Gerrid Doaks – May 14, 2021
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Friday, May 14, 2021
RB Gerrid Doaks
(I just wanted to start off here and ask you about the difference in terms of classroom setting from the college game to the pros. How’s that kind of acclimation period been for you so far in the early going?) – “When it comes down to just learning, playing football, it’s pretty similar; but I’m just trying to come in and learn everything and get to know my teammates as best as possible.”
(When it comes to looking at the backfield in terms of what team you’re coming into, does it help that you know the two guys had the opportunity to play last year were a former seventh-round pick and then also a guy who was picked up off the waiver wire – an undrafted rookie?) – “I don’t think any of that matters, really. I’m just trying to come in, get to know my teammates, get to learn the playbook and become the best team that we can.”
(What was the most impressive thing you saw on the field today and what was the most impressive thing you did on the field today – you personally?) – “I wouldn’t say anything specific. I’m just trying to come in and like I said, learn the playbook, get comfortable with being here and learning all my teammates and how they play, just trying to get to know everybody and become a better teammate.”
(How about what you saw from somebody else?) – “I feel like that’s just something you’ve got to stay tuned to see. (laughter)”
(I think in these past three minutes, I think you’ve said three or four times that you’re trying to learn your teammates. Maybe what’s one thing you have learned? It doesn’t have to be on the field, but maybe who’s the funniest guy so far in the class, who you’re vibing with in the classroom or on the field? Just maybe a tidbit that you learned about someone in the class.) – “Everybody’s pretty cool. We’re still getting to try to know each other, but we feel real comfortable with each other so far.”
(As the beard resident on the Dolphins beat, I’d like to congratulate you on a very nice beard that you have there. You can fit in really well here, especially with me. I wanted to ask you what was – with earlier picks, you kind of have the idea of how the teams reach out to the player, where first conversations started. I guess where did the Dolphins first make contact with you and how was your relationship like whoever did make contact with you whether it’s Co-Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Eric Studesville or not?) – “With all due respect, I’m here now. Everything that happened in the past is in the past. I’m just trying to be here and get to know my team and learn the playbook and make the team become better as a team.”
(Obviously you’re not yet running a ton of practice plays early in this minicamp, but just being around WR Jaylen Waddle, I’m sure obviously you saw Alabama on TV. Any initial impressions of him in terms of how fast or explosive he is that was evident to you on the field?) – “Knowing Jaylen, he’s a great player; but I think we’re all just here trying to do the same thing. We’ve all got the same mindset – just come in and work hard and learn the playbook and get to know the teammates. Like I said, just make this team better as a team.”
(What kind of running back are you? What are some strengths that you believe you bring to the table as a player and as a person to the organization?) – “I’m just trying to be a back that can do anything the team needs, really. I’m not going to limit myself, so I’m just trying to help the team.”
(Just to follow up on that, so I understand you not wanting to limit yourself, so let’s do this. What part of your game would you say would need the most improvement based on where you are now in your game?) – “I honestly can’t really answer that for you right now. I feel comfortable with where I’m at, but there’s always room for improvement in everything, in every aspect of the game. So as time goes, I’m just going to try to make myself the best Gerrid Doaks I can be.”
Larnel Coleman – May 14, 2021
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Friday, May 14, 2021
T Larnel Coleman
(I just want to get your take on the first day of practice and how the first weekend of getting in the classroom, getting around the coaches and your teammates, and putting a helmet on and playing some football, how is it going for you so far?) – “It’s been going amazing. Just getting out there and being with the team, being with my teammates and whatnot, it is an unbelievable experience and everything. I’m really happy to be here, really happy to keep learning and keep improving. It’s just been really good.”
(How good a group could this rookie offensive line be? With T Liam Eichenberg obviously, he didn’t give up a sack the last two years. You were highly regarded. Some people thought you might have been a fourth or fifth rounder. Robert Jones is a guy who could’ve easily been drafted. How good could the three of you be as a class of linemen?) – “Honestly, we’re all improving day by day. We’re taking each minute, each moment, just one step at a time. Right now we’re just focused on the current moment and getting better each day.”
(Do they have you at both tackle spots early on? Has coach indicated to you where you will be?) – “Everybody has been switching each position, just trying to get the best feel for us and whatnot. Everybody has been everywhere.”
(One of the other writers likened offensive line play – right tackle to left tackle – kind of as wiping your back side. It’s very different when you switch sides. It’s like using different hands. Do you have that same feeling? What is it like switching from the tackle positions? What kind of goes through your mind and what goes into learning both positions?) – “Honestly for me, it’s never been too difficult to me. It’s just opposite. I guess at least for me, it’s been very easy to be like ‘ok, I did this on this side, let’s just flip it for this side.’ I don’t really see too much of a difference. Obviously you have one foot up instead of the other one, but I don’t think it’s that big of a difference.”
(You say that it’s not really that difficult for you, but do you have a side that you would prefer to be on if you had your choice?) – “Honestly, I’m going to do whatever the team needs. I’m a team player at the end of the day. Wherever I fit in, that’s what I’m going to do.”
(You talk about your teammates and I know that’s a big mentality here, team-first players. Is there a specific theme you’ve noticed with your fellow draft class here, in terms of what guys are like and your first impression on your new teammates here?) – “Yeah, the vibe that I get off everybody is that everybody is here to work. We’re all here to improve and be the best as we possibly can for each other, the team and the organization. They come off as ready to work.”
(Has anybody challenged you to a game of basketball or vice versa yet?) – “(laughter) Nothing just yet. Maybe soon.”
(What was the message from Head Coach Brian Flores at the start today about what he wanted you guys to accomplish this weekend?) – “He told us that this is a real learning weekend. Make sure you are in your playbook, especially getting used to the weather down here and everything. Just making sure that we come out of this weekend healthy and that we come out better in terms of knowing the playbook and everything. That’s really what it was.”
Jaylen Waddle – May 14, 2021
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Friday, May 14, 2021
WR Jaylen Waddle
(This morning, the news came out about your contract. What did it mean for you to get it done before you hit the field? You were the first pick of, I think, the top 15 or 20 picks to get it done; so what does that mean for you?) – “Of course, it’s a blessing. But it was really just time to get back to work. I was really trying to make it to practice (on time).”
(I wanted to ask you about last season in college and kind of the four games you played, where it seemed like you really showed more of your evolution as a route-runner. I’m curious about how that process went for you in terms of making every route look the same and really expanding your route tree. What did that season for you last year at Alabama under Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian do for your long-term prognosis here in the NFL?) – “I think it just showcased a lot of ability that was in question. I really showed my route-running ability and he just gave me an opportunity to showcase talent.”
(I just wanted to get your impressions of the Dolphins coaching staff and what it’s like working now with an NFL coaching staff.) – “It’s great. Honestly, everyone here is like real personable. You can go up and talk to them and they’re willing to coach you. All of the things that you look for in a good organization, a good club, is pretty much here.”
(Your first practice in a rookie minicamp, what was the most impressive thing you saw? What was the most impressive thing you did?) – “The most impressive thing that I saw was the sun wasn’t out and it was cloudy. (laughter) That was like the most impressive thing … that was really it.”
(Obviously you have a history with QB Tua Tagovailoa. When you got drafted by the Dolphins, how excited were you to know that you were going to get to hook up with your former college teammate now in the NFL?) – “I’m just excited to just really be a part of the team and be a part of the organization. I’m just learning new things and going out there to compete, honestly. The call was great. I’m just trying to compete and just learn and fit in.”
(Have you communicated with QB Tua Tagovailoa much since you’ve now been drafted by the Dolphins? How has that been like?) – “Definitely. If I’ve got questions, I call him and he gives me advice and helps me out. I definitely talk to him.”
(This may seem like a very simple question but at what point in your life, do you feel like you realized that you were fast and faster than everybody else?) – “I don’t know, honestly. (laughter) I don’t know.”
(Pop Warner? Little league?) – “I’ve always had pretty good speed just growing up. I don’t really remember like, ‘this is the day.’”
(The one moment or few games I did see you play, I think the moment for me when I realized you were that dude was the Auburn game where you just kind of crossed your arms after every touchdown that you scored in that game. What is that feeling like when you get the ball, you get into the end zone, the crowd is going wild, you’re putting points on the scoreboard and you cross your hands like that? What’s the feeling of emotion and going through your mind? What’s going through your body when you get to do all of these things on the field?) – “Obviously that was great but that’s kind of in the past and none of that is going to help me out now. I’ve got to just keep working and try to get better each and every day. But really, that’s in the past and it’s not going to do anything for me now.”
(But just your excitement as a football player. Like when you get to score a touchdown and make a play, how does that make you feel as a person?) – “It feels good, of course. Just helping out the team. Making a big play for the team, it’s obviously going to feel good.”
(What’s the experience this week been like for you? Do you have a roommate? Aside from QB Tua Tagovailoa and DT Raekwon Davis, is there anybody on the team that you know or that you’ve touched base with? What has been Head Coach Brian Flores’ message to the team, or at least the rookies, this week?) – “Yeah, just being around all of the new guys has been a great part of this weekend. Getting to know everybody, getting familiar with everybody, being in the facility, of course. We’re all just learning. It’s our first couple of days and we’re honestly just learning and trying to learn and really be in the right place and be in the right spots.”
(I had an idea to write a story about the name Jaylen. I know that you and LB Jaelan Phillips spell it differently but there’s a lot of athletes who are about your age who have the name Jaylen. And a lot of them were named after Jalen Rose. I’m wondering where Jaylen came from – was it Jalen Rose or something else? And do you have any kind of plan to have you or Phillips go by a nickname so there’s no confusion when coach says Jaylen?) – “Yeah, as far as the name, my mom did name me after Jalen Rose. I don’t know how you knew that. That’s kind of weird. (laughter)”
(It’s a popular thing, actually. A lot of kids who are about 20 years old were named after Jalen Rose.) – “Yeah, for sure. I was named after Jalen Rose. I know Jaelan Phillips goes by ‘J.P.’ I go by what I go by. That’s kind of what I call him.”
(The ‘Magic’ nickname, does anybody use that? Or did that get dropped now that you’re in the pros?) – “No, that’s dropped. (laughter)”
(Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban is very complimentary of your skillset as a teammate. And then also, we saw you get emotional talking about your Alabama teammates on draft night. I was just wondering what have you noticed about your teammates here in Miami, this rookie class, in the early going? Is there kind of one theme that connects to all of you guys? Is there a certain class clown that sticks out? What have you noticed about your new teammates here in this rookie class?) – “Everyone is like – you know why everyone is here. Everyone is like really talented, really focused and all got to go. I think that’s important just in the class and that’s something that I can say stands out when you get here and get to meet and be around the guys.”
(Now that you’ve got the contract all wrapped up, what are you either going to buy yourself or someone else? What are you going to splurge on?) – “I don’t have anything in mind right now. I’m really just trying to learn everything right here. Money and all of that is not really on my mind.”
(What makes QB Tua Tagovailoa a good leader?) – “He’s just a natural leader, honestly. He’s just a natural-born leader. He’s confident. He knows what to do. He’s very smart. Everything you look for in a leader, I feel like Tua showcases and presents.”
(We know your speed is obviously going to translate to this level but have you wondered to yourself, are you kind of curious, to what extent it will in terms of are you going to consistently run past defensive backs at the NFL level? Have you thought about that? What does your instinct tell you?) – “Honestly, I’m just trying to learn the plays and be where I need to be. I’m not really thinking that far into that. I’m just trying to do what the team wants me to do and really just learn everything, be in the right position, not make the same mistake twice and things like that.”
(If I was as fast as you, I would cross my arms after every time I scored a touchdown. I would talk [expletive] and be that dude if I were you. What keeps you humble? What are some things that keep you very, very levelheaded like you’ve shown with us here today?) – “Just knowing where I came from. My mom, my parents, my teammates and everyone that helped me get to this point really just keep me humble. With everything that I’ve had to do to get to this point, there’s no time to be complacent or things like that.”
Gerrid Doaks – May 1, 2021
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Saturday, May 1, 2021
RB Gerrid Doaks
(If you could just first explain what you’re feeling right now but also walk us through your journey? In 2017, it looked like you led the team in rushing and then 2018 you had to sit out. Then in 2019, you were at the back of the depth chart and then this past year it looked like you led the team in rushing. So you went from the top to back to the top. What does this all mean for you?) – “Right now, I’m beyond excited. I’m excited to be a Dolphin. Back when I was at Cincy in 2017, ever since then I’ve dealt with different things, dealt with adversity; but I overcame all those things and got back to where I was at first and now I’m able to be here and play in Miami as a Dolphin. I’m excited.”
(I was watching some of your clips and it looked like you bring the wood when you hit. Is that your favorite thing to do, to run somebody over and lay a hit on somebody?) – “I mean yeah, I’ve got the size. Why not wear down the defense? I’m just here to run hard and just give it my all.”
(What was it like for you going into the final picks in the draft? I know a lot of times you’re trying to negotiate maybe a UDFA deal if you don’t get drafted and then you get picked right at the end. What was that like the last hour and emotion like for you?) – “It was – I can’t really describe it but all I can say is I’m just happy to be here, be in Miami, be a Dolphin. I’m ready to give it my all.”
(If I could just kind of follow up from earlier about the adversity you overcame, I read that the coaches at Cincinnati, they were very impressed with your ability to overcome the adversity and your drive to do that, and you also described in another article I’m reading here that that was your biggest thing you overcame in your career – that hernia injury. Can you talk about that a little bit and what that meant to you and how you were able to kind of prove to the coaches that you had what it took to overcome that?) – “After that injury, I was in a pretty down place, but I’m pretty close with all my teammates at Cincy, so they kind of helped me realize how important I was on the team and just became really close with the teammates and they kind of helped motivate me to get back to where I was. And that’s the bond I plan on having with my teammates in Miami.”
(I wanted to ask you about your vision for yourself and what was this process like for you going through the draft not knowing if teams were going to select you? Obviously you get into the seventh round, other teams are calling – did you have a deal worked out before Miami actually drafted you or did you know they were going to draft you?) – “When it comes to this process, it’s all about patience. You’ve just got to take it step-by-step and I’m very grateful that Miami is the place I’m at now.”
(I think we’ve both seen your tape when you’re running with the ball, but we just got off Zoom with Head Coach Brian Flores and he also talked about your blocking ability and special teams as well. Can you kind of speak about all-around in regards to your skillset and why you’re so versatile in that regard?) – “In Cincy, we were just training to be ready in every aspect – run the ball, got to be able to protect the quarterback. Those are things that make big plays, so I’m just happy to transfer those over to the NFL and just make the Dolphins a better team.”
(I want to go back to the interview I’m reading here and you had a question posed to you about a dinner party with anyone dead or alive and you mentioned Dave Chappelle, Kobe Bryant and Marshawn Lynch. I’m wondering what are you cooking for that and what do you bring to the table at that party?) – “I think cooking – just probably some barbecue, just a good old barbecue. Ribs, burgers, all that. And just have a good old time. Those are all guys that I look up to. They’re all professional. They all just bring comedy, professionalism all to the table – things you can learn.”
(I know you were coming off that injury in the conference title game. What exactly happened and where are you with the rehab?) – “At the time I had a high-ankle sprain, but I’m 100 percent and ready to go.”
(You mentioned Marshawn Lynch in that answer with the dinner. I’m guessing he’s going to be on this list for this question, but who are some backs that you study or look up to growing up and even up to now?) – “I don’t really have like a single back or group of backs. I look up – every back that’s played in the league has been great. I’m looking to be the next great back that people can remember.”
(And just one last follow-up doing stories on where guys are when they’re drafted – are you with your family? What part of the country are you in and who was with you when you got the call?) – “I’m in Indianapolis, Indiana, right now. My family is downstairs. It was great. It was a great moment.”
Chris Grier and Brian Flores – May 1, 2021
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Saturday, May 1, 2021
General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Brian Flores
Chris Grier:
(Obviously you guys made the trade to get a pick for next year. What kind of went into that decision to send it off for a pick next year?) – “We were just going through the process, as always, with the board and the draft as it’s going. A team called and was willing to move up. So Pittsburgh called and they offered a fourth next year, and for us, with where we were at the point in the draft and our board, we thought the opportunity to acquire a fourth-round pick next year was too good to pass up. That was just really the genesis – looking at our board and where we were in terms of our picks thus far and the roster. That’s just kind of where we decided the fourth-round pick was really good value for us at that point.”
(I wanted to ask General Manager Chris Grier – and I do ask this question every year – how big was your draft board, if you can give me a number? And where did you feel comfortable in the third day in terms of depth with this draft class. Also, I wanted to know about the complications that possibly COVID and no medicals and no in-house visits created for this draft.) – “In terms of the numbers and where we were, we were very similar to where we always were in terms of numbers. We’re very cognizant of that when we go through it just to make sure we’re not doing anything out of the ordinary in terms of where the numbers of each draft round were. So we were very similar to where it was last year and the last couple years. In terms of COVID and the medicals and the lack of in-person interviews, it was a challenge but it was a challenge for everybody. I think (Head Athletic Trainer) Kyle (Johnston) and his staff did a great job. I would say the coaches and scouts spent a lot of time on Zoom and phone calls getting to know a lot of these players. It was a lot of man hours. I really appreciate all the work the coaches and scouts have done. They’ve been a great help and resource for Brian (Flores) and I to make these decisions. It was a challenge, but we felt very comfortable, very good in our process and we feel we have really good people. At the end of the day, it was business as usual and it was a pretty smooth draft for us.”
(Several of us yesterday asked questions about the running back position. You were able to use your last pick on RB Gerrid Doaks. Could you speak on what you expect him to bring to the table and what you guys learned about him throughout the pre-draft process?) – “It was similar. Brian (Flores), myself and the scouts and coaches, as you watched him more and more as the year went on – because they had a good team, a good year. They’ve done a nice job there. Coach (Luke) Fickell and his staff have a done a good job with that program. He is a tough, physical runner but plays the game with energy, passion. He’s got toughness, he’s got power. So he was someone that we looked at and we started talking about him in the later parts of the draft and Brian, myself – we’re very excited about him. He plays on special teams as well, so he’s a team guy and just kind of working through that process and talking to the coaching staff there and stuff, this kid was a very high-character player that loves football. He’s smart. Again, we’re excited to get him. He’s a big back that plays hard, he’s tough, he’s team-oriented and he’s a smart player.”
(My question is how much better do you feel about the roster now than you did at the end of the season?) – “It’s hard to say. We feel good about the moves we’ve made; but at the end of the day, when you go through it, the players have to go and perform and we’re excited. We have a very good coaching staff, and we think these players are the right types of kids to come in and develop and again, we’re always working through the roster trying to churn it over and work to improve. So we feel we’re in a good place right now, but it’s just getting started. The offseason program is here and players will start coming in – the ones that are around – and so for us, we feel good where we are, but it’s a long ways to go before we kick off in September.”
(I wanted to ask you about T Larnel Coleman and kind of his background as a former basketball player and the wingspan, the good Pro Day and all that stuff that he had. I’m curious, both these guys you guys took in the seventh round have good athletic profiles. How important is that to you at this stage of the draft and is that kind of a long-term projection in terms of how they develop?) – “As we talk about it, that’s a big part of it. These guys we feel have very good upside and they’re good athletes, but they’re also smart kids. They’re very competitive kids; so yeah, as you look at all those traits that you like there, when you’re looking at players late in the draft, and if they meet – we’re talking about in terms of toughness, competitive, smart, team-oriented and then the athletic ability. And both of these guys were good players for the team. Larnel (Coleman) did a nice job through the postseason, too, his all-star game. So for us, we’re excited to get them. We do think they have a lot of potential. They’ll come in, they’re going to work and we’re very confident in our staff in terms of developing them as well.”
Brian Flores:
(I wanted to ask Head Coach Brian Flores a couple questions. With LB Benardrick McKinney, we never really got to follow up with you in terms of what your vision is for him when you guys traded for him and also I wanted to ask about RB Malcolm Brown. Obviously a lot of Dolphins fans and media members are kind of hung up on that help wasn’t brought into the running back room especially early, but you guys did sign Malcolm Brown. What’s the vision for him and what did you guys see in him to make him a pick up in free agency?) – “Malcolm (Brown) – we really like him. Played against him this year with the Rams, and did a lot of things for them – short yardage, third down; he’s somebody who was reliable, dependable and was productive for those guys. He’s been productive really throughout the course of his career. He played in a variety of roles, so short yardage, third down, goal line, things of that nature; so we thought he’d be a good addition to the room along with Myles (Gaskin), along with Salvon (Ahmed). And obviously we’re adding (Gerrid) Doaks to the mix now. B-Mac, I’ve watched him and scouted him for a long time. He’s big, fast, physical, really good in the run game. I think he’s a good pass rusher. Versatile on the ball, off the ball and smart. And my conversations with him already have been about how much do we think he can do, how much do we think – I think he can handle a lot, so I think we’ll see him in a lot of different roles on the line of scrimmage, off the line of scrimmage, on the edge, blitzing. And hopefully we get him in here and get him going with our terminology, our verbiage, get him in with his teammates. It’s one thing for one person to do it, but he’s obviously going to be working with several other teammates and we’ve just got to get him going along with the rest of the group.”
(If I can just follow up from there off the running back question with Head Coach Brian Flores. I know we saw RB Myles Gaskin over the last couple years – I guess with him coming back, it looks like he’s got a chance to be that lead back again. What have you seen from him over the last two years and where do you hope he can still make more growth so that he can take even more advantage of his opportunity?) – “I think I saw a lot of growth from Year 1 to Year 2. I think we all saw that. When he goes in the game, he’s productive. He missed a number of games last year due to injury, but when he was in there, he was productive in the run game and the pass game and the protection game. Same thing with (Salvon) Ahmed. He’s going to have to get his feet wet a little bit, but he got better over the course of the season. And then we add Malcolm Brown. But I think as far as specific to Myles, who you mentioned, he’s a hard-working kid. It’s important to him and he’s going to do everything possible to get every bit of production out of himself. Same thing with Salvon and I think we’ll get the same out of Malcolm Brown also.”
(If I could follow with that, it seemed like a common theme for you guys offensively this offseason was to add protection to playmakers. What does that do not only for the passing game with the speed you have, but also for the running game?) – “I think it does a lot. I think if you’ve got guys who can run on the perimeter, if you load the box, there’s more opportunity for one-on-one matchups and opportunities downfield. Defenses have to make that decision when you have those types of players on the field and again, if you don’t load the box and you play for those big plays, then there’s less people in the box and less people to block and I think it really becomes kind of a numbers math game. If you get those guys blocked, there’s more space to run. So there’s a lot to this and as you guys know – you guys watch and have seen a lot of football and understand the game – so when you have guys on the perimeter and guys who demand some attention – that kind of attention – then there could be more space and there may not be. And if that’s the case, then we’ve got to take advantage of those matchups on the perimeter. It’s a chess game, as you all know, and obviously the run game and how you attack the run game, that’s part of it.”
(My question for you is kind of similar to the question I asked General Manager Chris Grier about the roster. I wrote down here – how much closer is the roster composition after free agency and adding four players – and I know there’s more than four, but four players who some thought could go in the first round – how much closer is the roster composition in terms of talent and fit to what you need to have to win big?) – “I think we like the guys that we added this weekend, but I’ll say this – and hopefully the rookies get ahold of this and are listening – these guys have a long way to go. They’ve never played in an NFL game. They’ve never stepped foot in an NFL meeting or a walkthrough or anything. So to put – I wouldn’t call it ‘pressure,’ but to sit here and – they’ve got a long way to go. So it’s our jobs as coaches to help these guys get acclimated, learn the system, learn the terminology, learn how we practice, learn how we walkthrough, how to become a professional. It’s not like you just jump in and you can do it, so we’ll get them coached up, but we like the talent that we’ve added this year, last year and hopefully – Chris (Grier) and his staff, I think they do a great job – and hopefully – we just got done with the draft. I know he’s probably sitting there trying to figure out what the next thing we’re going to do is. I’m happy with it, but what really matters is the guys that we added and the guys that are already on the team, putting in the work here in this offseason and then when we get them in meetings and we take them to the walkthrough and really take it one day at a time and try to improve and get better.”
(I’d like to ask you a question kind of related to what was asked at the very start regarding this whole process in a pandemic. What was it like for you? I know you like to try to get to know these guys as much as you can. How challenging was it for you to do this given the restraints you had? In particular, I’m sure coaching the Senior Bowl, there is never a bad year to be coaching the Senior Bowl but how much of an advantage and help did you find it to be in particular this year?) – “I think we got a lot out of coaching the Senior Bowl. We met a lot of these players, got to spend some face-to-face time with them. I thought it was good, I thought it was advantageous for us. As far as this COVID/pandemic year, like everyone else we’ve had to adjust. You guys have had to adjust of not being able to do this in-person with us or with players. Everyone has had to adjust and we’ve done the same. I’ve gotten more Zoom time and FaceTime. I’ve gotten used to that. You adjust, be flexible. I feel like I’ve got a good feel of all the guys we’ve selected through Zoom. It’s always good to look them right in the eye; but we’re just not able to do that right now. It’s no different than you’re in a game and you’ve got to make adjustments and somebody’s out and you’ve got to put somebody else in or somebody loses a shoe and you’ve got to adjust. I think our staff, and Chris (Grier)’s staff, and you guys as well, everyone has made adjustments in this pandemic this year. That’s just what it is. We were still able to get to know the players and we selected the guys that we feel really good about.”
(I wanted to ask about the offensive line, particularly the decision to move G Ereck Flowers and his contract. When you make a decision like that to remove a starter, obviously you feel like there is somebody in-house that can fill that void. What are some of the things that you envision for G/T Robert Hunt and G Solomon Kindley and G/T Jesse Davis and G Michael Deiter in the second year of them being together? Also, can you explain why Offensive Line Coach Lemuel Jeanpierre was ready to be called up as the lead offensive line coach?) – “I’ll answer the first part of that first. I think any time you move on from a player, the process there is ‘how are you going to replace that player; who is behind that player?’ That is the first thing you think of. If you don’t have confidence in whatever that decision is going to be – whether there is a player there or there is a player you think you’re going to get – then you don’t make that decision. Chris (Grier) and I and our staff, we kind of go through that. You mentioned Ereck Flowers and those are hard decisions to make. We made them with the idea and intent to play some of those younger guys you mentioned –Solomon, Robert. Not to get into the weeds with this, but we felt pretty comfortable that we were going to be able to add a couple of offensive linemen in this draft, as well. Those are hard decisions; but that’s the job also. As far as ‘Lem’ (Lemuel Jeanpierre), I think the world of ‘Lem.’ He was here a year ago and his energy in practice and his acumen about the game – run game, protection, opponents. When you walk into his office and you ask a question, be ready for a dissertation and be ready to get educated on football. Oftentimes if I’ve got somewhere to go, I’ll just put my head down and keep walking or else ‘Lem’ will grab me in there and ask me about this defense or this front and what happens. ‘I’m going to do this, if you do this.’ It’s a back and forth and he’s that way with the players. He’s got a great rapport with the players. We saw that last year and I think he’s going to do a heck of a job.”
(Going back to the selection of S Jevon Holland yesterday, and you added CB Justin Coleman this offseason as well. You talked on the night one press conference about how you can never have enough pass rushers. Looking over this crop of defensive backs you guys have and you’ve brought in over the past few years, would you say that’s the same deal with defensive backs? You can never have enough of those players?) – “It’s a passing league. I think we all know that. You need to be able to defend the pass. You’ve got to defend the run also; but if you just look at the percentages and strictly the numbers, it’s a passing league. In my opinion – and Chris (Grier) and I have had many discussions about this – we want to be able to defend the deep part of the field, limit explosive plays. In order to do that, the guys who are back there are the defensive backs. I think Chris puts an emphasis on that with the scouts and we talk about the back end constantly. We feel like it’s important. We feel like all of it’s important. I hate to kind of talk about one thing because every position from the nose tackle to the three technique to the linebackers, it all plays as one. But at the end of the day, there is nothing a nose tackle can do about a 50-yard ball. We put an emphasis on that. The next thing we’ve got to do is get them coached up. It’s one thing to add players. It’s another thing to get them coached up and get them all on the same page so we can try to defend these offenses that are very good in this league.”
(I guess you guys are probably going to be going out to the field sometime this month with a lot of the guys earlier than you were last year. Where are you guys with co-offensive coordinators Eric Studesville and George Godsey in terms of implementing the offense and what advantage it is to put it in earlier this year in person than maybe last year?) – “We’re into it as far as install and scheduling and how we plan to play. We’re pretty far along. Getting the players in – you can Zoom all you want but you’ve got to Zoom the install and get on the field. That’s really how they learn. Once we’re able to get these guys in here, obviously we have a schedule and install plan that’s going to work incrementally so that they can get the information and be able to execute it. I think it’s going well, it really is. I meet with these guys every other day and we talk about what’s going in, what’s the process, about how they are learning it, here is the verbiage, the terminology, is there a better way to get it to them to simplify things. It’s been good. But in our conversations, that’s one thing – and I think it’s going to work as far as the install and how we implement it, but it’s another thing once you get them on the field. We’re looking forward to that, getting them out here, getting them in a walkthrough setting, getting them in a practice setting, and that’s the fun part.”
Larnel Coleman – May 1, 2021
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Saturday, May 1, 2021
T Larnel Coleman
(How surprised were you that Miami selected you? Had they been showing interest in this process the whole time? And what’s this experience like for you?) – “This experience, I’m not going to lie, it’s really just magical. It’s been real stressful going throughout the day and just hearing my name called by this team, it means so much to me. I just can’t wait to work once I get down there and whatnot. It’s just really a blessing. I’m really happy that this team selected me.”
(Did you have conversations with the Dolphins throughout the process? I know you’re a UMass guy. I think a lot of people don’t know a ton about you, so can you tell us a little about what you’re going to bring to Miami?) – “Yeah, for sure. Being a UMass guy, (I’m) a really underrated guy; but I’m definitely going to come and give my all to this team. I’m going to make sure I get to know my teammates the best I possibly can and really try to get this season going on the best foot possible. I’m really trying to go in there and do whatever it is the team needs me to do. I’m really trying to make a difference there.”
(Were you wearing that Air Jordan aqua shirt already or did you just throw that on right now?) – “I ain’t going to lie, I threw this on after I took a shower. I was cooling with it the entire day. It just happens to be a real cool coincidence, I ain’t going to lie to you. It’s definitely cool.”
(We looked at your bio. We saw that you played some basketball and some different positions across the board. How do you think that versatility and moreso athleticism benefits being able to protect on the line both in the rush and pass game?) – “I think all of my athleticism from prior sports is going to really help me shine and whatnot and help this team as much as possible. I feel like I’ve got a lot to bring to this team and I can’t wait to get on the field and prove it.”
(How would you describe the approach that you plan to take in your first pro training camp?) – “My approach is to make sure I’m on top of everything. Everything that the coaching staff asks of me, I’m going to do it do it times 10. I’ve got to want – I’ve got to prove myself just like anybody else. I’m trying to help this team, like I said before. I’m going to do everything times 10, do whatever it takes.”
(I know you played a lot of left and right tackle. Where do you think you fit best going into the league?) – “I’m real versatile, so whatever it is the team needs me to play, I can play it. I’m real athletic, so I can do just about everything. Whatever the team needs me to do, I’m willing to do it.”
(What do you think is the strength of your game? What is the calling card? What does Larnel bring to the table as an offensive lineman?) – “As an offensive lineman – for one, I tell everybody straight positive energy. You’ll never see me have a bad day, for one. And two, just aggressiveness. I’m on the field, I’m a dog; so you’re going to see it every play. I’d say I bring that as an offensive lineman.”
(You played some tight end, some defensive line according to your bio. When you really came into the offensive line role, who were some guys that you studied or looked up to and modeled your game after in regards to offensive line?) – “I studied a lot of people. A lot of prior teammates and also a lot of offensive lineman like David Bakhtiari. I model my game after myself. I may pick up a couple of things; but at the end of the day, I’m trying to make sure I’m the best version of myself at all times.”
(We saw a tweet that you have almost an 85-inch wingspan. That’s TE Kyle Pitts like. How can you use that to your advantage?) – “You will definitely see it in my pass-blocking game. I’ve got to use my arms to keep defenders off my quarterback. You’re definitely going to see me use it in those situations.”
(Are you familiar with South Florida? Have you been here?) – “I’ve only been to Florida one time and that was when I was a kid going to Disney World. I’m definitely looking forward to getting down there and start working.”
(Do you have experience snapping or is that not something that you’ve ever done?) – “I actually stated practicing snapping actually. That’s something I’m getting more and more comfortable with each and every day.”
(I’m reading about your love of basketball and I’m curious, when did that go by the boards, and how do you think it helps you on the football field?) – “I’ve loved basketball since I was a kid. My father had me and my brother in camps since we were real young. For me, I think defensive basketball is the same thing as playing offensive line or at least playing tackle, I would say. I feel like a lot of that athleticism is definitely going to translate to the field, and it has been I think, as you can see on my film.”
Hunter Long – April 30, 2021
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Friday, April 30, 2021
TE Hunter Long
(Obviously you made a good impression on the Miami Dolphins during the Senior Bowl. What do you think it was that really caught their eye?) – “I don’t know if it was one particular thing. I think I went down there, I was able to show what I could do and build connections with all of the coaches. I was able to talk with them throughout the week. It was an awesome week for me and obviously I built a great connection with them. I don’t know if there was one thing that really stood out. I guess they could probably tell you that. But it was awesome to get to know them down there and it was a fun week.”
(Head Coach Brian Flores, we just finished talking to him and he was talking you up and sharing thoughts on you guys and his school. Can you talk a little bit about the Boston College program, and following up on the last question on any interactions you may have had with him that were memorable from the Senior Bowl? Obviously it left a good impression on them.) – “Obviously the BC program is known as being a hard-nosed, tough program. It breeds guys like Coach Flores. He’s an awesome guy. Obviously I got to know him at the Senior Bowl a lot. I don’t know if there is one moment I can share but obviously throughout the week, I was able to talk to him and build a relationship with him. It was awesome down there for me.”
(How much did you and Head Coach Brian Flores talk about BC? Did you talk about all of the food spots around the place and whatnot?) – “All of it, all of it. (laughter) He’s a proud BC alum just like I am.”
(I wanted to ask you about the two offenses you played in there at BC. You went form Steve Addazio’s offense to Frank Cignetti and obviously you guys rolled up so many rushing yards with AJ Dillon in the past and now you go to more of a pro-style offense. I’m wondering what that did to prepare you for the versatility and I guess the professionalism or job of becoming a professional football player and being a versatile player?) – “I always say that I feel like I got the best of both worlds at BC with both offensives. Obviously it was a more run-heavy offense and this past year, we really opened up the pass game. I think it allowed me to become a well-rounded tight end and work at all aspects of the position. I’m grateful for the journey I had at BC and grateful for the original coaching staff I had there, and obviously this previous coaching staff. They taught me so much and I feel like I was really able to build the tools that I think I’ll need going to the next level.”
(Can you speak a little bit as to not getting offers out of high school and how that’s kind of motivated you this whole time? And what made you believe that you could get to this point and reach the NFL?) – “Like you said, I had no offers coming out of my senior year of high school and I had to do a fifth year of high school to get a couple of offers. I think it just allowed me to play with a chip on my shoulder. Every time I touch the field, it’s a chance to prove the people wrong that didn’t believe in me early on in my career. It also made me have to take full advantage of the few opportunities I had. It put some pressure on me to step up and be the player that I believed I could be, but it also allows me to go on the field and play with that chip.”
(Are you the first NFL player form Exeter, New Hampshire?) – “(laughter) I believe there was someone drafted in 1907 from Exeter. In the modern era, I think I’m the first player.”
(What is organized football like in that part of the country?) – “(laughter) We do play 11-on-11 football. It’s obviously not the highest-rated high school football in the country, but I obviously had a great experience with it, and I love my coaches from high school and the guys I played with. I’m just grateful for the journey I took. I wouldn’t want to change it for anything.”
(What did you do so well last year that had you finishing with those results, basically leading all tight ends in the country statistically? The second part is what do you know about QB Tua Tagovailoa, and what do you know about the position group that you’re joining in TE Mike Gesicki, TE Durham Smythe and TE Adam Shaheen?) – “My biggest thing each year was to improve on what my weaknesses were. I think I was able to do that every year there. I had great teammates around me this year and a great quarterback and a great staff that allowed me to utilize my talents to the best of my ability. I think it was just the progression of my career. It was the next step I needed to take and I was able to take it this past year. The second part of your question, obviously I watched them a lot. Obviously I watched Coach Flores and those guys a lot. I know a lot about them. I’m just excited to get down there and meet everybody and get to know my new teammates.”
(I heard recently that you solved a Rubik’s cube in 47 seconds. How’d you get so good at that, and what other skills do you have off the field that might surprise people?) – “I started solving the Rubik’s cube my freshman year in college. I just bored one day and ordered one. It kind of became a thing I did in my free time sitting at my desk or in bed, and I got all right at it. It’s a little nerve wracking solving on live TV. I didn’t want to mess up, but it went well. The other hobby I think people will be surprised at is I build computers. I built my first computer when I was 13 and have built a couple since. It’s a hobby of mine and I graduated with a computer science degree from BC, so it’s kind of a big part of my life.”
Chris Grier and Brian Flores – April 30, 2021
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Friday, April 30, 2021
General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Brian Flores
Chris Grier:
(I wanted to get into the selection of T Liam Eichenberg and the trade up to basically secure his services. What went into the thought process to move up and do you envision him as a tackle or a guard in the NFL?) – “I think for us, when we made the trade, we knew there was going to be a run of offensive linemen. As you saw in that second round, there was a big run of offensive linemen; and so for us, it was important to get up. We spent a lot of time getting to know Liam. We liked his toughness, his character. He competes. He’s a durable player who’s played a lot of football. He’s very smart. So for us, he was a guy that we had talked about and targeted and felt all the stuff that Brian (Flores), myself, the coaching staff and scouts were looking for. So it was important to get up and get him. As you saw, it was a big run on offensive linemen in that round and as Brian says, these guys have to earn positions. They’re rookies coming in; but this kid is a tough, competitive kid that is smart, understands football, comes from a good program, has been coached well. I’ll defer to Brian if he wants to talk about positions he’s playing, but this kid will come in and compete.”
Brian Flores:
“As far as positions, I think he’s played left, he’s played some right and I think we’ve just got to get him in here before we get into positions. Get him in, get him acclimated, get him getting to know his teammates and obviously learning the playbook and we’ll work him in with our group. But he’s got versatility to play left, right, guard; so like always, we’re always looking to play the best five so he’s got to earn his role on this team.”
Chris Grier:
(How much disappointment and concern that you did not add a top tier running back the first two days?) – “We’re very excited with the players we added. We spent a lot of time going over the board, the draft – studying it and where players would fall. And the players we got, we’re very excited to have and we have good runners on the roster. We feel good about our guys. We added Malcolm Brown to the group in free agency, so we’ve upgraded our roster. We feel good where we are as a team right now. As we’ve always said, we’ll keep looking and running through every position and looking for upgrades, potentially at every position all the way up through the season, as we’ve always done.”
(I’m curious, there’s often like a debate about the value of running backs, in general, as far as positional value. I’m curious you and Head Coach Brian Flores’ perspective on the positional value at running back versus maybe some other positions and how that equates when you’re going about your draft decisions?) – “I think when you talk about the draft, you’re always – you evaluate the players. I don’t think you’re worried about value and stuff. When you look at your team, the fits – I think when you draft on need, at times you reach for stuff and start trying to appease what some people may think about it. At the end of the day, you set your board with the best players available and you want to make sure that you’re adding good players to your roster. We’d love to draft every position, every player every year if we could. But for us, the players we added were at the right spots for us and we feel good about it.”
(If I can follow up there, I know we talked about the T Liam Eichenberg trade earlier. Was there any hesitancy to trade that 2022 pick? I know a lot of people that believe that maybe next year’s draft is valuable because there’s more certainty, but how did you kind of go through the process and deciding to do that, to move up?) – “With us, we’re always willing to move, move up and down, as you know. We’re willing to be aggressive and for us, there really is no certainty for next year as you know, just because people are playing more games – who knows if the quality of the players or the depth of the draft will be deep or pools of whatever position you’re looking for may not be as deep that year. So for us as we’re looking and working to build our team, when Brian and I were talking and discussing it, we thought Liam was a player that we really liked at that spot, and there was a run on offensive linemen and you can never have enough offensive linemen. We’re always looking for competition in that group and he’ll come in and compete with these guys. Another good kid – smart, tough – he’ll come in and compete.”
(It seemed to us that the Broncos sensed that you might go after RB Javonte Williams. They traded up right before you in the second round. Were they right? Was that a player that you had targeted at that spot and was it a disappointment that he came off the board?) – “No. As we work through it, we’re very cognizant of what’s going on and around and for us, like I said, we have good players at the running back position. We’re looking to upgrade the roster at every position. For us, the players that we liked there were there. Javonte is a good player. There were a lot of good players; but for us, the guys we picked we’re very happy to get.”
(With TE Hunter Long, what did you guys like about him, considering you guys do have some pretty good depth at the tight end position. And I guess for Head Coach Brian Flores, did you have any extra intel considering his school?) – “Yeah, I had no say in the pick because he’s from Boston College. It was all Brian. (laughter)”
Brian Flores:
“Obviously I was excited to add an Eagle. Hunter is tough. He’s smart. We had him at the Senior Bowl, so our entire coaching staff got a chance to spend some time with him. He’s a typical Boston College player. He’s tough, he’s smart, he’s team-first and we’re excited to have him, along with all of the other guys we’ve grabbed over the last couple days. It’s been a fun two days. We like all of these picks and we’re excited.”
Chris Grier:
(You had mentioned that playmakers were something you guys were seeking this offseason in a prior press conference. I’m wondering, S Jevon Holland – nine interceptions and almost averages a pass breakup or pass defensed per game in college – how do you think he satisfies that playmaker trait on defense?) – “He’s a very smart, instinctive football player that’s been a very productive player. He’s also been a punt returner there, which we talk about, too; but at the end of the day, this guy just has a nose for the football. But it was his football intelligence and getting to know the kid that stood out as well. I think for us, going through this with Brian (Flores) – we were really excited. We were nervous that this player may not get there because there were a lot of people that really liked this player. We heard that after we made the pick – we got numerous calls and texts. I think for us, adding a player of that caliber – Brian and I, we’re really excited and our defensive staff was really happy. We’re happy to have him and I think he’s been a good player and has a good chance to be a good player for us.”
Brian Flores:
“Jevon was one of, honestly, my favorite players to watch. Very versatile, played inside, played safety, punt return. I think you mentioned it – a lot of ball production – so we’re excited to get him and work with him, and I think he’ll be a great fit for our team.”
Chris Grier:
(In terms of what you achieved in the first two days of the draft, obviously you wanted to add tough, smart, physical players. Do you feel like you’ve improved your roster? How?) – “I think we feel that we’ve upgraded our roster. We’ve added some speed, some playmaking. We got some guys at o-line, d-line, which are always – that showed last year how important that is to win in this league. Like you said, playmakers on offense and defense. Guys that can make plays on the ball and score touchdowns. For us, we have a good roster. Adding these guys in with the competition and the competitive spirit as we’ve talked about, will be really good and help us keep growing. We’re very happy and pleased, and for us it was a really good two days for us so far.”
Brian Flores:
(If I can ask about S Jevon Holland, I know Head Coach Brian Flores, you were a safeties coach coming up in New England, so you probably have an idea of what you want in your safeties. He mentioned when we talk to him that he models his game after S Tyrann Mathieu. I’m curious do you see that in his skillset? Obviously that’s lofty praise, but do you see that in the skillset in being able to be in the box, play deep safety, play slot and do all of the things that the Honey Badger does?) – “I’m not one for comparisons. Based on what I saw on tape, like I said earlier, I really enjoyed watching Jevon play for a lot of reasons. The way he tackles, the way he defeats blocks, his versatility – he played some nickel, played some deep safety. There are a lot of things to like. I’m not into comparisons, but I feel like he’ll be a good fit for what we do. I think he’s got leadership qualities. I think he’s got the ability to communicate and really quarterback a defense because he’s smart. I’m excited to have him. We’ll see. He’ll get an opportunity to earn a role on this team and I’m hopeful that he can fill multiple roles; and if he can handle it, then we’ll do it and if he can’t, then we’ll work with him until he can. As far as comparisons, I don’t get into those. I like what I saw and I think there is potential there; but like any rookie and all of the rookies we’ve talked about over the last couple of days, I know there is a lot of excitement over the draft but these guys have a long way to go. They’ve got to learn the new playbook, they’ve got to get acclimated to the NFL and professional football. We need to help them with that; we will help them with that. There is hopefully going to be a lot of growth and development from now until obviously the spring, and then getting into training camp and getting them going and getting them started in their NFL careers. This is one part of it and we’ll help them grow and hopefully develop and improve.”
Chris Grier:
(How do you feel about the picks you have left tomorrow? One in the fifth, two in the seventh. Do you see yourself moving into the fourth or sixth rounds, or how do you see tomorrow unfolding?) – “Like everything, we’ll be aggressive to move up and down. We’ll listen and we’ll pick the best players for us. Everything is fluid as always, especially day three.”
