Jordyn Brooks – May 21, 2024
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Monday, May 21, 2024
LB Jordyn Brooks
(You’ve been here for a couple of days now. How would you assess today’s session?) – “It was a good day today. I think we started off a little slow yesterday as expected. The first day everybody is getting used to the calls, used to each other. I thought today we made improvements.”
(Why was it important for you to be out here today with it being voluntary?) – “For me it’s like I got to get to know the guys that I’m playing with, get to know the system and let them get to know me. It was important that I be here, it was mandatory for me. I’m glad I came, I’m enjoying it.”
(What have you learned about the new defensive system?) – “We’ve got a bunch of calls. A bunch of calls, with a bunch of calls within the call. It takes time to learn those things, but I like what we’ve got going. I like the scheme. I’m excited about it.”
(What has Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver been like to work with? What have you seen from him as a coach?) – “He’s been great, man. He’s been a great leader for us so far. Very smart, high football IQ as you would expect. I’m excited to play for him.”
(You mentioned it’s mandatory for you to be out here. How important is that for the communication for you LB David Long Jr. and LB Anthony Walker Jr., and the rest of the linebackers?) – “It’s important. Any linebacker that you play with, you’ve got to be able to stream with each other. This is the time to get that chemistry going between David and I so that when the season get’s going we can hit the ground running.”
(I saw you guys running the deep look drops in individuals. How much does this offense stress the ability to get vertical as a linebacker?) – “A bunch. They do a bunch of play action. We got to play the boot routes. The special routes and all of that. That’s why you see us drilling it today.”
(Even though they are not out there, we saw LB Bradley Chubb, and Jaelan Phillips out there talking to guys. That’s pretty impressive to be out here even though they are injured they are out here. What does that say about the type of teammates they are?) – “I think it’s awesome. We’ve got some young guys trying to fill their shoes right now while they are out. Their presence is big for them. Also the team. They are a big part of this team’s success over the last couple of years. So just their presence is enough right now.”
(Are there any early head coach Mike McDaniel impressions? Don’t impersonate him, but what are your thoughts?) – “I don’t have any impressions. But he is different for sure. I think everybody kind of knows that. I like his style though. He’s real and he’s true to himself. He allows everybody else to be that way. I think that helps guys play better and play faster. Just being able to be comfortable with who they are.”
Mike McDaniel – May 21, 2024
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Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(There was a report that QB Tua Tagovailoa has not been here for all of the voluntary workouts. Is that accurate and if so, what do you think about that?) – “The good news about ‘all’ is it’s very black and white. He has been here for offseason activities. He has not been here for offseason activities. He has been both. I think important in the player-coach relationship is communication and I think however things play out, as long as we’re communicating and we’re on our P’s and Q’s on what we need to get accomplished, then we have a fighting chance and it’s been a good exercise in our relationship this offseason.”
(When he hasn’t been here, is that contract related?) – “I don’t make a habit of speaking for other people’s mouths, so I’ll let you guys ask Tua. You guys have a good relationship.”
(QB Tua Tagovailoa certainly appears to have lost 10 or 15 pounds. How does that relate to something you spoke about at the end of the season which was extending plays and buying himself some extra time in the future?) – “I think any time that you have – that was a big year this past season for Tua, being able to play the entirety of it at the professional level as well as having two years in a row with the same offense and play caller. And in that process, you get to find out on your own exactly where there are different areas where you can improve your game. That’s something that we directly relate, him and I, in terms of looking for those competitive advantages so I think he identified that as one for himself and has – I think the results speak for themselves. He’s svelte.”
(We haven’t talked to you since the WR Odell Beckham Jr. signing. I wanted to get your thoughts as to why you thought he was the right player for this team and what you think you can add with him? Obviously, he’s not the player he was a decade ago, but he still looks like he can play?) – “I think in the offseason you’re constantly trying to find ways for your team to get better. That’s what Chris (Grier) and I solely focus on, and I think you want a situation where all parties see the same vision. I think I presented the opportunities that playing here could provide and sat down and just communicated with a guy that I’ve followed his career since its onset. He’s fully done right by my draft grade as a receiver coach, by the way, just in case you were wondering. And we hit it off. I could see there’s a passion for football still at the forefront of his mind, and he saw the fit so we were happy to make our team better and afford his skillset.”
(How do you think he can help you guys on third down?) – “Hopefully getting open and catching the football for first downs. (laughter) I think you start with a program with an offense and you have certain skillsets and in this particular circumstance with the Miami Dolphins, it wasn’t like I had previously coached a pairing like we have at wideout and kind of how defenses would respond to that. You learn over time different ways that defenses will really try to attack you and where they could be vulnerable and I think having as many players in the pass game participate and distribute the ball takes us to another level of offense and I see him as part of that.”
(Do you talk to QB Tua Tagovailoa much about the contract stuff or do you just solely leave that between him and General Manager Chris Grier?) – “I don’t want any of that burden in my life. I’m an asset – this is what’s great about the orchestration of our organization. I think it’s important that the player-coach relationship is put on a pedestal where you don’t tinker with that. My job is to get him better. His job is to communicate with me how I’m doing in that process. I think we’re in a safe zone where when he’s talking to me about my expertise and not about stuff that is not my expertise, so we try to stay true to that and that’s paid us dividends this offseason.”
(Will we see LB Jaelan Phillips or LB Bradley Chubb walking through the new defensive plays or even sort of jogging on the side? I don’t know what they’re able to do at this point.) – “It all depends on what you’re looking at. From the onset, they just really have to keep an eye on both those guys just to make sure they’re not doing too much. They have the second they were able to move around without a scooter, they were hard-pressed not to find themselves in some sort of overexaggerated stand-through. Whether it’s walkthrough or not, we’re just being very mindful of who the players are that we’re getting back to full health and really protecting the Miami Dolphins against those individuals themselves because they’ll do too much too soon. They’re doing great day by day and getting really excited if you ask me for a timeline.”
(I wanted to ask you about joint practices for training camp… Do you have plans for any of those before any of the exhibition games?) – “Yes, we have two planned with Atlanta, one planned with Washington, one planned with Tampa.”
(Okay, so you’ll do all three exhibition games, you’ll do joint practices before them?) – “Yes. Didn’t see that coming, did you?”
(With this cornerback unit obviously a lot of new faces and a lot of guys playing different roles. I believe CB Nik Needham is kind of being cross trained as a safety. You know he’s done that in his past. What do you hope to see in periods like this where it’s really glorified 7-on-7 from the secondary?) – “You want to see – it’s like part to whole – any orchestration of team defense, team offense, team special teams; is you’re trying to introduce and apply consistent techniques so that players can know where their help is, know what to depend on, know how they communicate and so everyone is on the same page because the bottom line is a lot of times it doesn’t matter what you’re playing as long as everyone is playing with conviction and complementary technique. I’m trying to see consistency and ownership of technique when we’re trying different things from bump and from off at the corner position. I want to see the different tools that we give the players committed to and orchestrated and how does that relate to the safety? How does that relate to the nickel or the backer? Those things are very important when you’re trying to play consistent, convicted defense. So I’m trying to see that uniformity of technique and implementation so we have consistency in all three phases and specifically with what you’re asking about at the corner position.”
(Is there anybody today that we will not see that we would expect to see?) – “I mean, what? (laughter) You’re talking about me forecasting your expectations. I don’t know. Are you glass half-full, glass half-empty? There’s a lot of things to unpack there. I’m sure there will be players you’ll be like, ‘Oh, I expected to see him.’ Maybe there will be players that you’ll be like, ‘Oh, I didn’t expect to see him.’ You’re going to see players convicted and excited for OTAs, but this time of year specifically, one of the things that we really try to do a great job of is tailoring to the specific needs of individuals so there’s different day-off programs. There are different ramp-up, bring-back-down, all those things orchestrated from downstairs in the training room filtered out to really making sure that we get the best of these opportunities that we have in the offseason.”
(You’re about two weeks off from the CB Xavien Howard contract coming off the books with the post-June 1 cut. Are you going to use these next three weeks to really evaluate what you might need to use that money on?) – “Part of our job as a high functioning NFL franchise is you’re always looking for ways to get better. I know that’s something that if Chris Grier has a tattoo on his body, it’s probably of that – always getting better with roster. We’re always looking, but I wouldn’t necessarily look for – it’s not through the lens of what are we without. We have a pretty deep team that’s high in competition. It’s always balancing the stuff that we’re able to do and what’s out there and can we improve our team. We’ll never stop looking, but we’re not on the hunt.”
(Going back to the cornerback position, if things for lack of better term go wrong for CB Cam Smith in terms of getting on the field as a rookie and where does he need to improve here in his first full summer with the team?) – “Well, I think it’s important for a team to max out the ability of players that you have mutual accountability from the players and coaching staff and the organization’s perspective. I’m not necessarily worried about the placing blame or why his timeline is as it is. Those timelines are unique to each individual. What I’m really pumped about is I know in Year Two that the relationships that he’s holding within his position and the coaches and the way he’s attacking this offseason is that he’s not satisfied with that by any stretch and nor is the organization. So I’m excited for the competition and the development, because that’s really what I get into and what we’re all in this for.”
(Back to the joint practices, what are the benefits of switching that up going with the three different preseason opponents?) – “Well I think each offseason is a different code to crack. I think the specific needs of your team vary. I think in this specific offseason, we had the opportunity to get a couple more valuable practice days against varied looks, varied techniques. I think the intensity of practice in general is raised to a degree when you’re going against a fresh, new opponent. I think with the players’ offseason (and) the way that our specific team practices against each other, I’m forecasting that will be a breath of fresh air to see somebody else. So I think there’s a lot of things that go into it. But in this particular formula, we saw benefit in getting a couple more practice reps against opponents and adding to our offseason of development.”
(This is the first time we’ve spoken to you since the schedule has come out. There are a few things you can’t help but notice. You have several games at home to start off, but several games on the road to finish up. There’s also the Thanksgiving Day game. What are some of the main takeaways you took from the schedule coming out?) – “I think, well, if you’re wanting to change a narrative, you’re going to have an opportunity. I don’t really worry too much about things, pretending like I have any idea of what’s good or bad. I know if you’re playing the right competitive football, you’ll always have unique challenges to your schedule. If you’re playing the right type of football, you’ll have primetime games. You can have short or long weeks. All those things. I think we’ve found a way to develop our team both years. I’m firmly expecting that same thing again this year. I think that the opportunities down the stretch of the season are ones that this team at that point in time will be thirsting for. That’s something that when I saw the schedule, I was pretty excited.”
(This is your third defensive coordinator in three years. How have you learned from your past experiences? How is the relationship going with Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver?) – “Hopefully I’ve learned well. Hopefully. I couldn’t be happier with the way ‘Weave’ (Anthony Weaver) has really taken this offseason on. I think there’s a lot of consistency and overlap in principles that I hold true to the organization about developing players and being on the front end of schematic aggressiveness and innovation. I think the relationships that have occurred on that side of the ball have been outstanding this offseason. I think that guys have really responded with an intensity and vigor with him in the building, leading meetings and leading them on the field.”
(Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver came from a defense that held both you and San Franciso to 19 points in back-to-back weeks last year. Is that something you go to him with and say how did you attack us and San Francisco in a way to stop us and kind of help yourself learn how to attack a defense?) – “Yeah, I think you’re always benefited – there’s a supreme benefit in understanding how other people view you to understand the why’s behind certain things. I think that’s something every offseason I’m kind of searching for, and a lot of times you have to forecast. It’s a lot easier to go down the hallway and see how a particular unit that was able to have some success kind of looked at you from a game-planning perspective. I think that really helps coaching staffs be able to put players in better positions, at least that’s the way I look at it. So that communication has been outstanding and very beneficial.”
(How did LB David Long Jr. get the first orange jersey?) – “I thought this Phase 2, he embodied kind of the way to go about your day-to-day operation. If you want something, go get it. David (Long Jr.) felt after last season he had more to offer to the Miami Dolphins team, and instead of just talking about it, he lived that every single day. I think that all of his teammates feed off him. He’s a leader for us. I was just happy that his playlist didn’t suck. (laughter)”
(Chiefs K Harrison Butker made some comments recently that have drawn a lot of attention. I’m wondering when it comes to political stances, do you encourage your players to talk about that stuff amongst themselves? Or do you tell them leave that stuff out of the building? How do you handle politics in the general locker room?) – “Well, I’m glad you asked. (laughter) I think you do have to open the eyes of the players to their platform if they’re new to the situation. I think you have to understand that what you say publicly can be fragmented and last with you forever. I really emphasize that whatever you’re going to say, you better believe it. You just try to educate people to understand the consequences of whatever they do. They have the freedom of choice, and if they want to go that direction, go right ahead. I’ll be right over here hanging out with you guys.”
(If I could follow up regarding the schedule, it sounds like you welcome the challenge of how the end of that regular season plays out for you with those tough road games and all. What gives you confidence that this team is going to accept that challenge and overcome it?) – “Well, I mean these are the things that we’re trying to establish ourselves to take the next step as an organization. We’re trying to do that anyway, so the fact that the schedule gives us the opportunity to do what we’re working tirelessly to try to accomplish, I thought it was fitting. I guess I don’t go into the schedule with expectations. I think all games are hard. All teams, all opponents are hard. You have to be a tough-minded football team to be your best at the end of the season. That’s a formula that we’ve found in portions of the season that we have a very direct concerted goal of making sure that we take the next step as an organization. So yeah, I’m not in the business of hiding for something. We’re going to have to pay the piper at some point.”
Braxton Berrios – May 21, 2024
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Tuesday, May 21, 2024
WR Braxton Berrios
(You guys added obviously WR Odell Beckham Jr. and then there was obviously a couple receivers that were added in the draft. How do you think that depth is going to add to the team this season?) – “I think it’s huge. Football, it’s kind of inevitable as sad as it is that injuries happen. The more depth you can have, the more your four, five, six can play like your one, two, three, the better off you are.”
(Tell me about the expectations for the offense this year. You just mentioned adding WR Odell Beckham Jr., but third year, second year for some guys, what should this offense look like this season?) – “I think we did a great job last year. Correct me if I’m wrong, but we led the league in yards most of the way – I don’t know if we finished that way, but most of the way. It’s really now with third year in the offense, second for some guys like me and obviously the rookies, it’s their first year, but it’s about the finer details now. We know we can do it. We know we can get it done when everything is not perfect. Now it’s about trying to be perfect and seeing where that can go.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel mentioned the end of the schedule. Off the top of my head, you guys are at Houston, at home against San Francisco, at Cleveland and at the Jets. He was saying that he embraces that challenge, playing the good teams. From a player’s standpoint, how do you view that finish?) – “Look, the schedule is what the schedule is. You memorized it better than I have. (laughter) Week 1 – really preseason and then Week 1 is the thing that you focus on. Obviously down the stretch everything matters, and when you play those really good teams, they’re essentially extra playoff games to really get you ready and I think that’s awesome. We go away to Cleveland late in the year and then finish at New York. Those are two great environments, and I think being tested on the road late in the year like that is going to be awesome.”
(Did QB Tua Tagovailoa have to go play golf with Nick Saban today? I mean, we’re here for him.) – “I think so. He’s been hitting well, I know that.”
(How did QB Tua Tagovailoa look yesterday?) – “Great. Great, obviously very comfortable in the offense, commanding things and just accurate as ever.”
(Can you talk about your communication with QB Tua Tagovailoa outside of the facility? Do you guys get together often? Do you have plans to get together outside of here?) – “Yeah, I think we do a good job of all getting together whether it’s football or not. Whether it’s golf, we all try to get together and really build camaraderie and chemistry outside of the building as well.”
(Why was it important for you to be here because you don’t have to be here? There are a bunch of guys who aren’t that for varying reasons, I’m sure. Why did you want to make sure you were here today?) – “I think it’s important for me. I think everybody has their own views, their own battles, their own things they want to accomplish, and me, like I just said about the offense, I want to be perfect. Even though that might not be possible, I want to be perfect in everything that we do. For me, it’s just extra reps. It’s extra reps to get better and again build chemistry and build momentum as we go into camp.”
(What do you make of the new kickoff rule? Are you going to try to be a part of that?) – “Yeah, absolutely, I’m excited. I think it’ll be interesting, especially the first few weeks, to see everybody come out with their tricks. I think preseason they’re going to pop it up and let people cover and see what they have. I think Week 1 and Week 2, there’s going to be some variability there which should be exciting. I’m excited about it.”
(So more of a shifty maneuver than like building up speed and catching at the goal line, what’s the different mentality?) – “It depends on the kick honestly and it depends on what they try to do. I think now more than ever, it’s about hitting a hole when you see it and splitting it. Because the way they’ve condensed it, some of the guys on the very opposite side of the field, they’re non-factors that can hit, but if you dance, then you give everybody a chance. So I think now more than ever, it’s about getting vertical.”
(With WR Odell Beckham Jr., I don’t know if he’s been out here, but what does he bring to this – we all know who OBJ is. What does he bring to this room in particular?) – “He brings a lot and a lot of leadership as well, a lot of experience. Big time ball, big time plays. I think the more information we can get in that room and pass around, the better off we are as a whole. Obviously, he makes some incredible plays, so we’re all looking forward to it.”
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.”
