All-American hooper. Who do you think you got more of your athletic ability from – Mom or Dad?) – “My dad would say the same thing, but definitely a little more from my mom. (laughter)”
(I wanted to ask you, what are you weighing now? Because when I saw your weight, I was kind of intrigued that you’re under 300 pounds. Is that something that’s hard for you to do, to keep on weight as a former tight end?) – “No, actually right before I got to the Combine, I got a little food poisoning like I’ve never had before. So I lost a little bit of weight. It was kind of hard to get back on right before. But at my pro day, I weighed in at 305 and right now I’ve been between 305 and 310. So that’s not an issue. It was just kind of a weird thing. Bad timing.”
(And I wanted to ask you also about what is the Michigan program, because they’ve got a good reputation for producing offensive linemen? How do you feel that helped you in this process and what has the draft process been like?) – “The draft process has been up and down. I mean, obviously I was trying to take everything in because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But from Michigan, I think it prepared me really well for this process. We run a lot of the same schemes I think that we were being taught and asked to talk about through the process. Obviously we get great coaching there, so I don’t think I could have picked a better place to be at to get ready for this next step.”
(So you ran a lot of wide zone schemes?) – “We didn’t run a ton. I wish we ran a little more wide zone, but we had success with inside zone and gab scheme. But I definitely think my game will translate to wide zone. I’m really looking forward to running a lot more of that down in Miami.”
(You’re from Michigan. What are you looking forward most to from the transition from Michigan to South Florida?) – “Definitely just nice weather all the time. That’ll be great for me. I was hoping to get down there somewhere warm and it’s definitely a great place to be.”
(And can you speak a little bit on Coach Jim Harbaugh, and what he has taught you during your career at Michigan?) – “I think Coach Harbaugh has just taught us, he runs his program like he would a professional organization. I think that just I think that’s why so many Michigan players have success at the next level because we’re already kind of primed for what to expect. Not totally, but I think he just does a really good job of having it be business-like and result-oriented.”
(What were your initial reactions when you found out that you were getting drafted by the Dolphins?) – “I was super excited. Big weight off my shoulders. I didn’t know exactly if that’s what they were calling for or not, so I was just super happy when they told me they were taking my name off the board. I couldn’t really explain the feeling.”
(Were teams calling you about signing as an undrafted free agent at that point in draft?) – “I was hearing some rumblings from my agent but didn’t really know what was going on yet. But I knew it was getting towards the end.”
Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel – April 29, 2023
Download PDF version
Saturday, April 29, 2023
General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel
Mike McDaniel:
(Mike, can you tell us what you liked most about TE Elijah Higgins and the versatility that he brings as a big wide receiver?) – “First of all, I’m just excited to add the competitor. You see through his game tape that he’s a guy that strains with the ball in his hands. But specifically for the tight end position, drafting a guy that plays wide receiver and converting him to tight end – I think the first time in my career that I was a part of that was Niles Paul back in 2011 out of Nebraska. For me and my history, there’s a lot of traits that he resembled in his competitiveness, in his size and in his strength. And really, this day in age, converting a receiver to a tight end isn’t as abstract as it used to be only because half the teams are playing spread and two-points anyway. Even if they’re called a tight end, they’re playing receiver stuff anyway. So you get kind of used to projecting people to do things like that and we felt very comfortable and confident that he fit the bill for that, so we’re excited to have him.”
(What is it about the players that you all drafted in the past seven out of eight years have played in the Orange Bowl?) – “Finally, someone caught on. (laughter)”
Chris Grier:
“It’s a great coincidence.”
Mike McDaniel:
“We’re at a loss for words because we really thought that was our competitive advantage that you just exposed. (laughter) I think the Orange Bowl is a great bowl and I’m here to support it.”
Chris Grier:
(What did you guys think about T Ryan Hayes?) – “With him, he’s played a lot of football. Smart kid. Competitive. Tough. Came (to Michigan) as a tight end and converted (to offensive line) and worked. He’s been coached in a good program. Coach (Jim) Harbaugh has done a great job. Just watching him over the years develop and compete and play, so for us, we were excited at this point in the draft to add him into our group of guys coming in and competing.”
(The work doesn’t stop here of course. What would you say about the outlook heading into the undrafted free agent market?) – “Like you said, there’s still work to be done, so we’re going to bolt from here as soon as we can to go with the coaches and scouts and start preparing for the end of the draft and do it. But yeah, we’ll be trying to add the best players we can and hopefully we’ll find a couple undrafted gems or hidden gems for us to help the roster.”
(Last week you had mentioned that drafting for need is how you get yourself in trouble. Does that kind of same approach occur on Day 2 or Day 3 or does it change at all later in the draft?) – “I think when you get into the later rounds, you’re still always evaluating the roster and where potential holes could be – not just for this year but for the following year. But for us, it’s always still drafting the best player. We went by our board and the guys we picked today were the best players there for us, where we had them rated for what we were looking for. At the end of the day, you’re always still trying to add the best players because you never know where injuries and stuff will pop up on your roster from year to year.”
Mike McDaniel:
(A general roster question. There was some talk about you guys being interested in a veteran running back. Is that window still open or does RB Devon Achane kind of take that off the table so to speak?) – “Generally, nothing is off the table. But we’re really happy with the offseason we’ve had, the players that we were able to keep on this roster, the new ones that we’ve added, that we added in the draft and that we’re going to in free agency. There will always be stuff that we’ll investigate because that’s our job. So yes.”
Chris Grier:
(Just because this is the last time we’re going to see you guys for a couple weeks and for you, Chris, maybe a couple months, have you made decisions on fifth-year options on CB Noah Igbinoghene and OL Austin Jackson?) – “No, we’ll talk about that here after the draft when we finish up.”
(With only eight total draft picks in the last two years, maybe this is a great time to send a message out to some of the best undrafted free agent guys and why this would be a great place to sign?) – “I think with us, people have seen kind of what’s transpired here over the last year, and it speaks for the players that have wanted to come here and talked about it. From no recruiting or anything on our end, just kind of how we approach business, I think our players and the ones that have been in the building have talked about how they really like how Mike and the staff approach building a culture here and from Steve (Ross) and Tom (Garfinkel) support allowing us to do the things here that we do. South Florida is a great place to be, a great fan base, and we’re trying to build the best team we can to win games. I think people see and players see that we’re trying to win and doing things to win. So it’s an exciting time for us, but we know there’s a lot of work to be done still.”
Mike McDaniel:
“And on top of that, I think it’s one of the reasons it’s so important that you create competitive opportunities for players to play. One thing that is very important to Chris and I is that we’re a place where the best players play, and that’s something that I think is a draw for players as well, is we will give them an opportunity to compete. That’s really what all these guys want. They’re sitting through the draft watching so many people get taken over them, and really, you just say, ‘You know what? I’m good enough to play in the league. I just need an opportunity.’ We’ll provide that.”
(What have you all learned about each other during this process with four picks?) – “You learn – if you just open your eyes and ears, you learn so much about people every day. He’s very patient and tolerable of my personality, I’ve learned that. Four picks, the interesting thing about that is you’re very aware that you have a small opportunity to make your team better, but it’s a very real opportunity. So you don’t ever want to squander a draft pick, but the less you have to focus on, the less amount of draft picks. You have more attention on those parts of the draft and really what can you get out of it. So I think at this point, we probably know everything about each other, except for how sweaty my palms are going to get if we have a first-round draft pick. We don’t know that yet, but I won’t be that nervous.”
Chris Grier:
“I think the human communication part of it between the coaching staff, the scouts, has been really good. I think if you asked everyone in the building, a lot of work goes into drafts. As you know, it’s never a one-man show or a two-man – it’s a lot of people helping a lot of information done. I just think the environment of allowing everyone to have a voice in the process and really allowing people to have a say and really be free to speak on stuff has been really, really fun. It’s been a really good process. I think guys have really enjoyed it, and we felt we’ve had a good outcome.”
(In the end, how much was the loss of the first-round pick due to the tampering violations, how much did it affect this offseason, this draft? How much was felt?) – “For us, it was business as usual. You’re always going to have to deal with adversity in life, and when that happened, we just kind of moved on and go and adjust and just kind of be ready to react. It started from Bill Parcells years ago, ready to react because you never know what’s going to happen. So for us, once decisions were made, we just kind of moved on and said ‘OK,’ and looked at the roster and picks and free agency and kind of attacked it from there.”
Mike McDaniel:
“Honestly, since the pick was gone, I literally have not thought twice about it, just because it’s gone. So let’s worry about the stuff that we can actually control, like the draft picks we had.”
(Because he has a skillset for it, and because you guys selected CB Cam Smith, you guys had any conversations about possibly using CB Jalen Ramsey at safety?) – “No. Only because he’s really good at corner and so I try not to mess really good up. The cool thing about the defensive backfield in general, I think (Defensive Coordinator) Vic (Fangio) has hit this on the head a number of times, but five DBs on the field, it happens almost three-quarters of the time in the National Football League now. In Vic’s defense, in his system, if you understand it, there are a lot of different ways you can get on the field, there is some position versatility that if you go back to his history, there has been various people that have played in different spots. That has been in discussion but not with Jalen Ramsey. I would say I think he’s a good corner. What about you?”
Chris Grier:
“He’s not bad. (laughter)”
(T Taylor Lewan mentioned the Dolphins, is he a possibility?) – “When he was released, we reached out to his agent just to find out what was going on or what it was, and that’s the only conversation we’ve ever had. Whenever he got cut a month or so ago, that’s the only time I’ve ever talked to him. So I don’t if anyone else has, but that’s the only discussion we’ve had about him.
Mike McDaniel:
“It’s really par for the course on how Chris and his staff operate. You want to have all of the information. The second you have someone who is not on a team, are you fancying yourself to be on a team? Are you interested in playing? All of those things you have to dot your I’s and cross your T’s to make the right decisions. You’ve got to have all of the information available.”
