Brian Flores and Chris Grier – April 27, 2019
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Saturday, April 27, 2019
General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Brian Flores
Brian Flores:
(General Manager Chris Grier deferred to you on this, is QB Josh Rosen the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins?) – “We’re excited to have Josh. We’re excited to have acquired some players this weekend. Look, if you step into this building, you have to be ready to compete. When Josh gets here, he has to compete for any kind of role that he has here. That’s really the case for everyone that enters the building. So, players, coaches, trainers, equipment, journalists … To me, if you step into this building, it’s about competition. Josh will come in and compete. There are no starters. The guys who produce on the practice field and do all of the things that will help this team win, those are the guys who are going to play.”
(What did you see from QB Josh Rosen going through his rookie season that attracted you?) – “He’s a talented player. During his rookie season, I would say there were some up’s, there were some down’s. I think that’s the case for all rookies. But this guy has a lot of arm talent. He has some leadership qualities. We just felt like he was a good addition to our team.”
Chris Grier:
(How would you describe where the organization is situated now compared to three days ago and the progress you’ve made?) – “We’ve made some progress. We feel good about the players we’ve added, the guys we added today. They’ll come in and compete. Like I said, we feel better but there’s still work to do. We still have time to add people post-draft here and free agents as we get going throughout the spring and summer. We’re not where we want to be but we’re happy where we are.”
(What do you like about what you guys were able to accomplish during this draft?) – “I think when Brian (Flores) and I got together with the personnel department and the coaching staff, we wanted to make sure we’re adding guys that had toughness, competitiveness, guys that love football, are very intelligent and (have a) history of production in college, as well. We’ve kind of done that. We feel good. We’ve addressed some holes in the roster maybe that we may have; but again, a lot of work to be done still.”
(Is it fair to include QB Josh Rosen as sort of part of this year’s draft class?) – “If you want to, yeah. That’s fine.”
(Could you give us a little more detail on how that trade for QB Josh Rosen came about? We obviously heard reports elsewhere that it was going on. Were there discussions at pick 48? Did you have to trade back from 48 to make that trade happen in your mind, to make the numbers add up?) – “No. The Cardinals were steadfast in what they wanted for it and they were pretty up front with all of the teams. We hadn’t really talked to them until right at the start of the draft, and I think that’s when they started contacting everyone that might be involved. As we went through, we had talked throughout the day a little bit here and there and we finally got to a point where we were comfortable in making a pick. In terms of picking up, for us, it was huge to get the second-round pick in 2020, with the Saints when we made that trade. Regardless of what was there, we were going to make that trade to get the second-round pick. We went into the draft trying to find either another first or second-round pick in 2020.”
(About how many people, would you estimate, in your organization that you spoke with, who know QB Josh Rosen, and what did you learn about personality and leadership style?) – “I don’t know how many people. We had some, but we really didn’t start doing full talking to people until this became a possibility of happening. Once that happened, we talked a little bit after the first round here. For us, we had done work before. Brian (Flores)’s coaching staff, (Offensive Coordinator) Chad (O’Shea) at New England had done work on him. So we had known some things; but once they were calling around and offering him, that’s when we probably really started digging in and making our phone calls.”
(You guys weren’t super active at the front end of free agency. I assume some of it had to do with the compensatory formula. After May 9, can we assume you guys might ramp it back up at – right tackle, defensive end – positions where we think there might be holes, you might get after?) – “Yeah. We’re going to be aggressive to fill the roster as we feel fit. Brian (Flores) and I have talked about that and we have all those – June 1st, after June 1st cuts – and then we’ll look at all trade options throughout the spring and summer.”
(Is QB Josh Rosen your franchise quarterback, so to speak, for the foreseeable future, or is there still an idea that maybe you need to use a first-round pick next year to get a quarterback?) – “I would say for us, we looked at it as an opportunity to add a good, young football player that has a lot of potential in this league. We didn’t go out saying he has to be a franchise quarterback for us. For us, it was he’s a very talented young player, still has a lot of upside in the league and the terms for us, the value and taking on the contract and etc. For us, the value was tremendous that we couldn’t afford to pass up.”
Brian Flores:
(What were some things that Offensive Coordinator Chad O’Shea had in his evaluation of QB Josh Rosen that made you comfortable with the decision?) – “First, I just kind of want to piggyback on what Chris (Grier) just said. I think you have to earn the right to get that kind of (franchise quarterback) label. You have to do it in the meeting, on the practice field. To label a kid like that right off the bat, I feel like that’s unfair in a lot of ways; but I think that’s just kind of what happens. You have to earn it. We’ll give him the opportunity. We’ll give everyone the opportunity to go out there and reach their potential and try to have some success on the field. That starts obviously in the classroom, in the walkthroughs, in the meetings, and then you have to produce on the practice field and then obviously when we start playing games.”
Chris Grier:
(You picked up a lot of picks in 2020. I think it’s up to 12 if you factor in compensatory picks. How much of that was the game plan coming into this draft to build up the next draft?) – “We’ve talked about our strategy, us going forward, we always want to have the opportunity to move up or down in any draft. For us, adding picks for next year, as we started going through it – like you said the compensatory part – we’re building here together. We’re getting our staff, the personnel, coaches (together). So for us, going forward, the plan was to get as many picks as we can going forward to build this thing right and then after that, we’ll just see where it goes.”
Brian Flores:
(It’s important to you, I’m guessing, to build your culture here the right way. What will you ask of QB Josh Rosen to help implement that at that position?) – “I’m going to ask him the same thing I ask all our players: come in, work hard, put the team first, be attentive, be honest, understand it’s a privilege to sit in these seats and go out here and practice and play in this league. Those are the things I’m going to ask him. I ask that of anyone who walks into the building. That’s just how I handle our players and really anyone who steps into this building.”
(With DT Christian Wilkins, what was it that sold you guys on him? Is there a player that he reminds you of? What impressed you during the pre-draft process?) – “I think he’s full of energy. First off, he’s a great person. He comes from a great family. We really liked that about him. He has got humility about him. And he’s a good football player. (He is) athletic, (has) good strength, does a lot of good things well, a lot of things well on the football field. Again, in order to reach his optimum level, he’s going to have to come in here and do things right, which we expect him to do. If he does those things, he’s got a chance to do some good things.”
(You know more about the players that you’re picking and trading for than we do. QB Josh Rosen consistently has had a cloud about his personality or leadership. I don’t know what it is, but a lot of people don’t like that guy. Are you saying that there’s none of that?) – “First, you said we know. Sometimes I feel like you might know a little bit more. (laughter) You never get to really know a person until you’re sitting with them every day, which we’ll get that opportunity. We’ve done a lot of work on Josh. I think he’s smart, he works hard and football is important to him. I think he’s got an opportunity, just like all the other players we have here, to come in here and help this team win games. That’s really what it boils down to.”
Chris Grier:
“Again, it’s (the) same. Looking at the work we’ve done, we’ve talked to a lot of people that we both know and (they) signed off. Coaches unsolicited have called us that know him, that have worked with him, and say a lot of the stuff is B.S. For us, we don’t know him, because we don’t have our hands on him; but we’re going with the people we trust and know and the coaches and scouts in the building that have called and people have said this is really a good kid that’s smart. Maybe he has some other interests like following the stock market or something; but he’s really smart, he loves football, he studies it and it’s very important to him and he has a chip on his shoulder now.”
(Who were some of the people you said?) – “Just various people we’ve talked to.”
Myles Gaskin – April 27, 2019
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Saturday, April 27, 2019
RB Myles Gaskin
(Did you have any contact with the Dolphins prior to the draft?) – “Not much more than kind of just checking in that my number was right and everything like that for draft day. But, not much”
(How would you describe draft day overall for you? Obviously it’s been a lifetime dream, but did you expect to go in the seventh round?) – “No, I did not to be honest. There was a lot leading up to it, a lot of emotions; but I’m very thankful for even being considered to be in the draft and stuff like that. To have this opportunity, I’m very, very happy that I am where I am. I know it’s on the other side of the country, but I’m very happy. I’m very excited, my family is very excited, everybody is very excited. I’m very thankful. I just want to thank God and my family.”
(How would you describe your running style?) – “I think I’m a patient back. I think I have good hands out the backfield. I think when I see daylight, I think I can separate from a lot of people. (I’m) just a hungry dude. (I’m) just a hungry dude trying to get better each and every day. I think that has a lot to do with my running style in the sense of how I like to practice and how I like to go about things.”
(When you say you’re a hungry dude, what does that mean?) – “That means I’m trying to do anything to win. I can’t wait to get in that culture – get in that Miami Dolphins culture – learn how my new running backs coach can coach me, and be able to adjust to that. I’m just really hungry to get my feet wet, in the sense of just getting out there and getting to Miami, getting ready to win some games, getting ready to be on a new team – just everything. I’m real hungry, just ready to do it all when it comes to practicing and everything. I’m ready to go full speed, 110 percent as much as I can, and get better each and every day.”
Chandler Cox – April 27, 2019
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Saturday, April 27, 2019
RB Chandler Cox
(What is it like to have a lifetime dream of being drafted happen for you?) – “It’s incredible. I’ve been out here on the boat with my family all day just trying to wait for a phone call. I was hoping for Miami the whole time because I took a few visits and I came down to Miami and that was by far the best one. It’s just an organization that I would love to be a part of and it’s a dream come true to get drafted. I’m so excited. I’m from Apopka, Florida, so it’s about three hours north. So I’m coming home.”
(Where were you? On a boat? Where?) – “Yes, sir. I’m out in St. George, Utah with my mom and my stepdad, and my little brother and sister, and my oldest brother, my girlfriend and his girlfriend. We’re out here on one of the lakes in St. George.”
(Fullback seems to be a dying breed of a position. What made you play it?) – “It’s just being physical. I love the position. I know it’s a dying breed but I want to be one of those guys to bring it back because it’s one of those things that teams need a guy that can be physical and do a lot of things and just help the energy of the team. That’s why I love playing it so much.”
(You said you’re from Apopka?) – “Yes, sir. I went to Apopka High School.”
(Did you come close at all or were you close to going to any of the schools in Florida?) – “I was, yeah. I almost went to the University of Florida but I took more visits and I ended up at Auburn just because I fell in love with it. But I was always a Gator growing up.”
(Do you have a special teams background?) – “Yes, sir. I do. I played all special teams at Auburn. I started on kickoff return all four years and I was a backup on all of the rest. I was also a wing on the field goal team.”
(What do you feel like is your best trait?) – “Just my versatility. I can play different positions. In high school, I was a quarterback, too. So I had to transition to play fullback at Auburn. I played a little bit of Wildcat quarterback there and I split out to receiver and played some tight end. I did a bunch of different things for them, so that was something that I think is my best trait that I can help the team.”
(Did you get very much with the Dolphins into talking about your role? Because they don’t use a traditional fullback. Did you talk about how they could use you?) – “We did, yes. They told me little things but I’m just trying to help them any way I can. Whatever they ask me to do – whether it’s just special teams or whether it’s just fullback – whatever it may be, I’m willing to do it. I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and try to just help the team win.”
Isaiah Prince – April 27, 2019
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Saturday, April 27, 2019
T Isaiah Prince
(Are you better suited for the right side or the left side, do you think?) – “I played my whole career on the right side. I definitely feel more comfortable on the right side but I’m willing to play any position that the coaches allow me to play.”
(Can you talk about your pass protection skills? What do you think you do well in that area of the game?) – “I think I’m really strong with my hands and I have really good leverage with my long arms. I definitely use that to my advantage.”
(What has this draft process been like for you, going from when you finished and started training for the draft to draft day? Did you go around when you expected?) – “Yeah, I’ve only been on three visits. The process was long but I’ve enjoyed it the best that I can. I’ve been grateful for the opportunities.”
(You said you went on three visits. Was one of them here?) – “Yeah. Miami was one of the visits.”
(Who did you meet with? How did that meeting go?) – “I met with everybody, the whole staff (and) everybody in the program. I thought it went really well. I enjoyed the people there and I really enjoyed my visit.”
(How much did you go against DE Nick Bosa in practice and how did you generally do against him?) – “I went against Bosa every day in practice. It was very competitive every day. I enjoyed it. I think we definitely made each other better.”
(How would you describe your playing style?) – “I’m physical. I like to get after people, take shots and just wear the defense down. (That’s) something an offensive lineman is supposed to do.”
(What other competition have you gone up against in your collegiate career?) – “I played against Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, Jalyn Holmes, Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis. I’ve played against some really good players – Dre’Mont Jones.”
(It’s the third straight year now the Dolphins have taken an Ohio State player – LB Jerome Baker and LB Raekwon McMillan. Have you heard from them?) – “Yeah, I’ve been talking to Jerome a lot. Especially Jerome because we came in together in college, the same class. So he’s somebody I was close with.”
(What’s it like to know that you’ve finally achieved a dream and you’re in the NFL?) – “I’m definitely grateful for the opportunity and I really love the opportunity that they’ve blessed me with. But now it’s just part of the process and it’s time to get to work and work hard again.”
(What aspect of your game do you want to improve on the most?) – “Definitely my pass protection. I struggled a little bit in college with that and I think that’s something that I can improve on and showcase at the next level.”
Andrew Van Ginkel – April 27, 2019
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Saturday, April 27, 2019
LB Andrew Van Ginkel
(Did you have any idea that you were on the Dolphins’ radar?) – “They talked to me a couple of times and I met with them at my Pro Day. I didn’t know exactly but I had a good idea that they were interested in me.”
(Could you describe your game as far as against the run and against the pass? What do you consider your strengths?) – “I feel like I can get after the (passer). I’ve been working on it ever since I got to college. I’ve always tried to develop my game and I’ve really anchored down on the ground to be able to stop the run. I’ve really worked on that my whole career. I feel like it’s something I continue to work on and something that I can improve on.”
(What linebacker position did you play for Wisconsin?) – “I played outside linebacker there.”
(Did you have strong or weak side, or was it interchangeable?) – “We were interchangeable, so I played both sides.”
(Do you have any special teams experience?) – “Yeah, I played all four special teams. I was a core-four guy my junior year, so I got a lot of experience there.”
(Were you kind of surprised you were reunited with OL Michael Deiter down here?) – “Yeah, I’m excited. He was a great teammate. He has a knack for football and he’s so knowledgeable about the game. He’s a good friend of mine and I’m excited to be able to be a teammate of his again.”
(What led to you going to junior college? Why didn’t you go to a four-year university initially?) – “I did go to a four-year university at the University of South Dakota. I played well my redshirt freshman year, so I wanted to see where my talents could take me. I ended up choosing Iowa Western so I could get recruited and end up going to a bigger D-I school. I ultimately chose Wisconsin.”
(You transferred after two years to Wisconsin?) – “So I spent a year and a-half at South Dakota and then a year at my junior college, and then spent two years at Wisconsin.”
Michael Deiter – April 26, 2019
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Friday, April 26, 2019
OL Michael Deiter
(What’s your reaction to being selected by the Dolphins?) – “Super excited. I can’t wait to get started.”
(Did you have an idea that you were on their radar?) – “Yeah. I knew that they needed o-linemen; but at the end of the day, you have no idea. I knew they needed o-linemen. I figured I could be a guy that could come in and help. I’m just excited to get picked and I just can’t wait to get to work.”
(How many positions do you play on the offensive line among left guard, right guard, left tackle, right tackle, center?) – “I’ve played left tackle, left guard and center.”
(Where do you feel the most at home?) – “Honestly, anywhere in the middle three – center, left guard and then right guard. At the end of the day, I think I could still play tackle if need be.”
(What was it that made the coaches decide to play you at so many positions do you think?) – “I think it just means that it’s the easiest way to get the best five o-linemen on the field. As long as you can handle it mentally and physically – and I’ve been able to do that – it just makes the team better. If you can play something that might be a little bit unnatural but you get the best five o-linemen on the field, that’s always going to make the team better in the end. I think it really speaks to coaches having confidence in you to be able to handle it mentally. I think the first thing you always think of is can he handle it mentally, will he be able to not miss assignments, be on the right guys and stuff like that. Then physically, it’s still offensive line no matter where you’re playing, just each spot kind of has its little intricacies.”
(Is it a coincidence that all the work you’ve done is on the left side, or is that just the side you’re the most comfortable with?) – “That’s just where they put me and that’s just where I kind of hung out. That’s where I’m most comfortable right now, but I’ve played right guard in camps before and the left side is just where they needed me, so that’s where I was always put.”
(What goes into playing 54 straight games. What was the biggest lesson you learned after that?) – “The biggest lesson is you have to know when you’re injured and when you’re hurt. There’s going to be times where you’ve got something bothering you, but it has to be a decision on whether or not you want to not be out there with your guys or you want to be out there with your guys. To me, I’ve done all of this stuff in the offseason, all of this work for only 12 guaranteed opportunities, and the last thing I’m going to do is miss any of them for something that might be minor. You see it a lot and people might call it smart or dumb or whatever, but I just never wanted to be someone who was missing opportunities to play with my guys. I just did everything in my power to make sure I was out there and at the end of the day, I just got lucky. I never had to deal with any crazy injuries or anything like that. I was super blessed in that regard. You have to know when you’re injured and when you’re just hurt.”
(What’s the worst thing you’ve played through?) – “I had a high-ankle sprain when I got in the BYU game in 2017. It was kind of a grind to finish that game and play the next couple of weeks, but it’s not like I was hurting the team. Obviously you have to make that decision if your injury is affecting your play to the point where you’re not helping the team. Then you’ve got to make that decision and get out of there. I felt like I was still good enough to help the team win, so I stayed out there.”
(I know we’ve asked you about the offensive line and different positions. If Miami wanted you to play right tackle, they kind of have a need there. Would you feel comfortable there?) – “Yep.”
(How much experience do you have there as far as practice and games and everything like that?) – “I don’t have a ton taking team reps during practice or team reps during camp; but I would need a week and I would feel comfortable enough to go out there and compete at that position and to be for sure serviceable. If I had four or five days to get ready to play a position, I’d be good.”
(What are your first thoughts about moving to Miami?) – “It’s a big city. I’m not used to being in a big city like that. I’ve been down there for the Orange Bowl. It’s super nice and kind of fancy. It’s a little bit warm, but it’s no big deal.”
(How would you describe your playing style?) – “I would say I’m a mauler first and foremost. Playing at Wisconsin our ‘M.O.’ was obviously run the football first. That was always the bread and butter. You’ve got to be able to move people. You’ve got to be able to finish blocks and then in pass protection, you have to be able to obviously protect. You have to be serviceable and you have to be able to throw your hands fast, get your hands on guys fast. I think my playing style is definitely physical, hard-nosed and then I’m going to try to finish people and get after people and at the end of the day, that should put you right where you want to be.”
Chris Grier – April 26, 2019 (3rd Round)
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Friday, April 26, 2019
General Manager Chris Grier (Round 3)
(Opening Statement) – “We selected Michael Deiter, offensive lineman (from) Wisconsin. This is a guy we had watched over the years. He started 54 straight games there. He has played everywhere on the line from center to tackle (and) guard. Again, he’s tough, he’s smart, he’s versatile. The program has done a great job of producing offensive linemen in the league, as well at the collegiate level. Again, he fits all of the boxes for us. We met with him at the Senior Bowl. (We) spent time with him. Some of our scouts met with him again up in Wisconsin at the Pro Day. This is a player that we liked and we’re glad we could get him where we did.”
(When you watch the film, what stands out most to you about OL Michael Deiter?) – “Just his consistency and toughness. It’s typical Wisconsin. You kind of watch it, you kind of know what you’re getting. It’s kind of the meat and potatoes – not the flash – so that’s what you appreciate. This guy (started) 54 straight games in that conference, (which) speaks for itself. He’s an easy player to evaluate and a great kid as well.”
(Do you see him as a guard?) – “Again, it’ll be up to the coaches; but it’s the versatility that he can play that allows us to fit him in anywhere that we need.”
(Did you expect a run at offensive line today?) – “Yeah, especially with it being such a defensive-heavy draft in the lines early. (We) thought there would be a run as well as (at) wide receiver and the skill positions, which there were.”
Chris Grier – April 26, 2019 (2nd Round)
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Friday, April 26, 2019
General Manager Chris Grier (following second round)
(Opening Statement) – “We acquired Josh Rosen from the Cardinals tonight. It was an opportunity to add more competition and talent at a position that we’ve always talked about here, in terms of creating that competitive environment at every position. I want to thank the Cardinals for working with us. It’s been a grueling two days for both of us working through it. I’m sure they were talking to a bunch of teams. (Arizona Cardinals General Manager) Steve (Keim) and I had been in touch. It was very good. We’re happy that we could come to an agreement that benefitted both teams.”
(What do you like about QB Josh Rosen as a quarterback?) – “He was always a guy that’s had a ton of talent. He’s a smart guy, like everyone knows. He has arm talent. He can throw it. I think what everyone always liked about him was how cerebral he was as well. Again, it’s a young, talented guy at a premium position in this league.”
(The decision to move back from 48 to 62 – how did that come about, was there talk about using that pick to trade for QB Josh Rosen?) – “No. When you make a trade like that, a team has to come up wanting somebody. We were perfectly ready to just make the pick at 48 and we got a call. Literally, we were almost on the clock, and so we hashed out a deal with New Orleans.”
(How instrumental was Head Coach Brian Flores and Offensive Coordinator Chad O’Shea in the decision to acquire QB Josh Rosen?) – “Very involved. Like I said, this isn’t a one-man show. I know everyone is always like ‘Who does what?’ but it’s working in collaboration with Brian, the scouts, the coaching staff, the pro scouts. Everyone watched a lot of stuff. We talked and did a lot of background checks in terms of people in and around Arizona’s organization, UCLA’s staff that had him and we had the information on him last year too. Again, we felt comfortable for the value where he was and then added him to the roster.”
(You’ve talked before about last year and you liked two quarterbacks – Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen – obviously not Josh Rosen. What has changed?) – “I wouldn’t say we didn’t like Rosen. Again, working with different coaching staffs and what they’re looking for at the position. At that point, we were talking about a top-10 pick, and he just wasn’t in those top five or six guys we were comfortable taking at pick 11.”
(Do you see QB Josh Rosen being your starting quarterback this year?) – “I’ll leave that up to Brian (Flores). You know me, it’s always (up to) the coaching staff. Brian will make those decisions. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been great. His personality, as you guys know, he’s a character. (He’s) a great leader, so I think the two of them will be good in the room.”
