Christian Wilkins – April 26, 2019
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Friday, April 26, 2019
DT Christian Wilkins
(What has your day been like today as far as travel and meeting with Dolphins executives and things along those lines?) – “My night really hasn’t even ended just because after the draft immediately, after I was selected, you had a bunch of media obligations and things like that you had to do, and then I just couldn’t sleep all night. (I was) just so excited, the adrenaline and everything, just being around my family. Everybody is excited. I’m excited to be here, so I really couldn’t sleep. This morning, seven o’clock, a car was waiting for me outside and took me to the airport. I got a couple hours of sleep on the plane, which was good, so I’m able to be here in front of you guys looking nice and sharp, nice and shiny. That was cool. Then I came right here (and I’m) meeting with you guys.”
(Did you have a private jet?) – “Unfortunately, no. I didn’t get to do the private jet. Something about budget cuts or something like that. (laughter)”
(You ensured that Commissioner Roger Goodell will never forget your name.) – “Yeah. I think I did that last night. I just got too excited. That’s on (Head) Coach (Brian Flores) and everybody involved who made the decision to get me. That’s on them. I just got too excited because this is just what I’ve been dreaming about my whole life and what I’ve been working towards, and I just feel like I’m ready for it. I’m so excited and honored and blessed to be in this position.”
(Commissioner Roger Goodell is not a little guy. You weren’t afraid that you’d knocked him down?) – “I know, but he’s pretty solid. He was way more solid than I thought. He has some oomph. It kind of hurt me a little bit. He’s a pretty solid guy. I’m glad he was able to do the 14th selection. He was able to come back out for that. He almost didn’t make it there, but I’m glad he did. (laughter)”
(What did you think when you saw the picture of the two of you colliding like that?) – “The first thing I thought was, ‘Look at that vert (vertical jump).’ I had to show off my athleticism a little bit. I hope Dolphins fans and everybody saw a little bit of my athleticism. But that was cool. He was kind of just like cowering, seeing me, like late reaction. It was pretty funny and something I’ll remember forever, and I’m sure he won’t forget it either.”
(What, more than anything, do you want this team and this fan base to know about you?) – “First of all, speaking about the fan base, they’ve been great so far to me just on social media and everything. I love what the fans have been sending me all through Twitter, Instagram and everything. I just definitely feel like I’m already part of the family and everything the way they’ve accepted me already, just not even 24 hours being a part of this team. But really, I just want everybody to know that the biggest thing about me is I just feel like I’m essentially – I don’t mean it in an arrogant way – the total package. I’m someone who gives their all on the field, wants to be the best at what I do; but also the type of guy off the field who is going to try to do everything right, be the example. I lead in the best way I know how, serve my teammates, and do everything I can for those guys around me because I just feel like my purpose and my responsibility here on this Earth and in life is to make everyone around me better and serve others.”
(I’m sure you’re still enjoying the moment. Are you the type of guy who as soon as you got drafted said you just want to be on the football field now?) – “Yeah. I’m just ready to work, like I want to get started as fast as I can. It’s good I know where I’m going to be. I have my home just because of that peace and now I can start to get into a routine and things, and not travel and do all of those things. It’s good just to know this is my home now and I can just get started and train and do the things I need to do to get me as ready as possible for Day 1 when I have to show up.”
(When you are lining up, what is going through your head when you see opposing offensive linemen and the quarterback?) – “Really, the first thing you have to think about is … You kind of always want to think situationally. A lot of things are situational, you get the call and things like that – down and distance and all of that stuff. Each play, just be the best you can on this play and give it all. Every play means a lot. There are so many times you see games and stuff come down to one play, so you can’t afford to take any plays off or anything like that. And really, just be great on that play and just respect the game every play just by the energy you bring and the effort you bring, as well.”
(What do you think it would be like to sack Patriots QB Tom Brady?) – “Well, you all bear with me because I grew up a Patriots fan. I’m from Massachusetts so you all have got to cut me some slack. Something like that would be cool. I’m going to have to put the work in before I even get the opportunity to sack Tom Brady. I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me.”
(What made you get into substitute teaching and how much did you enjoy that?) – “That was great. That was a great experience. I got into substitute teaching because, last year when I decided to come back to Clemson, I already had my degree, which was great. I had a lot of free time in the spring that wasn’t in the classroom setting, per se. I still like to challenge myself intellectually and do things to enhance my education and my knowledge about things. So I was like, ‘What’s something that I can do where I can have a nice little job, get some cash and a little pocket change?’ Anything helps a college student. ‘What’s something I would be good at too?’ My brothers are teachers as well, so I was like, ‘Let me look into substitute teaching.’ I looked into that. That was an amazing experience. I learned so much from those kids. I was going there thinking I was going to teach them but they taught me a lot in return. It was really fulfilling. I’m here to serve, to be a positive male influence, a role model and be so relatable and touchable. As someone who’s looked at in the Clemson community as a superstar essentially, that was just a cool experience for me.”
(What were the ages of the kids and what did you teach specifically?) – “I mostly taught high school and elementary school, kindergarten and stuff. I wasn’t messing with middle school. Those middle schoolers are different. (laughter) Mostly kindergarten, special ed and stuff like that. It was cool. I felt like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Kindergarten Cop. They were falling all over me. They were running to me like, ‘Mr. Wilkins, Mr. Wilkins.’ It was funny they were calling me ‘Mr. Wilkins.’ I was like, ‘Dude, my name is Christian.’ It was funny to have that power, and be in that teacher role.”
(Were any of them intimidated by your size?) – “I feel like that little kids, the innocence of little kids, they just love people. So they kind of loved the things about my size. One kid even said, the first day I walked in, ‘Whoa, that’s one big mister.’ That was funny. They warm up to you pretty quick and you warm up to them and it’s awesome.”
(Is there a great player or players that you try to model yourself after?) – “There’s not anyone specifically that I try to model my game after, but there’s a lot of players I like and have a lot of respect for. (There are) a lot of guys in the league now too. I just try to take a little bit from everybody’s game. If I see a move or if I see something that works, or I see guys that are well respected in this league, I definitely try to take a little something. I look into them (and say), ‘Why is that guy successful?’ So I can learn from them and take it into account for the type of player I want to be.”
(What do you think of being reunited with CB Cordrea Tankersley?) – “Tank. ‘Toody.’ That’s my man. That’s awesome. ‘Toody’ was a great teammate of mine at Clemson. I was around him for two years. (He’s an) awesome dude. I’m xcited to see him and be around him but also Dwayne (Allen) too, another Clemson guy who’s been like a big brother to me. Every time he comes around Clemson, he shows me a lot of love. (He’s) just a great guy (and) someone I’ve been able to get close to over the years.”
(What went into returning for your fourth year at Clemson? Were you tempted to jump?) – “I definitely was. A lot went into my decision as far as coming back and whatnot. There are a lot of reasons and everything but ultimately, just the short of it, I just wanted to finish my college experience out the right way and finish strong, and improve in those areas of my game where I thought were lacking before I made that jump going to the NFL, especially because I realized this is a man’s game and a man’s league and I wanted to be as polished as possible and be able to come in Day 1 ready to help a team. I feel like just this last year, I got so much better from just a technical standpoint, just a knowledge standpoint, just the game of football and everything. So I just feel like it was so beneficial. And everything I wanted going into the year, I got. I mean, I got close with my teammates, got better on the field, won a national championship. Just things like that, that you can’t really put a price on that were just so special to me and memories I will have forever.”
(You will be in the same division with Jets DL Quinnen Williams and Bills DL Ed Oliver. Where do you compare to those guys and how do you see yourself handling criticism against those guys?) – “Those guys are definitely two great talents. You’ve seen them do it all this past year and in previous years. Those guys are definitely really talented and I’ve got a lot of respect for them. I was able to get close with them just throughout the whole college experience and everything. Those guys are really talented. I’m looking forward to see what they do. I’m sure it’ll be … Because we’re cool, we’re all close, but we also compete with each other as well, so I’m sure there will be some little competitions here. I’m just looking forward to seeing what we all can do.”
(Regarding your grandfather, where were you when you found out he had passed? Was there anger?) – “I wasn’t at his house that night because I was living with him. I actually stayed somewhere else that night. So the next morning I got a call and everything and the news was broken to me. It wasn’t really much anger. It was kind of just like, ‘Man, that’s my dude. I lost my man.’ You know what I mean? But then, quickly, I realized that there’s no reason to pout. That’s not going to bring him back. So I just made a decision, shortly after that, that I’m going to be his legacy and he’s going to live on through me. That’s something that I try to bring each and every day, just bring his energy, his spirit. So when you see me, you see my grandfather. None of you all know him, but if you see me, you see my grandfather.”
(You lived with your grandfather a lot, right?) – “Yes, sir.”
(Where did you live after that?) – “I was up in Framingham, Massachusetts, and I moved back to Springfield, Massachusetts, which is about an hour away.”
(Was that with your mom?) – “With my mom, yeah.”
(Why were you able with bond with kids so much? I think I read there was a special needs kid that you really bonded with? Why?) – “I bond with kids so much too because I feel like it takes a kid to know a kid. I feel like I’m a big kid but also I’m very serious when I need to be and know there’s a time and a place. But I have a childish spirit to a degree, but not in a way to where it’s too much, to where you can’t get anything done or whatever. But yeah, I just see the potential in little kids. It’s cliché, but they are our future. Just the innocence and just knowing I can impact someone’s life, because that’s something that, when I was younger, I always wanted role models and to see role models and people that I could look up to and say, ‘Okay, that’s who I would like to be like.’ So I just try to be as relatable as possible to kids and do everything I can for them.”
(What kind of kid were you?) – “I was just a young, little chubby, little no-neck, all head-and-shoulders little kid. (laughter) But I still always have been just the same person like I am now, just older and more mature. I’m still playful, still joking. A lot of that is just because I’ve been in a household of eight brothers and sisters, so I was always kind of the youngest. I needed some maturity because I always wanted to do what the older kids wanted to do. But then I was always the youngest, so I could get away with like joking and doing little things here and there. That’s really why I am who you see in front of you.”
(You said this is living out a dream for you. When was that dream born?) – “Really, I would say, I remember in second and third grade, when I first was signed up for football and wanted to play football because I remember just watching Reggie White highlights, Emmitt Smith highlights and stuff like that. I know, Emmitt Smith. I wanted to be a running back and do all that too. (laughter) All the great safeties that I grew up watching play. Those were the guys … I just saw NFL football. I just loved every bit of it when I was just a little kid. So when I was like about 7- or 8-years old, that’s when the dream began for me. I was like, that’s what I want to do. I want to play at the highest level someday. I was 7 or 8 when that happened; I’m 23 (now). I just went to work and now I’m just so blessed to be in this position.”
(It’s been a great 24 hours for Clemson between yourself, DE Clelin Ferrell, DT Dexter Lawrence and now Head Coach Dabo Swinney got a huge deal. What did you think?) – ”That’s awesome for Coach (Swinney), and it’s well deserved for Coach. I’m definitely going to have to hit him up. We’re going to have to go break his back at a steakhouse or something like that. All of the guys are going to have to get together, but he’s well deserved. I know him. All of the things he’s been able to accomplish in his time at Clemson, it’s clear, it’s evident what he’s been able to do and how he’s been able to change that program around and get a couple of national championships like that. It’s really special being around a guy like that. He’s more than deserving of that. I’m just excited for my brothers. They’ll be my brothers for life. We’re on different teams now, but those are still my guys forever. We’ll continue to push each other even though we’re not with each other on the day-in and day-out grind and on a day-in and day-out basis. I’m excited for all of my other guys from Clemson who’ll get drafted because there’s something to a Clemson man. We’re just a little different. We see the big picture. We like accountability. We like discipline and we understand the importance of team and hard work.”
(You mentioned last night that you were hoping to fill that void that Dwyane Wade had in the city. What would you have to do to foresee that…) – “I was just kind of joking about that, but why not? It’s something … I’m just worried about working as hard as I can now and just being myself because something we talked about a lot at Clemson and that I realize to be true is that you do the little things, the common things, in an uncommon way and you command the attention of the world. So if I just do the little things right on a day-in and day-out basis, and be who I am and just be happy about who I am and be myself, I’ll just command the attention of the world and people will take note. It’ll be infectious. People will gravitate towards me. But right now, I’m just focusing on being the best I can each and every day, day in and day out.”
(Did Dwyane Wade DM you after he saw those comments?) – “I haven’t really looked. My phone has been blowing up. It’s been frozen and things like that, so I haven’t seen anything.”
Christian Wilkins – April 25, 2019 (Round 1)
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Thursday, April 25, 2019
DT Christian Wilkins
(How are you doing?) – “I’m doing awesome. I can’t wait to get down there.”
(Is Commissioner Roger Goodell still hurting from that hug?) – “I think so. I had to beat him up a little bit. I was too excited. (laughter) This is awesome. This is big.”
(You get to re-unite with your old coach – Defensive Line Coach Marion Hobby. What does that mean to you?) – “Oh, gosh. I forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me. I’m not looking forward to that. No, I’m just teasing. (laughter) Hobby was a big part of my development as a player at Clemson. I’m just excited because I worked with him closely for really only one year, when I played defensive end my sophomore year. And now knowing that he’s the defensive line coach and that I’ll be able to work with him for a long while, it’s going to be great because I know he’s going to get me to become the player that I need to be. He’s going to get the best out of me and I’m going to get the best out of him, for sure.”
(With all of the Clemson players drafted in the top 17 picks, did you all have some type of competition?) – “Of course we did. We had a little friendly wager. We put a meal on it. Whoever got drafted before each guy, we each put a meal on it. So I’ve got to buy Clelin (Ferrell) a meal, Dexter (Lawrence) has to buy me one. It’s looking like Austin (Bryant) is going to have buy Dexter one or whatever, so that’s what we did. I like steak, so I’m about to hurt ‘Big Dex’s’ pocket. (laughter)”
(General Manager Chris Grier told us that you told him it was the best decision he ever made.) – “The best decision.”
(Why did you say that?) – “Because just of what I can do for the culture and for the organization. They’re not just getting a guy on the field who is going to do his best as a player and be disruptive and do the things I need to do on the field, but I’m the kind of guy you want in your organization just to make it a better place, to be playing winning football and play at the highest level. I’m determined to do that. I’m so excited and so fortunate just to be a part of this organization.”
(How much time did you spend with the Dolphins during the process and what indication did you have they would draft you?) – “I met with the Dolphins at the Combine and then I met with them again at Pro Day. I didn’t know if this was going to happen or not. I’m still surprised, especially because I know (Marion) Hobby didn’t like me that much when he was at Clemson. (laughter) No, this is definitely awesome. I’m excited for my opportunity. I’m just truly blessed.”
(Have you met Head Coach Brian Flores and what are your impressions of him?) – “I have not met Brian Flores but I know a little bit about him because I’m from Massachusetts and he obviously was a coach with the Patriots and everything. I just know a little bit about him and just kind of his history a little bit and everything like that.”
(How much do you know about the Dolphins and the state of the franchise?) – “Well I definitely know about the history and guys like Dan Marino, great players like that – Jason Taylor was a great defensive player – who put on that uniform and everything. I just want to work hard so I can get to that point to where I can be considered great like those guys. But that doesn’t just happen. I’m coming in humble, ready to work and ready to learn from all of the vets around me. I’m just ready to make the organization better.”
(How do you feel about Miami as a city?) – “It’s awesome. You may not know this or not but I just had a Wall Street Journal article come out about me being the most frugal guy in this draft, and I know I have no state income taxes, so I’m excited about that! (laughter) I’m looking forward to that. Miami is about to be a great spot. You all just lost D-Wade (Dwyane Wade) too, so Miami is going to need somebody to kind of help fill that void. So hopefully I can work into that role and Miami will love me like they love D-Wade or something.”
(We heard you on the broadcast that you wore the number 42 because of your grandfather. What did that mean to you and what did that event mean to you?) – “My grandfather meant everything to me. He was the most influential person in my life. I grew up in a house really without my dad around, so whenever I saw my grandfather, he was that positive influence that I looked to just to learn a lot from. He just was so special to me. I’m not going to be able to wear 42 anymore, unfortunately, (due to NFL rules), but I’ll find a way to honor him just throughout my personality and through the way I carry myself each and every day. People in Miami will definitely be able to see who my grandfather was through me, because I’m his legacy and they’re going to get a feel for who I am very quickly.”
(There’s a lot of talk about culture down here. At Clemson, you guys have evolved that culture to national championships. How do you change the culture of an organization?) – “Really, just by doing the little things right. It starts with the little things and those turn into big things. You aren’t going to be able to change the culture overnight. I’m just glad I’m going to be able to be a part of that. I feel like that’s why it was a good move to get me, just because I can help do that. I just feel like … First of all, it starts with buy-in, believing in a system and really just believing in the installation of the organization as well, too. Just believing what the coaches say, buying into that and everybody has to be together.”
(In what way do you believe you can impact an opposing offense in the National Football League?) – “Really just continue to do what I’ve done all of my entire career. Just support the offense as much as I can. When they score a touchdown, I hope that I’m on the field goal unit so I can run into the end zones and celebrate with those guys, just to support them and show that I’m happy for them. Also, just things like being the best guy I can every day in practice and bringing my all each and every day, because iron sharpens iron and I’m a firm believer of that. If I’m doing my job each and every day on that practice field, then the guys around me and on the opposite side of the ball are going to get better as well.”
(QB Dwayne Haskins was still available when you got picked by Miami. You know he’s highly regarded. Miami needed a quarterback. Are you surprised they took you ahead of a quarterback?) – “I really don’t have an opinion on that. I’m just blessed to be in this situation. I’m just so honored and so blessed just that Miami came and got me. Dwayne’s a great player too. Me and him are actually pretty close and everything. I’m happy he just got picked up and went to the team where he needed to be. I’m definitely just excited to be a part of the Dolphins franchise and get this thing going.”
(What is it about you that makes you so comfortable in your own skin as you show us your personality here?) – “That’s just the biggest thing. I’ve just always had a lot of confidence. Again, that still comes from my grandfather a little bit. He was more than comfortable in his skin. I’m just taking that to another level. No one else is going to be the best me than me. I don’t want to be anybody else. I just want to be who I am in my goal and in life. I feel like I was put on this Earth just to serve and make others around me better. That’s what I try to do each and every day with just my energy, just with who I am … I just caught a glimpse of my ring – that’s the natty (national championship) ring – 15-0 right there, the best ever – sorry … Just with who I am and everything, that’s just my mindset. Just make everyone around me better. Why doubt? Why not have confidence? Just be comfortable in your own skin. No one else can be a better you than you.”
(What did Commissioner Roger Goodell say to you after you nearly bowled him over there?) – “(laughter) He wasn’t too upset about it or anything. He just continued to talk to me, said if I need anything that he’s there for me, just wishing me good luck. I’m surprised he didn’t hit (me) back or anything like that because I did get him kind of hard. My shoulder is actually kind of hurting a little bit from how hard I bumped him. (laughter) I was just so excited.”
(Did you graduate in two-and a-half years? Did you get your degree and if so, how did you do that?) – “I did. I graduated in two-and a-half years just by a lot of hard work, really, and just being disciplined and being consistent. It sounds crazy that I did that, but it’s really just all about being consistent. Anything in life is really just about doing the little things right and being consistent and staying true to what you believe in. That’s what I did when it came to my academics. I knew last year as a junior, I know the big thing is after three years, a lot of guys leave and go to the NFL. I knew I didn’t want to go to the NFL without my college degree. I came back actually for my senior year. It turns out I got a two-for-one and was able to get two degrees in the span of three-and a-half years. It’s awesome. I’m 23 with a Master’s degree. That sounds like a Drake line or something, but it’s definitely awesome. (laughter)”
(How much did your character away from the field do you believe put you in this opportunity right now?) – “It’s something we talk about at Clemson a lot of the time and it’s very cliché, but it’s always that thing. I think it’s a quote by George Washington Carver, just ‘You do the common things in an uncommon way and you command attention of the world.’ I don’t look to be recognized for all of the little things I do and all the good things I do. I don’t look for attention but people take note. That’s ultimately what I’m getting at is people just watch everything you do. I feel like no matter what I do, I just try to set the tone and always be the example. People see that and it’s infectious and it rubs off on people, for sure.”
(It had been speculated that the Dolphins are going to be running a hybrid defense this upcoming year. Where do you think you would be best suited at for your skillset?) – “Luckily for me, while my time at Clemson, I played in a lot of different schemes defensively. We played in a 3-4 – just three down linemen – (and a) 4-3. We were very multiple with our defense, so I was able to play all over the place – play some end, play some five (technique), play some three technique, play some one (technique). I was fortunate to play all over the place. I just feel like wherever I’m asked to play, I’m just going to be the best that I can be. I feel like I can play just because of my experience at Clemson and playing at such a high level against high level competition – playing everywhere – I suit well for the defense.”
(What do you remember about the Orange Bowl game you played in at Hard Rock Stadium?) – “Of course. The Orange Bowl. 32 yards up the left sideline. A big boy for the big catch on the fake punt. I remember that and it’s going to be cool. I’m coming back. Every time I was in that stadium, something good happens. I’ve got eight chances a year to do something good in that stadium, so let’s do it.”
(We know in college, it was you guys and Alabama that dominated the scene those last four years. Now you’re going to be joining a former Alabama defensive star in S Minkah Fitzpatrick here. How much are you looking forward to that?) – “That’s right. I didn’t think about that. I think that’s awesome because I feel like Minkah was one of the best college football players I’ve ever really seen. I thought he was such a great talent and it was so awesome. Every time I’m playing him, I’m just like ‘Man, that guy is something else.’ Just watching him play and the way he carries himself, he’s big in his faith, he’s big in faith and football. That’s what he cares about and that’s kind of what I take note on. He’s always a guy watching the film and just so dedicated to football, so I’m sure he’ll be a guy I’m always around.”
Chris Grier – April 25, 2019 (Round 1)
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Thursday, April 25, 2019
General Manager Chris Grier (Round 1)
(Opening Statement) – “So we selected Christian Wilkins from Clemson – a d-lineman. For us, Christian was one of our players we kind of targeted throughout the draft. We worked with (Head Coach) Brian (Flores) and the coaching staff and our scouting department (and) he was someone we felt very strongly about. He’s got a history of production, (is a) leader, a two-time captain there (at Clemson). (He’s a) very smart, versatile football player. (He was) highly productive. (We) love the size, the athletic ability (and the) things he’ll add to the locker room, not just the field. For us, we were very excited and for us, it was an easy decision. We’re very happy to welcome Christian.”
(At what point did you think that DT Christian Wilkins would be an option for you?) – “There were a couple of teams in front of us that we kind of thought maybe, because there were a lot of rumors about him going a few spots in front of us. At that point, where we were at No. 13, we weren’t really sure if he would get there. And when he got there, we were very happy.”
(Did you consider a trade down? Was trading down an option?) – “Yes. It was (an option). We had talked to a bunch of teams and at the end, the way the draft fell, a bunch of teams said they were going to stay where they were.”
(How seriously did you consider one of the quarterbacks on the board – QB Dwayne Haskins or QB Drew Lock?) – “We considered them, but Christian (Wilkins) was higher on the board for us in our rankings.”
(How does DT Christian Wilkins fit schematically into the defense?) – “The thing that we loved, and Brian (Flores), what we talked about … You’ve heard Brian at New England talk about guys that have position flexibility and being versatile and you saw that at Clemson. He plays nose, three (technique and) defensive end and he’s been productive playing a lot of different spots. For a guy that big to be able to do that many jobs on a d-line is rare. So we were very excited to have him.”
(Was defensive tackle the position you guys thought you needed to address first?) – “Like we said, we wanted to address everything. Where we are, we have to build the roster up and create depth and competition everywhere. Yeah, the lines were ones we had talked about (addressing). We had talked about (addressing) really at every position still and we’ve just got to get better everywhere.”
(What stood out in your interviews with DT Christian Wilkins?) – “Again, he’s a very charismatic personality. You guys have seen some of the stuff. (He’s) highly intelligent, as you know. He won, I guess, the academic Heisman for guys – (the William V. Campbell Trophy). Marion Hobby, our defensive line coach, recruited him to Clemson. He knew him very well and knew his family and the tragic story that people have talked about (with his grandfather). For us, we really liked the kid. Again, it’s everything. He’s tough, he’s smart, (a) leader, a two-time team captain, productive on the field (and a) prototype player, so we’re very excited.”
(Can DT Christian Wilkins be an impact player and if so, how?) – “Yeah, I think so. That’s, again, what we liked about him and I think as everyone kept talking about with him was kind of the dynamic traits he’s got – all of the tackles for losses he’s had, the pass rush from the inside. When you can find those (traits) in those types of players – inside players that can generate pass rush – especially the way the league is now, that’s critical. So that’s why we’re excited.”
(Where do things stand possibly with the Cardinals about acquiring QB Josh Rosen?) – “We’re investigating all avenues. I’m not going to talk about anything going on. The draft is still going on; but we’re looking at all options at every position.”
(Did you see the hit that DT Christian Wilkins put on Commissioner Roger Goodell and are you concerned about any potential discipline?) – “(laughter) Yeah, he told us it was the best decision we’ve ever made when we picked him. He was very excited but very composed. He was matter-of-factly like, ‘This is the best decision you’ve ever made.’”
(You mentioned that there were five elite defensive linemen in this draft. Was DT Christian Wilkins one of those for you?) – “For us, (yes). Again, when I said that, it’s all in the context of schemes. Guys fit different schemes and what they’re doing. He was a player that we thought had a unique skillset for the position.”
(How do you feel about the group of players who were available when your pick came up?) – “We felt good. Again, as everyone talks about from all of the teams, at this point in the first round, you’re following your board. And he was the highest rated player on our board at the time that we took him.”
