Odell Beckham Jr. – May 15, 2024
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Wednesday, May 15, 2024
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
(How does it feel to be in Miami for a longer period this time?) – “Usually you only come down here for a couple of days, but it’s a place that I enjoy. Beautiful weather and obviously a beautiful facility, organization, everything. An opportunity that I’m truly excited about.”
(What was it about this opportunity that sold you that this was the right choice for you?) – “I’m kind of just in a place in my life where it’s always been like this but truly just leaning on God and what he’s putting in front of me. This opportunity was the main one that kept being put in front of my face. I remember somebody asked me a few years ago if I would ever play for the Dolphins. I kind of shrugged it off, that it wasn’t really an idea. Obviously, I have a couple guys that I know down here, my brother Duke Riley, won a championship with Jalen (Ramsey). But Coach Mike (McDaniel) definitely is someone who – he sold it to me because it’s just his energy, we speak the same language (when) we’re talking, the conversations we had about football. Just the opportunity, like I said, is presenting itself. God put it in front of me and that’s kind of just where I went and rolled with it.”
(You mentioned Head Coach Mike McDaniel. What do you think his offense can do for you?) – “A lot. Just watching the film, just seeing what it is, it kind of reminds me of a place where I had a lot of success at as far as the Giants and timing and all those things he talks about and preaches. He was speaking football. We sat down for hours and we were just talking football. It just got me excited thinking about it. He pulled up my film compared to what they’re doing here and just kind of married the things. I’ve seen an opportunity, and I think time will tell at the end that this was the right decision.”
(How do you think your skillset will mesh with WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle?) – “I got to go get back on the track, I guess, for a second, because there’s some speed down here on this team. (laughter) I’ve never shied away from competition or anything like that. I just see – Coach (McDaniel) and I were talking about it. He was saying that on third downs, they were getting a lot of doubling both of them. There’s just a lot of room for opportunity looking at it. I think that it will be a great matchup. I think we all have different skillsets, but all the same skillsets in one – all people who make plays. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity.”
(Can you describe the role quarterback played in your decision? What is it about QB Tua Tagovailoa that you think will work out in this relationship?) – “I definitely was a little hesitant at first, because he’s a lefty and I think I shied away from lefties. But now that I think about it, I’ve been throwing with Jarvis Landry since I was 15 years old. One of my trainers is left-handed. They said he just throws different. They said the accuracy and the spin, they’re like it’s not really like he’s left-handed. Just watching his film, there’s a lot of great things that he’s been doing. He did it at Alabama, did it here with the Dolphins. Like I said, I’ve just seen an opportunity when I really watched the film, when I really sat down and didn’t look at a destination. I looked at myself in the mirror and a place for me and my career. I’ve just seen a lot of opportunity here.”
(You mentioned competition. You’ve long been the number one in every building. With WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle, what do you think that room, that competition will be like?) – “I think we all just push each other. And for me at this place in my life and my career, I haven’t been the number one in a minute. You could go look at targets, you could go look at anything, that’s not really where I’ve been at. So just understanding your role and how can you be the very best at that role, maximize those opportunities. Don’t look for more or less, just stay within that present moment and I think you’ll find a way to succeed.”
(How difficult is it for you as a guy that’s been there to accept that role? It’s a maturity process, obviously, to know what’s best for winning.) – “I think it’s not difficult at all anymore. I’m kind of past it. Things have happened over the stage of my career, things happen in life, you just take the punches and roll with it. And this is where I’m at. I think having a two-year-old gives you some patience and maturity. It’s just not something I really worry about. Like I say, however many opportunities I do have, being in the best position and making the most of those – it’s really that simple.”
(How satisfying is that to be in that part of your career?) – “It’s amazing. It gives you a huge sense of peace. I feel like I used to carry a lot of anger or resentment or whatever it was. Now I just feel at peace. You’re able to train, you’re able to play the game that you love again. You kind of get past all the business side or whatever could be holding you back. A part of me feels like this is an opportunity for it to just be football.”
(You played at all three positions, X, Y and Z, I believe. You’ve seen a lot of success out of those spots. Where do you think the Dolphins see the best version of Odell in 2024?) – “I don’t mind getting in there. I don’t feel like I’ve actually had an opportunity to play slot much, and it’s just such a different game in there. I’ve been very much X, by yourself, clouded, decoy-ish over there. I think that you have Jaylen (Waddle) and Tyreek (Hill) who guys are going to focus on so much that there’s room for opportunity. Like I said, when I really sat down and watched the film and understood what Coach (McDaniel) was talking about, I think I just – along with himself, I see something that other people aren’t seeing at the moment. Just like always, time will tell.”
(How do you feel two years removed from two serious injuries?) – “I feel great now. It’s been a tough road, starting with – I think it’s funny, it started with the ankle. It happened in a preseason game, I remember my main PT was like, ‘Don’t come back. Wait three or four weeks.’ We lost our first game in Dallas, I sat out. I remember it was Week 2, and I had been through so many seasons where I understood how important it is to start the season off strong. I came back too early and ended up shattering my ankle. A lot of things kind of happened from there. Tearing the ACL in the Super Bowl after getting ready to have one of my best performances, I’ve kind of talked about this on many occasions. But looking at it now, I’m just in a great position. Two years out of it, you feel healthy, you feel good. It’s not really the same problem that I had going on. Just excited to be at peace with my body, my mind and this opportunity.”
(How do you deal with expectations? This team has Super Bowl expectations. There’s going to be expectations on social media, there’s going to be personal expectations you have for yourself. Do you think about that sort of stuff every single day and use it to motivate you? Or do you just stick in the back and say, “I’m going to do me?”) – “Not to say I don’t think about it at all, but Baltimore was Super Bowl expectations. I don’t know if the Rams were really Super Bowl expectations, but I’ve been – each and every year, it doesn’t matter if you’re the worst team in the league. You go into there like, ‘Yo, we’re going to win a Super Bowl.’ Whether you really believe it or not, everybody is expecting or hoping that that’s what it’s going to be. For me, the expectations have kind of subsided, and it’s just about playing ball. It’s about coming in each and every day getting better one percent, because it’s a long journey to get to that Super Bowl road if you focus on that the entire time. It’s OK to have those goals and expectations, but if you focus on only that, you miss out on the day-to-day details on how to get to that actual point. I just kind of stay there. I’m going to always have my personal expectations, but it is what it is at this point. Like I said, I want to win a Super Bowl. I still dare to be great. There is a reason that I’m still doing this, still playing. The expectations are still there, but it’s not the end-all be-all for me.”
(You wound up signing about five weeks after you first visited the Dolphins on a free agent visit. Did you feel all along that it was going to get done? Or were there times you thought it wasn’t going to happen?) – “Just leave it up in God’s hands. At this point in my life, I kind of just go with the flow. After the way the season ended last year, it was kind of like an abrupt feeling. I wasn’t expecting to not win the Super Bowl, so I was expecting a different kind of offseason. But just kind of going with the flow and letting life take its course. There is no point in rushing anything because life is going to happen exactly how it’s supposed to happen anyway. That was just kind of it. But off the first meeting, I was very excited about the opportunity. Conversations came along, came along and then it just happened, and it happened very fast when it did happen. I remember getting off the phone with my agent and being like, ‘Yeah, this sounds good. Let’s figure out a way to do it.’ Then eight minutes later, my phone is blowing up. It all happened very fast. But again like I said, I can’t tell you enough how excited I am about the opportunity.”
(You mentioned the Super Bowl a couple of times. You won one in L.A. with CB Jalen Ramsey. How would you describe your relationship with CB Jalen Ramsey and maybe that first conversation when you realized you will be reunited?) – “That’s my dawg. He’s part of the reason I’m here. It kind of gave me that same feeling – I remember whatever you want to call it with Cleveland. I’m sitting at home and I’m finally in one place in my career where I get to make a decision of where I want to be, who I am and all of that. I ended up choosing the Rams. Jalen (Ramsey) and Von (Miller) are like, ‘Come home, bro. We’ve got a place for you. Your locker is right next to ours.’ Jalen was kind of saying the same thing this year. That worked out well, I’m hoping this can work out the same way.”
(How well did you know WR Tyreek Hill before joining the team? What have you gotten to know about him since?) – “We’ve connected a few times. I can’t say that we are best friends or anything like that, but just from speaking to him, I can tell that he loves football. I can tell he cares about his craft; he cares to be great. He’s a good person, a competitor. So I’m excited to be in that room. I‘m excited to be with somebody who is great, be around greatness, and someone who’s definitely going to be able to push me.”
(Do you feel like in this point in your career, is there anything left that you feel like you want to prove either to yourself or others?) – “I’m always here to prove something. I think to me, it’s about finishing strong, being able to end my career on my terms. I don’t know when that is – one year, two years, three years, however many God gives me. If this is my last season, it’s whatever, but it’s just about being able to end it on a strong note, to be able to put my best foot forward. I’ve given my entire life to this game. The way it kind of went in the middle of my career and even a little bit of last year, I just can’t go out like that. I’ve really, since I was three or four years old, given my life to this game. There’s no way I won’t finish it on a high note.”
(Being in Miami, we saw you at Formula 1 and how people reacted, how they were excited to have you here. How do you feel being here in Miami and having the support from all the fans?) – “Yeah, it’s funny enough, I’ve always gotten love whenever I came down here. Again, like I said when it happened fast, it was just supposed to be a weekend that I was down here. I had something to do with CashApp and a work trip and got to have fun all in one weekend. Then I signed and it was just a lot because I was at the race and everyone was excited about the Dolphins and the opportunity. It’s fun. It’s nice being – everybody, I feel like, wants to be loved just as humans. I don’t think any of us want to be hated. But definitely get a lot of love down here and excited to be able to do something special for this city.”
(Correct me if I’m wrong, but were you close to going to the Miami Hurricanes as a recruit?) – “Very close. Miami Hurricanes, I actually drove down here to the camp and came down here. They were like, ‘That’s the way you’ll get your offer.’ Very, very close. But I was easily swayed by Jarvis (Landry) and wherever he wanted to go, I was pretty much going to go. I was sold.”
(Does it feel full circle now then?) – “(laughter) It definitely is full circle, and even Jarvis (Landry) being a Dolphin. I remember I think it was my bye week or whatever it was, I would come pick him up from work. It was just funny, so it’s definitely a full circle moment.”
(Going back to something you said earlier, is this a team you could see yourself ending your career with and a place you can see yourself hanging it up in?) – “Yeah, if that’s God’s plan, then that’s what it is. For me, it’s about taking it just a day at a time. Go through this year, be the very, very best that I can for myself, this team, organization, all that. Try and win a Super Bowl, that’s it. If more is to come after that, I’m definitely open to it, but it’s just about focusing up on this year.”
(You’ve mentioned kind of the middle of your career. I’m curious, have you been able to internalize that? You had such an amazing, historic start and then just the bad luck with injuries is kind of how it’s gone for you?) – “Yeah, I definitely – there’s no way that I haven’t not thought about it. Like you said, an incredible start and then just the way that life goes, things happen to people. But I think my favorite thing speaking on myself is resiliency. It’s about – give me the best of the best in the world and put them through what I’ve been through at the highest level and let me see them rebound and bounce and still be here to this day standing in front of whoever still daring to be great, still trying with all the things that get to be said about you and all that. I’m just going to keep going, I’m a competitor. Now that’s why it’s kind of like forget the middle part. We read a book. The start is going to capture us, we read the body of the story and then how is it going to end? That’s kind of where I’m at, let’s have a great ending to this story.”
(With your image, you’ve talked about a couple things that have been said about you. What is the biggest misconception that you think is put out there about who OBJ is?) – “(laughter) I mean, I feel like you’ll get to see who I am as a person. It’s just funny, it’s just the way the world works. I feel like the world doesn’t like the unknown, so we have to put our finger on something and identify it. Earlier on in my career, I had amazing years and then I was a bad person. Then the middle of my career, I became a good person but then I wasn’t playing good. Now I’m a good person – it is what it is. People are going to say whatever they are going to say regardless. I know who I am and I’m comfortable in my own skin, so I can always walk ten toes down. I was raised the right way, so I’m never worried about what somebody has to say about me. Never out to prove that I am something that I’m not. ‘I am who I am,’ is tatted on me, and that’s just the way I live.”
(Do you plan on hosting any football camps for the youth down here?) – “For sure. My mom and I already talked about it. It’ll probably be right before camp at the end of July. Yeah, definitely planning on that. Always that.”
(You went straight Miami Vice. What went into the fit?) – “It’s just matched the vibes, the Miami Vice vibes. Look good, feel good, play good kind of thing. It’s just fun.”
(Do you already have a spot down here?) – “I do. I was thinking about living in a condo, but then the other day, I was in a condo and getting in the elevator with 10 or 15 – I don’t know. (laughter) So I’ve got to figure something out, but again like I said, I’m super excited about this opportunity. Looking forward to being here. It’s just a blessing from God, and I’m super grateful.”
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.”
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