Patrick McMorris – May 10, 2024
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Friday, May 10, 2024
S Patrick McMorris
(I’m doing something on kind of how you handle the mental part of your rookie season. I know it’s very early. Rookie minicamp, minicamp, training camp – how much of this do you think is going to be mental? How much of this is going to be physical?) – “I mean, you play football for the majority of your years. The physical part you kind of get used to, it’s the mental part, of course, that’s the hardest thing. That’s something that’s going to separate players, just the mental part and like you said just going through this process of rookie minicamp, all those workouts. I talked to a lot of guys that I’ve been around that have been in the league that have done it, so just kind of talking to them and feeding off them and what they’ve kind of done throughout their whole process rookie wise. So just be myself and taking it all in and learning as much as I can while being consistent is my goal.”
(How much special teams experience do you have – high school and college?) – “I’ve played special teams throughout high school and college.”
(Do you play them all?) – “Yeah, I play all spots. I went to San Diego State and had a great special teams coordinator in Doug Deakin. He had me playing special teams when I got there. I was able to start a majority of my freshman year on special teams, as well as my sophomore year. I’ve played it all.”
(Do you think that gives you a little bit of an edge out here? Knowing that special teams might be a key to making the 53-man roster.) – “Coming in as a sixth-round safety, just a safety in general, that’s a position that they like to put in all special teams. So like I said, being able to play all four I would say gives me a step up, but I still have to learn the playbook and go out there and do everything right.”
(You said you had talked to some guys who have been through this. What was their message to you? What did you learn from them?) – “Talk to the older guys that are here, learn from them. Be patient. You’re not going to get it all down right away. Be yourself. Have energy, don’t try to be just dull. And just have fun with it, really. It’s a great opportunity, it’s a great thing. A lot of guys don’t get this opportunity, so just enjoy it.”
(When did you get here? Yesterday?) – “I got here Wednesday, I believe. Wednesday night.”
(Have you gotten off the facility? Have you seen anything in South Florida?) – “No, no. I got here at 11 p.m. I went to the hotel, slept, came here and been back and forth these past days.”
(What have you thought about the facility? I mean new place, sliding board, have you seen most of it?) – “It’s a beautiful facility. For me, it’s a facility at the end of the day. As long as I can get my work in, watch my film and talk to the coaches, that’s all care about.”
(What do you think are the strengths that you bring to an NFL defense?) – “I feel like I’m smart, disciplined. Coming from San Diego State to Cal, I can learn a playbook fairly quickly. Playing in two different systems as well, just having that variety under my belt. I played special teams as well, so I know the gist of it. Of course, it’s different in the NFL, but just kind of playing those positions and everything.”
(What roles did you play on special teams? Everything?) – “Yeah, I’ve played kickoff, kickoff return, punt, punt return. Of course on punt, just end really, right or left tackle in college, and then punt (return), I played all positions but returner. Then kickoff return, front line or tackle, and then kickoff, just run down there. It’s all the same.”
(At what point did you realize that the NFL was a possibility for you?) – “That’s crazy, because I just go out there and I just play football. The NFL of course is a dream, that’s what guys aspire to be and play in. But I’m the kind of guy to just be where your feet are, so I’ve enjoyed every moment. At San Diego State, at Cal, just playing with my teammates and being coached by my coaches. I’m just kind of enjoying it. It’s still all surprising me. Of course, like I said, the NFL is the goal and guys aspire to be that. But for me, it was kind of playing at Cal, playing at San Diego State, playing at the Hula Bowl, being able to get a Combine invite and doing the best in that. Just like I said, being where my feet stand – it’s all still a shock to me, for real.”
(What’s it like? You’re first impression of being down here?) – “It’s beautiful. I’m from Southern California, so it’s a little different weather wise. But kind of the area and the scenery, you kind of get used to it. Like I said, Southern California, so it’s all really the same. Just the weather and humidity is the difference, but I’m loving it so far.”
(What do you think it’s going to be like to work out in it?) – “Probably be terrible, but hopefully I’ll get used to it quick.”
(What do you think about working in with safeties like S Jevon Holland and now S Jordan Poyer with the roster too?) – “They’re a great pair of guys right there. (Jordan) Poyer with a lot of years under his belt, I’m definitely hoping to learn from him, as well Jevon Holland. He’s been here for a few years now. Like I said, just being able to learn from them will be a great experience.”
(Have you thought about what that first time will be like when WR Tyreek Hill is running down the field on a deep route, or WR Jaylen Waddle or WR Odell Beckham Jr. and you’re on the same field with them?) – “It’ll be exciting. Of course, these past couple of years they’ve been in the league, just watching them success and play at such a high level, now you’re on the same field as them. It’s definitely a nice experience, but I’m here to play football. They are Dolphin players, they’re my teammates now.”
(With your conversations with Head Coach Mike McDaniel or Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver, what do you feel they really like about you and your game that can fit what the Dolphins are trying to do here?) – “I think they like my personality, the way I approach the game, the discipline that comes with it. Just my aggressive aspect to the game I think is what they like the most.”
Mohamed Kamara – May 10, 2024
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Friday, May 10, 2024
LB Mohamed Kamara
(Do you like the Mets, Knicks, Rangers, Giants? Who did you grow up with, the sports teams that you like?) – “The sports team that I like? The Miami Dolphins. (laughter)”
(How do you feel about the combination of the aqua and orange together?) – “I really like it; I’m not going to lie. There was a fan – I ended up posting it on Instagram, a fan made fan art of my old jersey being in the aqua. It was more white, but it was really good. I was like, ‘Oh, that 42 looks good,’ but I ended up getting 50.”
(No one can argue with the production and how relentless you were and the numbers you had. What did you hear in the draft process about any concerns or questions teams had about you that resulted in you falling to Day 3? What specifically was voiced to you as their reservations or concerns about you?) – “I want to say – it was quite some time, I tried to keep the negative out of my head. Probably I’m short or whatever, but besides that, it was not a lot of concerns.”
(Are you still as fueled as you were when you spoke to us on draft day to prove the world wrong?) – “Of course. It’s no diss. Of course, I have to be humble about, because (shoot), I’m here. I’m still glad to be here. I’m still rocking and rolling out. I’m fired up. Even Coach had to tell me to calm down today when we were in walkthrough.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel or Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver?) – “Oh no, (Outside Linebackers) Coach (Ryan) Crow.”
(In terms of this opportunity, when did you know the NFL was a reality for you?) – “Getting 13.5 sacks, production speaks for itself. Then even going into Arizona competing with those guys over there at Exos. Chop (Robinson), I was over there with Chop and (Laiatu) Latu. Those are two first rounders, and I was still competing and still holding my own. So I knew it was a possibility for me.”
(What was the moment like the first time you put on an NFL jersey?) – “Today is the first time. I didn’t really get to feel that moment yet, because as soon as I put it on, we had to go outside. I couldn’t really tell you.”
(What does it mean to you?) – “Man, my brother called me last night. He said, ‘You made it to the locker room.’ So that’s all it means, I just made it to the locker room, nothing else. I still have to prove myself.”
(Older brother, younger brother?) – “Older. Amara Kamara.”
(Does he play?) – “He did play. He played over there at Temple University.”
(No relation to Saints RB Alvin Kamara?) – “No, no. We can figure it out. We probably can probably trace it back, but it’s too far gone, too much.”
(What did your brother Amara play?) – “Oh, he played inside and outside just like me. He’s a little smaller now. When I was small, he was big, but he’s a little smaller now.”
(In what ways is being a 6’1 edge rusher beneficial to you?) – “I’m low to the ground, so I’m going to always use that. I’m quicker, too. Some of those guys have a longer length and longer strides and stuff like that. I’m quick and will put my hands on you fast.”
(Obviously the goal this week and over the next month is to get your feet on the ground and learn the system. In time as the summer goes on, do you want to add another pass rush move or merely polish the effective ones you have right now?) – “Polish. Polish. This is not my offseason. I don’t have an offseason to get a new move. Once this situation is done, I get a month, then I get right back into it. So there’s no offseason for me. So whatever I have, I’m going to use to beat the opponent in front of me.”
(Without disclosing the number, have you already or will you at some point write down on a little piece of paper sort of like a sack goal for your rookie season and put it in a drawer or something like that?) – “At one point, yes. I still have to make the team. I think once I’m on the team, I am efficient on the team, I’m playing and then it’s like, ‘OK, I get some playing time. OK, it’s attainable.’”
(I have to ask you about what happened in the walk through that led to Outside Linebackers Coach Ryan Crow kind of telling you to temper it down, were you ready to tackle somebody?) – “Oh, no. No, no, no. There was no offense out there. It was just getting off. I always have to work on my get off, that’s something I’m always going to work at. So it was just my get off.”
(Every player learns the playbook and plays in a different way that’s best for them. Some walk-through, some write it on a board in their house, some do a notebook. What’s your preferred method of learning?) – “All three. I even have my tablet out here. I knew I was supposed to be in media, but I forgot. But I got my tablet right here, I was about to work on my tablet. I have stuff on my tablet. I have my notebook – I’m already writing my notes. I like to see visuals. Whatever it is, however I can obtain the information, I’ll do it.”
(Does it seem like there are more plays than the Colorado State playbook or about the same?) – “I think it’s about the same. It’s the same. It’s about being efficient. I think the terminology is different, so for me I have to understand the terminology and that’s the hard part, just getting over that hump. Once I get the terminology down, it’s over.”
(Have you had the chance to talk to LB Bradley Chubb and LB Jaelan Phillips?) – “I talked to Bradley Chubb today. He’s a nice guy. He’s my locker mate actually, so we had a brief five-minute conversation. So nothing crazy. Just a brief, five-minute introduction.”
(Did any of Colorado State alum pass rushers reach out to you? Those of prominence?) – “Colorado State?”
(Yes, any of them over the last three weeks since being drafted?) – “Oh yes. Quite a few, actually.”
(Biggest name would be who?) – “Uh, Adrian Ross, I know he hit me up. I’m going to see Shaq Barrett at one point in time.”
(We were talking to LB Chop Robinson about the time you spent with him in the pre-draft process. What are some of your best memories from that time together?) – “Most of the time we were competing. We have a friendly-hate relationship. (laughter) But that’s my guy right there. We’re always going to help each other in any aspect. Most of the time, we were just competing. Most of the time, it was just realizing how good he is and how good I can be, because he’s a hell of a talent. So I’m just trying to get there. He went first round for a reason.”
(What’s the best thing LB Chop Robinson does on the field?) – “Go. Man, he goes.”
(Have you started looking for an apartment to rent or a condo to buy?) – “Make the team. Once I make the team, I’m here forever.”
(My wife won’t let me get a place at the beach. Are you a beach guy or suburbs guy?) – “Beach is too much of a distraction, I’m going to the suburbs. Got to stay inside.”
(From working with LB Chop Robinson, how much do you push each other? He said you guys always talking. You were always talking when you guys are pushing each other?) – “Oh, that’s what he said? Yeah, we’re always talking. We talk now. We made a bet, I’m not going to disclose it, but he owes me money. He knows what I’m talking about. (laughter)”
(Was there anyone else in that group in this draft class across the NFL who worked with you? Anyone else besides the two of you when you worked together?) – “Yes, everybody who came from Exos, all the d-ends. We had Chop (Robinson)…(Xavier) Thomas, I had nicknames. We had Jonah (Elliss), who else? I’m forgetting some.”
(And where was this?) – “Arizona at Exos.”
(Phoenix or Scottsdale?) – “Phoenix, Arizona. So we had a couple guys, I think there was eight of us. I can’t think of it right now, but there was definitely eight of us.”
(Eight pass rushers?) – “I believe so. We also had Nate (Nathaniel Watson), but he’s an inside linebacker. I forgot where he went to, but Nate he was on (Mississippi State).”
(And how many of y’all got drafted?) – “Oh, I think if was eight of us, I think it was six.”
Malik Washington – May 10, 2024
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Friday, May 10, 2024
WR Malik Washington
(What was the criticism of you in the draft process despite how incredibly productive you were that you think made you fall to the sixth round that sort of fuels you that you have in the back of your mind?) – “Of course, I don’t know what every team is thinking and stuff like that. I know I’ve had some issues with injuries in the past, but I gave everything I had my last year. I gave everything I had my whole college career just to be in this spot. I’m so grateful to be a Miami Dolphin.”
(I know LB Mohamed Kamara and WR Tahj Washington were very candid on draft day saying people made a mistake by me falling to the third round. Do you feel that way as well?) – “I don’t think – there’s no mistakes. God has a plan for me and I’m following in that plan. That plan landed me in Miami, so I’m going to make the best of it.”
(What’s the NFL skill or the college skill that you have that you think is going to translate to this level? There were so many things you did well in terms of the hands being reliable, breaking tackles, yards after catch? Which of those translate most to this level do you think?) – “I think when you get to this level, everybody is fast, everybody can move and stuff like that. It will take who can be the best pro, who can learn the information as quickly as possible and utilize it on the field. I think that will be to my advantage, I’ll try my best to do that. I’ll study hard and take that to the NFL gameplan.”
(The fact that you were able to break so many tackles, 35 last year. Is it strong lower body? What is it that leads to that?) – “It’s a little bit of that. It’s a little bit of (head football strength and conditioning) Coach (Adam) Smotherman at Virginia, (director of sports performance for football) Coach (Jay) Hooten at Northwestern for being in the training room and the weight room and stuff. But it’s also just the mindset. I don’t think anybody can tackle me. I don’t want anybody to tackle me. I don’t want to touch the grass. Each time I get the ball, I’m trying to go score.”
(What do you think getting your first view of this? Were you here for a visit beforehand?) – “No.”
(Is this your first time in Miami? You probably played the Hurricanes?) – “I played Miami last year. I sat at Hard Rock Stadium.”
(What about the facilities and really spending some time here, what’s it been like for you so far?) – “I think it’s beautiful. I never got a chance to see it. So finally getting to see it up in person, it’s everything you dream of.”
(How does one go about leading college football in receptions?) – “It’s just a part of the game, that came with it. All I tried to do is make sure I caught every single pass that came my way. Made my quarterbacks right and if it ended up in 110 catches, it ended up in 110 catches.”
(What can you tell me about your route tree? What you feel most comfortable with and what you feel you can improve on?) – “I think there is a lot to improve and there’s a lot I’m comfortable with. It’s just getting a feel for the game, make sure I’m on time with the quarterback and stuff, make sure I know where I’m supposed to be and when I’m supposed to be there. Just make sure I stay on top of that.”
(What’s your impression of what competition will be, right now it’s just rookie minicamp, but going into your first OTAs, minicamp and eventually training camp?) – “In my mind, everybody here is a great player – the best of the best. So I just have to be better than the best of the best by just doing my job and doing my best. I think everybody here has earned the right to be here, so we’ll see who’s still here at the end.”
(What have you learned about competing from your college days?) – “Every single day is a competition, that’s what we kind of preached at Northwestern and Virginia. Just competing against the guy next to you, making that guy better, iron sharpens iron. So just bringing that to the NFL as well.”
(What’s that going to be like for you being a part of a star-studded receiving corps where you have WR Tyreek Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle, now you have WR Odell Beckham Jr. for that to be your rookie experience?) – “Just be a sponge. I got three guys ahead of me that are – they know what they are doing, they’ve done it before and they’ve had a lot of success at doing it. Being a sponge, taking in all of the information I can and trying to take it into my game as well.”
(Can you tell me about these last few days since you’ve been drafted and now getting into the process today putting on the jersey for the first time, what that experience is like and how you can describe this time in your life?) – “You guys tell me. How does this Dolphins jersey look on me? (laughter) It’s just been unreal. It’s been an experience that I dreamed of when I was six years old saying that I’m going to go to the NFL, and now it’s actually here. So it’s just time to put on the cleats, strap it up and go.”
(I know you haven’t caught passes from him yet, but watching film of this Dolphins offense the past couple of years what are you thoughts on working with QB Tua Tagovailoa?) – “Tua is one of the most accurate passers in the NFL. He does his job. The 10 guys around him doing their jobs, so I’ve got to be one of those 10 guys that just come in, make sure I’m on time, make sure I am where I’m supposed to be and make him right.”
(Has he reached out to you at all since you’ve been drafted? Trying to maybe set up a session or a training practice with you?) – “Yeah, I got a chance to throw with him a little bit earlier in the week. Really good dude, does things right. I’m excited to see what this leads to.”
(I saw the Steve Smith podcast you did, I was a big fan of that. I was just curious what you take took from that whole experience?) – “I was talking to one of the greats. One of the guys that I’ve watched his film. I’ve watched him play the game, that’s who I like to model my game after. So taking some of that criticism, catching that ball and getting straight vertical. Knowing the tempo and timing of routes, I think that’s important, especially when you get to this level where everybody is fast, everybody plays hard and everybody is quick.”
(He was talking about how he thinks you’re ready right now for the timing and pacing of routes. How do you think that came to be for your skillset? How do you develop that craft?) – “I think that’s staying in the room with your quarterback, staying comfortable and having a consistent relationship with the OC, the quarterbacks and stuff like that. Just knowing where they want you to be and what they want, because that’s how you make plays.”
(Have you been in touch with Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith, Wide Receivers Coach Wes Welker, all the coaches you’ve been working with today?) – “Yes.”
(How’s it going so far?) – “Good. I think they all know what they are doing. Now it’s just my turn to be a sponge.”
(I know this is looking far ahead, but what do you think you’re going to have to do in the next few months to carve out some kind of role as a rookie in an offense that already has WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle, and now had added WR Odell Beckham Jr.?) – “I think the biggest two things I’d have to do is be consistent and stack days, stack meetings, stack practices. Stack everything I can. So just every single day, give it everything I’ve got. Being myself and hopefully that will be good enough to lead my down the road to be on the 53.”
Chop Robinson – May 10, 2024
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Friday, May 10, 2024
LB Chop Robinson
(Can you take us through what the process has been like for you? Coming here, getting this opportunity, obviously, it’s a big moment, right?) – “Of course. Just coming in, a dream come true of course. I celebrated the moment after it happened, but now it’s time to put in the work. We got here yesterday and had physicals and other medical things. Really just getting down to first install and take it out to practice today and just compete.”
(What’s it like inside the locker room? I know all you guys are coming in looking for an opportunity or looking to impress, getting to know each other. What is it like?) – “I mean it’s great energy, because all the guys are chasing the same thing. You’re going through this whole thing together so everyone is trying to also compete and also make each other greater. It’s great energy in the locker room. We’re about to get to know each other, know their stories and everything. It’s great.”
(You’re the first-round pick. Do you feel there’s more pressure on you from outside people looking at you? Do you feel the expectations are higher for you?) – “I don’t really pay attention to it, because I know what type of player I am. I just go to work every day, compete, give everything I got and control what I can control.”
(How did you handle that in college? Because obviously everybody was focused on you and your pass rush and stopping you. How much did that weigh on you? And how much were you able to just relax and play your game? I don’t mean weigh on you heavily, but the research and prep and film work and extra practice. Tell me about that and how did you stay focused on football?) – “Honestly, just focus on ball, that’s the main thing. There really is no big message to it. Just hang with my guys, keep my mind off of it. I had a good d-line coach at Penn State, so I was just able to get better every day and find something to do to get one percent better.”
(Has Miami been everything it’s cracked up to be thus far? I’m sure you’ve heard the stories about South Florida. Have you enjoyed any action since you’ve been here outside of just the facility?) – “No, I just got here yesterday so it’s been all ball since. But I hope to have a good time soon when it’s all done.”
(What’s it been like getting settled here and getting things started? You’re in uniform. How does it feel?) – “It feels great. This is a dream come true, but I’m just ready to work now. That’s the biggest thing.”
(I got a question for you in regards to your bench press. You never did it at the Combine, you never did it at your Pro Day. Was there a reasoning why?) – Honestly for me, it was just by choice. There wasn’t a big reason. It was just my choice not to do it.”
(What do you say to the rest of this rookie class? Obviously, you’re the first-round pick, so people expect you to be the leader of the rookie crop in terms of the impact that you guys hope to have for this team.) – “Everyone is just here to compete. Our main thing is to control what you can control, do our job and do what’s best for the team. Everybody knows that message. Everybody is just here to be great.”
(What is Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver’s first message to you since you became a Dolphin in terms of how excited he is to have you here and what he thinks you could do?) – “Honestly just come in and be the player I am, be myself. Don’t try to change into anything or put pressure on myself. Just be the player I am and the person I am, results will happen.”
(So there’s no extra pressure being a high draft pick like that?) – “No, it’s been what I’ve been working for. I know what I got to do and I know how to handle it. So it’s no big pressure for me.”
(What flavor Capri-Sun was that on draft night?) – “It was raspberry. Raspberry Capri-Sun.”
(Do they have some here for you?) – “I hope so. They don’t have it yet.”
(What do you know about the legacy of Miami Dolphins pass rushers?) – “Really with Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, I’ve been watching those guys since I was in high school. I know what type of player they are since they were in college. So I’ve just been watching them for a long time, followed behind them. I know they want greatness every day, so that’s what I’m chasing too.”
(How about further back? Guys like Jason Taylor, Cam Wake, guys like that?) – “Yeah, I know a few of those guys. I haven’t really watched them, they’re not in my kind of similar play style. I just kind of watch the guys that play my type of style in the pass rush.”
(Former Penn State Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz was very complimentary of your skillset coming here to Miami. How did playing for him prepare you for the NFL?) – “Honestly, I would say with his defense. He was aggressive on the edges, just wanted to get vertical, get to the quarterback. So having that with Manny Diaz and coming here is kind of like the same thing. I think it’ll be beneficial for me.”
(You mentioned some inconsistencies with using your hands as a pass rusher. I was wondering where you were at with that right now and is there anybody you’re studying right now to try to mimic them?) – “Honestly, I’ve been working on myself. Every week been watching the guys. I still watch Nick Bosa, TJ Watt, guys like that. I know it’s more than just watching the players; I have to put in the work. So that’s what I’ve been doing the whole offseason, just working and ready to put it to show.”
(Have you seen a lot of improvement though yet?) – “Yeah, 100 percent. All muscle memory now.”
(Have you communicated with former Penn State Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz since you’ve been drafted? Did he say anything to you about Miami and what to expect?) – “I mean, he didn’t really talk about Miami specifically, but he was just really happy for me. He told me to keep the same mindset that I had in college and to keep pushing every day.”
(You played a lot of positions on that d-line at Penn State. Do you think they are going to maybe start you at one here and then build? Or do you think, ‘Hey, Weav, I can play anywhere you want on the defensive line early on?’) – “I mean honestly, I can play wherever he puts me. I’m not really sure where I’m going to end up at. But wherever he puts me, I’m going to make the best of it.”
(How would you describe these days as you start getting into your NFL career?) – “So yesterday was the first day. It was really just a big medical day being inside, getting the first install. It was really long, but we’re used to those long days just like college. Today is the first day of practice and I’m just ready to compete.”
(Is it kind of hitting you that you are now an NFL player?) – “Kind of, a little bit it’s hitting me. But I’m just ready to work. So I think that’s why it hasn’t really hit me yet. It’ll probably hit me when I get a break or something like that this summer, but right now I’m just ready to work.”
(Your impressions of Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver so far? Have you spent much time with him?) – Yeah, we talked. I know he was at the Ravens, so I know we had a familiar kind of bond with being in Maryland and everything like that. And then the defense he runs, the way he uses edges and everything, I’m just ready. I can’t wait for it.”
(It’s a little different here than it is in Happy Valley maybe, correct?) – “Oh yeah, 100 percent. The heat is definitely different. But it’s what I wanted, so I can’t wait for it.”
(Are you planning to be here all summer? Or will you train up north?) – “No, I’m staying here. I’ll probably go home for a little bit, but I’m planning on staying here.”
(Has anybody talked to you/warned you about how crazy the heat is going to get between now and even August and September?) – “They say when it hits training camp, it’s going to get super hot. But I wanted the warm weather, that’s what I asked for. I’ll be ready for it.”
(Your first step quickness is something that everyone knows stands out about your game, but I’m curious to hear from you. What do you think that does to help you as a pass rusher? How does that set you up for success as a pass rusher?) – “Honestly, when you get off the ball really quick, it’s hard for the offensive lineman to react. Because you’re closing the space on the offensive lineman so fast, he has to react quicker than he normally does. So having that first step is a blessing.”
(How does the approached change because I know you rush from the mugged up spots in the A-gap a lot last year. How does that approach change from there versus off the edge?) – “Honestly, on the edge, you kind of have more time, and when you’re interior, it’s right away. The guards and centers are shooting their hands so quick, so you have to react fast. So I’d say it’s just a different reaction time being on the edge than being on the interior.”
(You mentioned LB Bradley Chubb and LB Jaelan Waddle. Have they had you over for dinner or something like that? Have you guys hung out yet?) – “No, I just got here yesterday, but we’re definitely going to make a plan to have that happen.”
(Have they had any communication with you since the draft?) – “Yeah, we talked. I talked to Bradley (Chubb) today, actually. I saw him in the locker room. I talked to Jaelan (Phillips) all the time through text. So we communicate here and there.”
(What’s been their message?) – “Honestly, just work. Just come in, put your head down and grind. That’s it.”
(I believe it was General Manager Chris Grier who said your whole focus is just football. What does that look like during your daily life?) – “I mean honestly, everything is just ball. If I’m not in the facility, if I’m not watching football, I’m probably playing video games. That’s about it. But most of the time I’m just watching ball or doing it.”
(Do you use the Dolphins on Madden?) – “I started using them. First it was the Ravens because I was hometown kid, but I started using the Dolphins now.”
(I wanted to ask you about the whole sacks versus pressures topic that fans like to talk about. I know General Manager Chris Grier says he prioritizes the pressures as much as the sacks. Do you do as well? Because you were top three in the country in pass-rush win rate last year?) – “Of course I wanted sacks, but I controlled what I could control. I try to affect the quarterback as much as possible, and if my teammate gets a sack, I’m just as happy for him as if I get a sack. If I’m not getting there, I know my teammates getting there. That’s fine with me.”
(From experiencing all the pressures you had, and you had a ton of them these last couple years, do you remember specific plays, not to name them, but do you remember a lot of plays where you feel like your pressuring the quarterback led to an incompletion? Might not have led to a sack but led to something positive for the Penn State defense?) – “Yeah, I feel like a lot of times I got back there and I didn’t get to the quarterback but affected the quarterback, whether it was an interception, a PBU or another my other defensive end getting a sack. So I just feel like me getting back there and doing my job caused a lot of affection on the defense.”
(Do you feel, not the weight, but the understanding of being a first-round pick and what that legacy might hold?) – “Yeah, I don’t put pressure myself. I just come in and keep my head down, be humble and just work. Be confident, humble and work. That’s my main thing. Don’t change who I am. Be the player I am and be the guy I am, because I won’t change who I am for nothing.”
(I know you’ve had the nickname for a long time, but have you though about Chop is a pretty darn good nickname for a guy going after a quarterback?) – “(laughter) Yeah, I feel like that’s the best name. It naturally happened and I feel like that’s the best name for sure.”
(Have you heard from Dallas LB Micah Parsons since you’ve been with the Dolphins?) – “No, not really. I’ve just been focused on this and everything, and he’s focused on everything he’s doing. But I’ll probably hear from him soon.”
(Are you familiar at all with Cam Wake?) – “Cam Wake? I’ve heard that name before.”
(Have you watched his game at all?) – “No.”
(He’s kind of like your build a little bit. Your get off is a little similar. He had a ton of success here. I was just wondering if it was like the next Cam Wake coming through here.) – “No, I’m going to look that up for sure.”
(Are you familiar with Paul Posluszny?) – “No.”
(So after we last spoke to you, Dolphins drafted LB Mo Kamara. What do you think of him as an edge rusher?) – “Mo (Kamara) is a special guy. I feel like a lot of people talk down on his size and everything, but he can pass rush, he can stop the run. He can do everything that you’ve seen on tape. He put it on tape so you can see it. I was training with Mo down in Arizona, so we already have a bond, a brotherhood going through that whole process. So we’re just going to stick together here and just bring everybody along.”
(He’s a little chatty, isn’t he?) – “No, he’s not that chatty.”
(I know on the call with us after he got drafted, he seemed like he liked talking a little trash.) – “Oh, he always talks trash. Everything we were doing in training, whether it’s the get offs, or the slip, or we in the weight room, he always wants to compete. That’s just him competing. I was fine with it, because it’s pushing me and pushing him.”
(The process of getting No. 44 from LS Blake Ferguson, what did you have to do for him?) – “I mean, I just talked to him and said how much 44 meant to me. We had a man-to-man, grown man conversation and he just gave the number to me, so I appreciate him for that.”
(Did you get him some shoes or something?) – “No, we just talked. We just talked.”
(How do you feel like you’re setting in South Florida at all yet? Have you made that move yet?) – “I mean, I just came in here yesterday. So I’m just adjusting, getting the install, finished all the medical things that we did yesterday. First day of practice is today, so I’m ready to compete.”
(So much of when you’re preparing for the draft in these offseasons after your done with the college season is built around training – speed, get off and training for the Combine. How excited are you to get back to football?) – “I’m very excited. You don’t have to worry about being a track star this offseason. It’s back to ball, now just do what you normally do and what you get paid for.”
Jaylen Wright – May 10, 2024
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Friday, May 10, 2024
RB Jaylen Wright
(As if this team didn’t need any more speed, you bring in more speed. How much has that been in your mind since you got drafted?) – “Being here with all of these guys, star players, players that I grew up watching, it just means a lot. Just to be mentioned in the factor of having speed, that just means a lot to me. I’m just blessed to be here, and I’m excited for what’s coming for me.”
(Who are those guys you think about the most?) – “Now we got Odell Beckham Jr., ‘OBJ.’ We got Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Tua (Tagovailoa). I think I was a freshman in high school when Tua was at Alabama. It’s good to be here, I’m excited. I’m just ready to go.”
(How about your room with RB Raheem Mostert, obviously a veteran guy who can fly, and RB De’Von Achane who last year was in your shoes?) – “Both of those guys, they are really good guys, great players. I’m excited just to be able to share the rock with them. I’m excited to be that trio that will be out there making a lot of plays this summer, this fall and this season. I’m just ready to go, and I’m just ready to prove to everybody that I belong here.”
(RB Raheem Mostert saying that he’s ready to help coach you and guide you in this process. What does that mean to have a vet like him who had put in the hard work for the past couple of seasons?) – “It means a lot. Raheem (Mostert) is somebody I’ve studied watching film back in college. He’s a guy – I’ve been knowing him for years. Just from him saying that, it just means a lot. It puts a warm feeling on me that I’m welcomed. I’m just ready to meet those guys and work with them.”
(You are the fourth Jaylen on this team. How did you feel when you found out you’ve got LB Jaelan Phillips, WR Jaylen Waddle, CB Jalen Ramsey, just being a part of that Jaylen mix?) – “Four Jaylens, that’s a lot of Jaylens. I guess that gives us that connection. I’m ready to meet my other fellow Jaylens, so I’m just ready to go.”
(What was it like to put the jersey No. 25 on, an NFL jersey for the first time today?) – “It felt great. This is a dream come true. No. 25, I feel like I look good in it. I’m going to make it look good, I’m just blessed.”
(The last guy that wore that is kind of a Dolphins legend. Do you know anything about CB Xavien Howard?) – “Oh yeah, of course. He’s a guy, a dude – somebody that was very good in the NFL. Somebody that I know, he’s a big-name guy. I’m just excited to wear the number that he repped for a long time and make a lot of big plays in it.”
(You talked about watching RB Raheem Mostert film. What do you think it is about the Dolphins offense that fits your skillset?) – “Just the way that they like to create space for the running backs, space for everybody. They got the receivers to spread everybody out to make the defenses drop back in coverages and stuff like that. That just makes it better for the running backs. Just the system and everything we do, I feel like it’s perfect for me.”
(When was the first time you knew you were the fastest guy on the team? Has that changed now that you are in Miami?) – “The first time I knew I was the fastest guy was probably when we were doing GPS numbers in the summer. Now we all know we got Tyreek Hill. I’m not going to come in here and say I’m the fastest guy here. I know I’m fast, but we got a lot of elite guys here that are really fast. I’m just excited, just happy to be here.”
(You mentioned watching film a little bit last year. What excites you about the usage of the running backs here compared to other teams?) – “The way they use the running backs. Like I said, they like to use running backs to their skillset. I feel like they will put me in positions where I’m getting open in space, whether if it’s in the backfield or in the slot catching the ball, receiving the ball. I feel like it’s good here running back wise and can make a lot of big plays as a running back here.”
(It’s only rookie camp. Are you kind of disappointed that the vets aren’t here and you don’t get to be around those guys? Is it an anticipation that you can’t wait to see all those guys here?) – “I know it’s rookie camp. It’s mainly for us. I’m going to see the vets when I see them. Excited to see them, excited to be welcomed into a great squad like this.”
(According to the Combine and Pro Day 40-yard dash time. You’re actually only the sixth fastest Dolphin. What did you think when you saw that or when you hear it now?) – “At the end of the day, I know I’m fast, but like I said, there are some extremely fast guys here. I mean really, really fast. That’s props to them for running a really fast 40 (-yard dash). But I know what I ran and running that at my size is not easy. I know I’m fast too.”
(Sometimes it takes running backs a minute to adjust to the NFL. What does it tell you that Head Coach Mike McDaniel trusted RB De’Von Achane as a rookie? What does that tell you?) – “It tells me he has a lot of trust in his guys. It tells me when he’s drafting somebody, he’s doing it for a reason. I feel like I’m somebody that he trusts. I’m ready to prove my point on the field and gain that trust not only from the coaches, but my teammates as well. I’m really excited to make big plays.”
(Have you ever been to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach?) – “Yeah. I’ve been here before. We’ve played here before.”
(You said that you studied RB Raheem Mostert going back to college. What was it that you picked up from his game that you noticed or saw?) – “Just the way he’s fast and physical. He has great contact balance. He’s somebody that’s elusive, somebody who is just really good. In open space, he gets scary. I was watching some tape of him when he was on the sideline. He hopped on the sideline and still scored. Just stuff like that, just being the player he is. He’s a great player, a great athlete, I’m ready to learn from him.”
(I wanted to ask you about Tennessee. Obviously, you guys shared the backfield there. I’m sure when you were sharing it you weren’t a big fan of it, but now that you see you have low odometer on your clock because you don’t have that many college carries. Do you look at it as something that benefits you?) – “Oh yeah, for sure. You said I didn’t like sharing it at Tennessee, I enjoyed it. I like to see my other guys eat and get the ball. We’re all eating, and I feel like that’s going to be the same way here. I feel like whoever gets on the field is going to make big plays. I like it. Yes, it does keep us fresh. I feel like that’s the new (inaudible). Three backs, three great backs, I feel like that’s really good to have.”
(You and LB Mohamed Kamara were candid on draft day talking about you’re fueled by the fact you fell to the third day. You’re obviously extremely talented and fast. What did you hear in the draft process were concerns by any team in terms of why you fell to Round 4?) – “I didn’t really hear nothing. I don’t know. The draft can go anyway, I don’t know. It happened how it did, but at the end of the day, I feel like I ended at the best spot for me, the best situation. I’m just happy. I’m blessed. I’m going to keep that chip on my shoulder to remind these teams why you shouldn’t have passed. They let a great team get a dawg, so that’s on them.”
(Most football players are obviously very fast and ran track, but this team is something special. You’ve got pretty much a 4×1 track team and now added you. Can you just talk about this team’s speed here? How happy are you to be a part of something this explosive?) – “Yeah, this team’s speed is extremely fast. We got a lot of fast guys – the guys I play on Madden with that are glitchy on Madden. It means a lot, and it means even more to be a part of it. I’m just happy. I’m just blessed.”
(Have you found a condo or an apartment at the beach or anything like that? Or are you not a guy who wants to go to the beach right away?) – “Yeah, I’ve been looking at stuff. I haven’t found anything yet. I’ve been looking at stuff. One of these days I’m going to find me a realtor, somebody to help me get settled.”
(Do you have a plan to be careful with your money? Because I’m not very good with my money.) – “Oh yeah, of course. I have a financial adviser. I’m not somebody who’s going to go out and buy a million things and just spend all of my money. I’m just going to save and invest. I’m just going to be smart with my stuff.”
(The outside zone run scheme has been real successful in the NFL going back to the Terrell Davis Bronco days. I think about what he used to do with the one cut and go. Have you looked at video of this scheme? How do you think it aligns with your strengths?) – “With my strengths, I feel like I’m the type of running back that doesn’t do a lot of dancing, a lot of cutting and stuff. I’m one cut and go – that’s just me. I feel like this offense is going to utilize my speed, and I feel like I’m going to be used the right way. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
(Any history behind the No. 25?) – “No, just the number I ended up with. I’m glad to have it. The last person that wore it, he’s a great player here. I’m just ready to make it look even more great.”
Tahj Washington – May 10, 2024
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Friday, May 10, 2024
WR Tahj Washington
(How was the introduction process to the Dolphins, just getting here and getting everything going?) – “It’s been pretty cool just to meet everybody, finally put faces with voices and just be here with the guys, meeting all the guys. Just the hospitality already has been amazing.”
(Have you had a chance to chop it up with Wide Receivers Coach Wes Welker? How have those early meetings been going for you?) – “Pretty good. Just learning the base installs of things and getting prepared for our first day out there today.”
(How do you feel like your skillset matches the Dolphins offense? I know you haven’t had a chance to go in the playbook deep yet, but how do you think just based upon your initial thoughts of that?) – “Here we like to operate fast, like to play fast. It’s part of my game and part of who I am, so I feel like it’s a good mix.”
(Did you talk to anybody as to what this means and how to approach this time of the year?) – “Just different mentors and things like that and just taking advice that coaches are putting out there. Just showing up every day and stacking each day at a time.”
(How do you approach this opportunity?) – “I mean like I do anything – how you do anything, how you do everything. That’s what got me to this point, got me in front of this opportunity, so I’m just trying to take advantage of it as much as possible.”
(So 97 degrees, what do you think?) – “Hey, I’m from Texas, man. (laughter) It’s a good day to play football.”
(What was it like – was today the first day you got to put on that No. 82?) – “Yeah, for sure.”
(What was the moment like?) – “It was pretty cool. I looked at myself in the mirror a few times. It’s go time, for sure.”
(What do you hope to accomplish over the next few days?) – “Just go out there and learn as much as I can, develop, not be afraid to make mistakes and just go out there, play free and play fast.”
(How will you approach approaching superstar guys like WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle?) – “I’ll worry about it as it arises, but right now I’m just taking it day by day and just trying to figure out these plays that way I can just put my best foot forward.”
(How do you like to learn? Every player learns in their own way. What have you found is the best way for you to learn?) – “Just keep writing it out. Writing it out, looking at it over and over, talking it through, walking it through. Just ways to memorize it that way you can play confident.”
(Obviously your production was extremely high at USC. What’s the criticism you heard in the draft process about why you fell that you’re determined to prove should not be a negative with your game?) – “I’m a smaller guy, that’s the obvious. I guess I didn’t run as good as people hoped for me to run. I mean it is what it is, and I’m blessed and grateful that this is the spot I’m at, for sure.”
(And why will those two things in your mind not keep you from being an NFL player?) – “They haven’t to this point – people have been telling me that my whole life. Some way every day you still figure out a way to show up and impress.”
(Usually small guys come in fast packages. Talk about being part of this track meet of a team you guys have here?) – “I’m just excited for whatever role I find in that space. I’m excited.”
(Has Miami been what it’s cracked out to be? I’m sure you heard all the stories about South Florida as a whole. I don’t know if you’ve ever been here, but is it everything you’ve expected and more?) – “I mean, I’ve just been pretty much here to be honest. I haven’t really gotten to see much outside of here and things like that. It’s an urgent type of weekend, so just taking it a day at a time. I’ll find out later on about that on what I’ve heard.”
(As a young guy, what do you take from this wide receiver room that they’re putting together here?) – “Oh man, it’s a pretty cool room. I haven’t met the guys yet, but I’m excited to get the opportunity to meet them. So far, the rookie class that we have here looks pretty good, too.”
(Is one of your goals just to learn as much as you can from some of these guys?) – “Oh for sure, most definitely.”
Patrick Paul – May 10, 2024
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Friday, May 10, 2024
T Patrick Paul
(Have you heard from T Terron Armstead, either after the draft or in the two weeks since then?) – “Yeah, he texted me. We have a mutual connection with Duke (Manyweather) who I trained with for the pre-draft. He shot me a text and just welcomed me to Miami.”
(T Terron Armstead is known as a guy who mentors young offensive linemen. He brings them in on Tuesdays for work, I don’t know if you’ve heard about that. Is your feeling that he’s going to become a mentor for you, kind of like a big brother type?) – “I believe so. I’m just definitely excited to get in there with all of the guys, really, and then just work.”
(What are these days like for you heading into your NFL career?) – “Honestly, it’s like I’m living in a dream right now. You’ve got to pinch me – I don’t even know if I’m awake right now. But I’m loving every second of it and I’m soaking it all in.”
(What’s been the biggest adjustment now coming in and kind of learning the ropes, basically?) – “I think just not getting too amped up. Just really taking it day by day I think is a challenge because you get so excited. But just taking it day by day honestly.”
(As a second-round pick, there weren’t a lot of criticisms of you, but was there one that you’re determined to prove that is not true? What’s the thing you heard where you say, “This isn’t the case. I’m going to show people it’s not the case?”) – “Maybe just negatives they have on me. A lot of those come from people just not knowing me as a player or knowing my work ethic. So just coming everyday and proving everybody wrong – anyone who doubts me – by working hard and trusting the coaching.”
(And that specific negative that you heard was what?) – “I don’t really pay attention to it.”
(Personally, what do you think the No. 1 thing is that you’re focused on getting better on?) – “My hand usage, so that’s a big emphasis. I’m going to get with (Offensive Line) Coach Butch (Barry) and we’re going to harp on it every single day.”
(Have you had a chance to interact with him? I know you did with the pre-draft process, but since you’ve been drafted?) – “Yeah, today. (laughter)”
(Oh, today is the first time?) – “Yeah, we’re out here right now. We’re interacting, getting to know each other even more.”
(Any reason or meaning behind the No. 52?) – “No. 76 was not available, so they sent me a list and I was like, ’52 is pretty cool,’ so I went with it.”
(From your impression of Offensive Line Coach Butch Barry, what do you think he’s the right guy to get you right with your technique, your hand placement, all that?) – “He’s a great o-line coach, you can go and check his track record. He really knows what he’s doing and he loves what he does. He has passion with it, and anyone who has passion in what they’re doing is good at it.”
(This is the place you really wanted to come to. Now coming back here and from your visit, what do you remember were some of those things that made you really want to come to Miami?) – “Honestly, look around. This place is beautiful, and if you every talk to Coach McDaniel, he’ll make you want to go through a brick wall. Just having a head coach like that, that’s what everyone wants.”
(What’s the most surprising thing that you’ve witnessed or experienced since you’ve been here?) – “How nice everyone is. You don’t expect it, but everyone is so nice.”
(How much of this do you think is mental and how much do you think is physical? I mean the whole rookie year process – from rookie camp to minicamp to training camp – what do you think percentage is?) – “I’d say about 60 percent mental – you definitely have to be in it. Then I’d give the other 40 percent to the physical. You’ve got to, offensive line especially, just run off the ball, and you have to be able to attack people constantly. So I’d say the mental is a big part, 60, and then 40 to the physical.”
(Where do you think you are in terms of learning the system, it’s probably too early to start learning all the plays and everything, but where do you think you are in terms of knowing stuff that you’ve got to know?) – “I’m taking it day by day. Every step of the way, you don’t want to learn too much in a short amount of time, you won’t retain it. So we’re taking it day by day, we’ve got a long time.”
(The forecast says it’s going to be 96° out here today, are you ready for this kind of heat?) – “I’m from Houston, Texas – come on now. (laughter) We practice in 100 degrees, not 90.”
(So this is cool?) – “Yeah, this is. (laughter) This is cool – we’ve got a breeze out here. In Houston, it’s humid and hot.”
Raheem Mostert – May 7, 2024
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Tuesday, May 7, 2024
RB Raheem Mostert
(First on the contract. I want to get your reaction to that and how that all came about?) – “Yeah, it was one of those things where I had a stellar year last year and then this upcoming year wasn’t necessarily guaranteed, so me and my agent sat down and decided to try to work something out and thankfully we did and we were able to get it done fairly early. Now we’re here. Added an extra year on the contract and it’s going to be a good one.”
(Quick follow-up if I could, 32 years old now. How much when you envision your career, how much do you expect to play? Running backs at 32 don’t have the success that you’ve had.) – “I always look at everything I do as just try to beat the standard. Obviously the standard is running backs at age 30 and above typically start to have that decline. Well, I didn’t have any wear and tear early on in my career, so it’s a little bit easier for me to go ahead and discredit that narrative altogether. Just continue to just do what I do at the highest level and help this team out and try to bring home a championship. That’s the most important thing. Especially for a guy like myself. I’ve been through all the ups and downs, highs and lows within my career. But one thing that I do want to get done is get ahold of that trophy at the end of the year. I think that’s going to definitely solidify not only myself in the position I’m in but a lot of different guys on the team and the position that they are in.”
(I’m sure everyone wants to know your reaction to the Dolphins not only matching what they did last year drafting a running back, but they made some moves to get in the position to draft him and he’s another fast guy. So overall, what’s your reaction?) – “Yeah, my reaction at the time, I was just like, ‘yeah, whatever, it is what it is.’ It’s the same typical thing, the draft drama pretty much all the time regardless of the position (laughter). But no, I’m honestly excited to have Jaylen (Wright) come in. It’s another Jaylen (laughter) coming in on the mix on the team. Just excited to have him here and try to coach him up, try to help him out within this offense and let’s see what we can do. I’m all about in-person experiences and thus far, regardless of any team that I’ve been apart of, who they drafted, I’ve always embraced the opportunity. Not only for myself, but for the people around me and in the room, too. Just super excited to have everybody here. He’s going to be here sometime this weekend with rookie minicamp. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be exciting. And like I said, I just can’t wait to work with him.”
(We’ve always been talking to you guys about speed, not only with the running backs but obviously with the wide receivers. Now you added another fast guy. How much more of a headache does that create for defenses do you think?) – “I mean, the more the merrier. That’s what I would say. Especially in this offense. We can utilize a lot of different attributes and speed is definitely an attribute that we like to maximize to the most of our abilities. So to be able to have another guy come into the mix and bring his attributes and his contributions into the offense and his speed is definitely going to be very beneficial on our part. We can now line up and we could use three backs at one point with a receiver and maybe a tight end as well, so there’s a lot of different things you can do in the offense especially with guys that have a lot of different speeds.”
(I wanted to ask you about Head Coach Mike McDaniel. Obviously with how the season ended was painful for everybody, but you know Mike probably the most. Some people don’t factor in that you guys were mostly on one leg with the top players in terms of how the season ended. How do you think the season’s conclusion impacted Mike in terms of his thought process, his goals, his planning?) – “When I had the exit interview with him, and this is a great question. Not too many people realize the magnitude of what we went through last year, especially towards the end in that playoff game. After talking with Mike and sitting down and having my exit interview, we tried to formulate a plan and what’s going on at the moment for us. I asked him, ‘How do you feel about the season (ending) the way it did?’ He couldn’t have been any happier. Just because there were a lot of different guys that stepped up to the plate that made huge contributions. Especially a guy like Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, right? Those guys alone were key ingredients in the defense. Just talking with him about that whole experience, he was happy. But he also knows that there’s more out there and that’s the attitude that you kind of have to have as a head coach and even as a player. Anybody really. Being a journalist and everything like that, you always have to have more. You always have to find a way to get better and critique yourself. He’s been able to do that this offseason. He’s understanding the problems we had last year whether it be health or just not doing the correct things that we needed to do as an offense. We just are going to go out here and try to figure it out. He’s on the up and up. He’s in good spirits about everything.”
(You were one of the guys that had that Wednesday program which you weren’t a fan of. Obviously as a 30-year-old player, even though Mike came into the season saying this is what’s its going to be, now do you buy into it? Or how do you have to receive it as a 30-year-old player?) – “Yeah, I mean regardless of my age I’ve always been bought into taking care of players first and foremost. I think that’s the most important thing, especially throughout the season because it’s a long 17 games. You’ve got to factor in playoffs if you make it and then factor in if you’re going to the Super Bowl. I witnessed that back in 2019 when I was in San Fran. We had guys that stayed healthy. We didn’t lose pretty much anybody that year. For these Super Bowl teams that come in, you look at the Chiefs, they had nicks and bruises but they still were able to go at a high pace, high speed and get the job done and ultimately they’re considered champs. Regardless of any type of program, whether it be Wednesday if I like it or not, I just have to do what’s best for the team and that means preserving myself, which I know given my age, but like I said I’m still young at heart. I’m still young and I’m still a young back, so I’m out here still trying to prove that.”
(The NFL schedule, you already know who you’re going to play and where, but what’s left to be determine is the when and primetime games and all that. So I’m curious your level of interest in the actual schedule release itself to find out the particulars?) – “Yeah, I’m excited. I like looking at the schedule release and all the creatives behind it and stuff like that and how different teams go about releasing the schedule. But I’m just ready to play football at the end of the day, man. I’m ready to go out here and do some historic stuff and try to bring home a title. That’s all I can do. I don’t know. I look at the schedule and if we’re facing Seattle here, Seattle’s got to get whooped (laughter). It really doesn’t matter at the end of the day in regards to the schedule release, but I do like the creatives behind it.”
(Have you noticed any sort of difference in the mood of the players reporting to the offseason program this year compared to last year?) – “Not so much. Although it seems like a never-ending cycle with the defense. We’re always shuffling defensive coordinators and mixing the changeup and that aspect and bringing in newer guys. It’s a little bit of a change, but honestly everybody has a great spirit. Everybody is doing everything they possibly can to get better. I see the guys on the defensive side of the ball, they’re honing in on the craft. They are working on their craft. They’re doing their best to try to be great.”
