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Chris Grier – April 25, 2019 (Round 1) Download PDF version

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.”

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