Mike Tannenbaum & Chris Grier – April 30, 2016
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Saturday, April 30, 2016
Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum General Manager Chris Grier
Mike Tannenbaum:
(Opening Statement) – “I want to thank everybody for all their hard work and the organization. (General Manager) Chris (Grier) did a great job and the entire department. Chris, (Head Coach) Adam (Gase) and I feel really good about starting … The three of us going back to January with the eighth pick in the draft and adding guys, LB Kiko Alonso and CB Byron Maxwell, that kind of set the table. And then adding the draft choices over the last three days, we feel like we’ve improved the team, added competition and added depth. (We are) really excited about where we are. We are in the process of finalizing some free agents here and we will try to get that news to you guys as soon as it is all finalized and that will transition into Phase 2 of the offseason program.”
Chris Grier:
(On WR Jakeem Grant’s size) – “I’ll tell you what, Mike (Tannenbaum), to his credit, he was all over this guy. I mean I was busting his chops the whole time going ‘Hey, this guy could fit under the table in the draft room here.’ But seriously, spending time with the kid, we had him in for a 30 visit, and we kept hearing the term that this guy is ultra-competitive. He walks in the room and he thinks he’s the biggest guy on the field. And that’s how he plays, how he runs; again it’s added another … He’s an explosive dynamic player. He has some traits we like. The size isn’t a concern. He’s played in the Big 12 against all these elite players now in the draft. Again, it’s his mindset (and) his toughness. This guy is an alpha.”
Mike Tannenbaum:
(On if WR Jakeem Grant is a possible impact player at receiver in addition to special teams) – “When you look at the middle part of the draft with (RB Kenyan) Drake, (WR Leronte) Carroo and him, those guys will all add to us in the kicking game. To me, that always sets the floor in how much they play on offense or defense … is what they have to earn. But those are all three explosive players (with) good play speed. Our special teams coaches are certainly happy with those picks.”
Chris Grier:
(On why there were more players picked on offense than defense) – “It was just the opportunity of the players available, plus adding (LB) Kiko (Alonso) and (CB) Byron (Maxwell) … (They) were also added to that mix as well as (DE) Andre Branch and the other guys we’ve added with (DE) Mario Williams, etc. on defense. We’ve done stuff to address the defense, adding (DB) Jordan Lucas as well today – another corner with size, height, weight, speed. (Lucas) has position flexibility. He’s player corner, press corner, he’s played safety as well. So we think that we’ve addressed it. We feel good but we will always keep turning over the roster.”
Mike Tannenbaum:
(On whether the team is on its way to being built offensively to match Head Coach Adam Gase’s vision) – “I think when you’re sitting in our seats, you feel that way until 9 a.m. tomorrow, and then you’re always looking to add. We’re trying to build the roster for us and our vision in all three phases. We feel like we’re improving. Again, the journey started back in January and making that trade (with Philadelphia). We feel like we added two players (Alonso and Maxwell) that fit what we want to do, and that’s something that we’re constantly talking about. The day that Chris (Grier) became our GM, he talked about prototypes and getting the right guys that fit our scheme. We really tried to stay as close to that as possible knowing that we don’t live in a perfect world, but the conversation always starts with that.”
Chris Grier:
(On the aggressiveness in the number of trades this weekend) – “I just think it’s about the advantage of the opportunities we have to improve our roster. These are players we had targeted. I think all of our trades we made will benefit us in the future. Again, you have to be open and flexible to move up and down the draft. For us, it’s about the opportunity to improve our roster.”
Mike Tannenbaum:
(On the trade with New England) – “The phone rang and we’re always going to do what’s best for us. Obviously, they thought it was good for them, as well. We traded with a lot of teams, they just happened to be one of them.”
(On whether he spoke with Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick to make the trade) – “We had a few conversations.”
(On insight into the trade with New England) – “Like I said, it’s one of those things – I think – it will hopefully work out well for both sides.”
(On WR Jakeem Grant’s 40-yard dash time) – “Every time that Chris (Grier) reminded me how tall (Jakeem Grant) was, we made his speed a little bit faster.” (laughter)
Chris Grier:
“We had a scout that was there at the Pro Day. (Jakeem Grant) ran fast.”
Mike Tannenbaum:
“In all seriousness, that was one of those decisions we made that you really feel like everybody touched on. The area scout liked him and then (the) special teams coaches worked him out. (We) wanted to make sure how he would factor in the return game. Obviously, we had the offensive coaches – because obviously he’s a unique style of player – what would be the vision for him offensively? Everyone signed off on him. That’s what gave us the comfort to draft him where we did.”
Chris Grier:
(On whether WR Jakeem Grant ran a 4.1 or 4.3 40-yard dash) – “He was really fast. He was in the 4.3s for us.”
Mike Tannenbaum:
“Once he signs his contract, we’ll answer that question.” (laughter)
Chris Grier:
“If you ask Mike (Tannenbaum), he’s a little faster than that.”
(On whether they see QB Brandon Doughty competing for the No. 2 quarterback role this season) – “I don’t think we want to set any limits for what he can or can’t do. This is a player who’s obviously local. He’s a Miami Day guy, so we got to spend the day with him. We watched him play over the fall the last couple of years a lot (with him) being a six-year player. We really like the kid. He’s very football smart, very competitive. He has good arm strength and he (had) great production in college. (We) wouldn’t want to say what he can be, but we’re excited to have him.”
(On trading CB Jamar Taylor) – “(It was) just an opportunity to improve our roster and to give him a fresh start somewhere else.”
Mike Tannenbaum:
(On whether they are comfortable with the level of talent at linebacker) – “We think (LB) Kiko (Alonso) can be a significant upgrade. The more you study those things, a player the second year after an injury, traditionally you see a bigger uptick. We think he has a chance to be a really good player for us. Certainly, there were some linebackers we thought of (in the draft). The board just fell the way it did. We’ll continue to be open minded, but there are some young guys that we like. (LB) Zach Vigil played for us last year. We re-signed (LB) Spencer Paysinger. We’ll always be open-minded, but I think Alonso really has a chance to help us.”
Chris Grier:
(On whether RB Kenyan Drake and WR Jakeem Grant were drafted to be return punts and kicks and keep WR Jarvis Landry from doing so) – “A little bit. Jarvis, still, is … Even though he’s not the fastest guy on time, he plays fast on the field. These guys are explosive guys (and) have a history of doing it. Again, it was an opportunity for us to add an element of speed and explosiveness to the return game.”
Mike Tannenbaum:
(On whether he is comfortable with the high roster turnover this offseason) – “Look, we don’t just say, ‘Hey, it’s an old player or a new player.’ I think we’re sitting there and saying, ‘We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished collectively. This is our team.’ Every day, the coaches get more comfortable with the players they’ve inherited. At the end of the day, we want to keep the best 53 (players) to give us the best chance to win whether they’ve been inherited, drafted (or) signed. That’s really what it’s about.”
Chris Grier:
(On what the draft was like for him as a general manager) – “To be honest, it was a great weekend working with Mike (Tannenbaum) and Adam (Gase) and our coaches and scouts in there and Mr. (Stephen) Ross in the room. I’ve been in the draft room now for 20-plus years. Again, I think the communication, our discussions we’ve had … We hashed out these big decisions we thought we’d have to make at that point. It was smooth for us. Really, I think the biggest one was, obviously, Laremy (Tunsil) falling to us, which was unexpected. It was a great opportunity for us.”
Chris Grier:
(On how well he has worked with Tannenbaum and the advantages of working well together) – “Well, you see I dressed up today and (Mike Tannenbaum) didn’t. I took it more serious than him today. (laughter) But no, honestly, working with Mike (Tannenbaum) has been great. From Day 1, it’s been our communication (and) our talks about players. Mike loves this game. We spend a lot of time. There’s a lot of times we’re the first ones in the building and the last ones to leave. Again, when you have someone there you can talk to, have open debates, you’re not afraid to be honest about stuff. I think that’s key, when you can really express how you feel. He and I, we’ve had moments where we’ve gone at each other and stuff and I think that’s what makes it work.”
Mike Tannenbaum:
“And I think people don’t always understand the complexities of the decisions. I always say ‘Hey, let’s go watch the tape. Let’s lay it out,’ and usually those decisions resolve themselves. I just feel really good about the preparation and the process and then obviously getting Adam (Gase)’s two cents on things is really important. But like Chris (Grier) said, a lot of the decisions we made were made well ahead of time.”
(On what he feels will be differently about the cornerback position with the recent moves made) – “I think it’s really just the defense that we want to play. Obviously, (Defensive Coordinator) Vance (Joseph) has had a tremendous influence on that. Again, philosophically I believe we are here to serve the coaches. We got together in January when the staff was on board and we know exactly the type of defense the Miami Dolphins are going to play. Obviously those players we’ve acquired were purposeful and by design. It fits an overall scheme. It’s not just about the corners but it’s how we are going to play. We like the length. We like their athleticism. And we still have a long way to go. We feel good for tonight but if and when there are more players we can add, we are not going to sit here and complacent.”
(On if he feels like they still need to add some more cornerbacks) – “Look, we always want to get the best player available. I’ve been fortunate enough to be around this game a long time and I’ve added starting cornerbacks in June and August. You just never know when the right opportunity comes along, as Chris (Grier) mentioned, we will attack it aggressively.”
(On why scheme is so important to the team now) – “It’s always been important to me. I don’t know it any other way, to be candid. For us to be successful, you have to have a clear understanding of how players fit in all three phases. In talking with Chris (Grier) about the opportunity and putting the team together, we talked about (scheme) from Day 1. Chris had a very clear vision. We married that with the coaches and everybody in this building now knows, from personnel to coaches, what we’re looking for at each position. Are we going to make mistakes? Absolutely. But in my mind, that just narrows the bandwidth of … it should cut down the margin for error.”
Chris Grier:
(On what sort of contribution you hope for and need from this group of players) – “I think when you’re always building a team – especially championship teams – you have to build through the draft. Obviously they have to be your foundation because free agency is used to supplement your roster. You don’t want to have to go out and spend the big money all the time to do that. We’ve done that here over the years that we’ve been here, and other teams have done it as well. I think you struggle to win consistently that way. For us, yeah they are part of the foundation of the Dolphins going forward and help setting the tone for a winning program and organization.”
(On if this is the most talent on the offensive side of the ball he has seen in his time with the organization) – “It’s hard to say right now. It’s really about players gelling, getting on the field, working together and competing. What we’ve built is a very competitive roster now and I think that will push everyone to be better. It has a chance to be good but we’ll see what it ends up being.”
(On if there was a concerted effort to get “alpha” players and if he thinks he’s changed the makeup of the team mentally and physically) – “When you say ‘alpha,’ it’s those guys that love football. They’re mentally and physically tough, they’re not afraid of challenges (and) they love to compete. It was stuff that we talked about a lot through the process and you guys have been around (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase – he definitely has that mentality. We’ve tried to change the roster with the guys we’ve added, especially on the pro side too through free agency. We’ve been aggressively looking for players like that. I think that’s the only way you can win.”
Mike Tannenbaum:
(On if the team has added an undrafted college free agent kicker) – “We’re certainly heading in that direction. We don’t have anything signed yet or anything. We don’t have anything official. We’re working the free agency process pretty aggressively but until anything is signed, there is really nothing to announce.”
(On if improving team speed was part of the plan going into this draft) – “Yeah. I think explosive playmakers at certain positions that we thought we could add at reasonable prices and parts in the draft is something that we wanted to do. When you look at the middle part of the draft with (WR Leonte) Carroo and (RB Kenyan) Drake and (WR Jakeem) Grant, those are three guys that can help in the kicking game (and) the return game. We think they have a chance over time to be four-down players.”
Chris Grier – April 29, 2016 (on Xavien Howard)
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Friday, April 29, 2016
General Manager Chris Grier (on CB Xavien Howard)
(Opening Statement) – “We traded up for corner Xavien Howard from Baylor. This was a prototype player. We spent a lot of time with him. It’s a core position – premium need for us. This guy checks all the boxes in terms of height, weight, speed, competitiveness, toughness. This was a player that was a target player for us and when the opportunity arrived for us to make a play to get him, we jumped at it. We’re ecstatic to have him on our roster.”
(On if he thought another team would select Howard if the team did not trade up) – “Yes. We expected a corner run to start. In the draft, there are always periods of positions where there are runs. This is about the time (where it is) really getting to that time where there aren’t very many corners left.”
(On if there was a specific team they thought might draft Howard) – “I don’t want to speak for any team, but yes, we had an idea of who those … There were probably two teams we thought – in front of us – that might take him.”
(On which of Howard’s attributes most appeals to the team) – “First of all, it’s his competitiveness. This guy is ultra-competitive. He’s an alpha. For him, it’s the size, the length, the speed. Obviously, he’s a scheme fit for us. Again, we spent a lot of time with this player. We hold this guy in high regard.”
(On how Howard compares with CB Byron Maxwell) – “Just being around Byron at practice the last three days of the minicamp, he’s super-competitive. You know he and (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase were talking crap to each other out on the field. So, this guy (Xavien Howard) is that way. As we spent more time with him, we really thought that this was the type of player we wanted to add to our program.”
(On whether he sees Howard as a starter) – “I think everyone … When you make a play … Again, it’s (about) adding competition to our roster. The best guy is going to play. Again, he’s got a lot of traits and attributes we really like. He’s got a chance to start, but I’m not going to … Again, that’s up to the coaches and the play on the field.”
(On if the team tried to trade up higher) – “We were active today. I’ll just say that. We were active.”
Xavien Howard – April 29, 2016
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Friday, April 29, 2016
Cornerback Xavien Howard
(On whether he had spoken to the Miami Dolphins before the draft) – “Yes, sir. I had talked to the Miami Dolphins (before) the draft.”
(On what his conversations were like with the Dolphins) – “The conversations (were about) telling me about cornerback and stuff like that, what they’re expecting from that cornerback that’s coming in.”
(On what the Dolphins expect from their cornerbacks) – “They’re expecting me to come in and make plays and learn the defense.”
(On his style of play and his strengths) – “I regard myself on making plays. My strength is my ball skill and being a physical corner.”
(On which NFL cornerbacks he models his game after) – “I looked at Patrick Peterson and Darrelle Revis.”
(On whether he likes to press on defense) – “I love to press. Yes, sir.”
(On what the draft experience has been like) – “It has been … It was just an up and down doing a lot of stuff and stuff like that. But, I’ll be thankful for it, going through the process. Everybody goes through it. I enjoyed it.”
(On if he is optimistic he can contribute to the team right away) – “Yes, sir.”
(On why he can contribute to the team right away) – “(I can contribute right away) with my ball skills and being physical. I’m working on my technique and stuff like that. I’m sure the coach is going to get me better in my technique and stuff like that. I got faith in myself that I can do the job.”
(On the tough receivers he has faced in college) – “I had one (game) against (Chicago Bears WR) Kevin White my redshirt sophomore year. He was a tough defender. He went with the No. 7 pick, but he was a good guy. (inaudible) I think he’s the best receiver I played against. (Washington Redskins WR) Josh Doctson, I think he was okay, to me. He didn’t really do much to me. I had got (inaudible) during that game. That’s all I can tell you about the top receivers that I played.”
(On if he has the mindset that he would come in and be a starter) – “Yes, sir. I have that in my mindset. Yes sir.”
(On if he has played special teams) – “Yes, sir. I played kickoff return, punt return and punts.”
(On if he knows of any players on the Dolphins roster) – “Yes sir, I know a couple players on the Dolphins roster. I know (CB Byron) Maxwell from Philly. I know (CB Tyler) Patmon from Dallas. I know the receivers Jarvis Landry (and) Kenny Stills.”
(On who his agent is) – “Todd France.”
(On NFL.com comparing his game to that of Byron Maxwell and if he sees similarities between the two of them) – “Being physical and being pressing a lot, I could see that.”
(On how he knows CB Byron Maxwell) – “Just seeing him playing at Seattle when he was playing corner next to Richard Sherman. He was making plays. And when he got to Philly, he was being tested a little bit, but he was making plays too. Then on the video, I had seen the guy and things like that. That’s how I seen him. That’s how I know him.”
(On if there are any players on the Dolphins roster he knows personally) – “No, sir.”
Kenyan Drake – April 29, 2016
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Friday, April 29, 2016
Running Back Kenyan Drake
(On whether he expected to be drafted this early) – “No, not at all. This was definitely a real surprise for me, a real dream come true. I’m definitely going to go out down to Miami and make sure that I solidify my spot in this draft and even more.”
(On whether he had conversations with the Dolphins prior to the draft) – “Yes, I did. I actually made one of my four team visits to Miami. (I) loved the facility, loved the coaches, loved the city itself. I couldn’t have asked for a better organization and a better city to play for.”
(On whether his play was overshadowed in college) – “No, sir. I feel like everybody did exactly what they were supposed to do. I’m glad that Derrick (Henry) had his opportunities. The receivers that we had were great. We had a great o-line, a great offensive game plan and coaches in general. The chips (fall) where they may. I made the plays I was supposed to make and everybody else did their job. At the end of the day, we were national champions.”
(On how he is injury-wise) – “I’m completely healthy. (My) arm was reconstructed, (my) leg was reconstructed, and my play itself can attest for it. I can still make plays with the best of them.”
(On whether he will have the opportunity to become a feature back) – “Yes, sir. They gave me their word saying that I can come in and make my play speak for itself. That’s why they drafted me in this position: to come in and make an impact immediately. They have great running backs there now. I look forward to being teammates with them and playing alongside of them. But at the end of the day, you have to come in and you have to make plays. And that’s what I plan on doing.”
(On his ability in the passing game as a receiver and blocker) – “Being successful at Alabama in a pro-style offense, you have no choice but to be very diligent in the pass-blocking game and also as a receiver coming out the backfield. I feel like my versatility allows me to do that. Being an every-down back – (in) first down, second down, third down protection, coming out the backfield as a receiver and lining up out wide and creating mismatches – I feel like I can do that very well at the next level.”
(On whether he played special teams in college) – “Yes, I played every facet of special teams from kick return … I didn’t do punt return, but I did all down-linemen punt return, the lead on punt. I was on every position on kickoff also.”
(On how the level of competition in the SEC is going to benefit him in the NFL) – “It’s definitely going to prepare me for the next level because every day-in and day-out, not only did I play against the best players every week, but I practiced with the best players on a daily basis. And that always makes you a better competitor day in and day out.”
Chris Grier – April 29, 2016 (on Kenyan Drake)
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Friday, April 29, 2016
General Manager Chris Grier (on RB Kenyan Drake)
(On Kenyan Drake’s injury history and the team’s confidence in his health going forward) – “We’re good. Obviously with every player, he’s been to the combine, and the doctors have done the whole work up on him. I always tell the story, I was in New England when we took Curtis Martin. And everyone said, ‘Why are you guys taking Curtis Martin, he’s always hurt and never made it.’ Curtis, the year he came out as a junior, he only played two games. So Curtis has gone on to be a Hall of Famer. I’m not saying this is Curtis Martin, but I think every player you always have to look at … Jake Long never missed a game at Michigan and unfortunately here his career (was) kind of ravaged by injuries. Obviously he got off to a great start. I think you take it into account, but you never let it determine the player’s value and where you take him.”
(On what skills of Drake’s drew the team to draft him) – “Yeah, he’s got a unique skillset for us. You know, obviously with the group we have, he adds an explosive element that we’ve lost with Lamar (Miller) leaving. This guy’s a good receiver out of the backfield, so you can do a lot of stuff with him. So we love the versatility he adds and I know (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase is really high on him as well.”
(On if it’s essential to have a three-down back in the team’s new offense) – “I think kind of the unique thing about Adam (Gase) when you look at his history with running backs is he’s kind of used all different types of guys. I just think what he adds to what we currently have, like I said before, with the speed, the playmaking, the ability to play in space … This kid’s a tough kid. He’s a very good special teams player as well as returning kicks. This guy loves to cover kicks. You can watch him, he goes downfield, he makes tackles. We spent a lot of time with this player as well, so this was someone we targeted as well.”
Chris Grier – April 29, 2016 (on Leonte Carroo)
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Friday, April 29, 2016
General Manager Chris Grier (on WR Leonte Carroo)
(On if Carroo was the best player available and what is intriguing about the pick) – “Yeah, it was the best player available. This was a guy who was a target player. This is a highly-competitive kid that loves football. He has 29 touchdowns in his career. This is a guy that adds toughness. He’s got speed for a big guy. He’s 5’11 7/8”, he’s basically six foot, 215 pounds, runs a 4.48. This guy’s been a good player there for Rutgers. So he kind of filled a need. He can play special teams; he’ll compete for playing time right away. So this guy, again, checked a lot of boxes for size, speed, toughness, competitiveness, so we’re really thrilled to add him.”
(On what they gave up to get him) – “Some picks next year.”
(On Carroo comparing himself to a faster Anquan Boldin) – “He does. He’s a physical player. Adding that type of skill set to our receiver mix is important. With Coach (Adam) Gase and the staff, he’s talking about player’s versatility and ability to do different things. This guy can play inside, outside so we kind of liked what he added to our team.”
(On why they traded future picks for Carroo) – “This was a target player. With the coaching staff and the scouting staff, this was a player that we held in high regard. We had him here on a 30 visit, so we spent a lot of time with this kid. And the opportunity to get someone that can contribute, we think right away, on the field, in terms of as a receiver and on special teams … Again, this is a guy we are really high on.”
(On what he can bring to the offense) – “(He brings) the ability to play inside and out. And for a big guy he also has vertical speed. Again, it’s the flexibility to do a lot of things in Adam (Gase)’s offense and we’ll see what he can do. We’re just really excited to have this player.”
(On the competition among the wide receivers now) – “We added another alpha personality, so it’ll be interesting.”
(On the importance of having ‘alpha’ personalities on the team right now) – “I think the teams that win in this league are physically and mentally tough. You have to understand that if you lose two games in a row, the season’s not over … and you just collapse, and then, you know … Again, I think you add players that love to compete and love to play the game. When you add a bunch of those guys to your roster and to your core, that’s just contagious and makes your team better.”
(On whether they plan on going to camp with the current receivers they have on the roster) – “Yeah, currently right now. But you know you’re always waiting to see if any other opportunities arise.”
(On what the team accomplished in the first two days of the draft) – “I think filling a lot of needs, but getting the best players available too. Again, we added speed, size, toughness – all the things we talked about adding to the roster.”
(On if this can be a potent offense) – “It remains to be seen, but we’re excited with all the pieces we have.”
Leonte Carroo – April 29, 2016
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Friday, April 29, 2016
Wide Receiver Leonte Carroo
(On what he does well as a receiver) – “I catch the ball very well. I’m a very confident receiver that’s very physical. I rely on my speed a lot and I go up and make plays. I had 29 career touchdowns and I only had three career drops in my whole entire career. I take a lot of pride in the way I catch and also the way I block as a receiver.”
(On his ankle injury last season and whether it is okay now) – “Yes, sir. My ankle is 100 percent healthy and I’m ready to go.”
(On whether he had conversations with the Dolphins prior to the draft) – “Yes, sir. I actually went on a visit that went really well. I really enjoyed my visit. It was an awesome visit. I got to meet with all the coaches and now I’m happy to be a Dolphin.”
(On what it was like to see himself get drafted) – “It’s been a long process. I’m a very confident guy and I feel like I’m a guy who put in a lot of hard work throughout college. (I am) definitely a guy who felt that he was first-round talent and I’m just blessed to be in this position of being drafted and especially getting drafted to a great organization like the Miami Dolphins. I’m just happy for my family right now and all my friends and all the people that sacrificed for me to be in the position that I’m in today.”
(On if there was a receiver in the NFL that he compared himself to and looked up to) – “My favorite wide receiver growing up was Marvin Harrison. That’s the reason why I like to catch the ball the way I do because I’ve never seen him drop a pass. But as far as a receiver that I think I am, I’m a much faster Anquan Boldin, someone that has the ability to stretch the field and go deep and also be a possession receiver that’s very physical, as well. ”
(On how exciting it is for him to be playing alongside with WR DeVante Parker and WR Jarvis Landry) – “I’m very excited. As a sophomore, I got to play against DeVante when he was at Louisville, and I got to see what type of great, physical receiver he is. I’m a huge fan of Jarvis Landry. The accomplishments he’s made in the past two seasons … watching him at LSU, it’s an honor to play against those guys. I’m going in to have the mindset that I’m going to be as hungry as can be and learn from those guys. But at the same time, I’m going in to compete and try to win a starting spot as well.”
(On if he knows any players on the Dolphins personally) – “No, actually.”
Mike Tannenbaum, Adam Gase and Laremy Tunsil – April 29, 2016
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Friday, April 29, 2016
Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum, Head Coach Adam Gase and Tackle Laremy Tunsil
Mike Tannenbaum:
(Opening statement) – “We appreciate everyone’s patience. We’re back here to introduce Laremy Tunsil as the next member of the Dolphins. As we said a few minutes ago, we’re really excited that Laremy is here. (We) thought it was a great opportunity for the organization. We expect Laremy to come in and contribute. Where he plays, again as we said, Coach (Adam) Gase will decide that. But we’re excited that Laremy is here. Congratulations.”
Laremy Tunsil:
“Thank you. I’m excited to be here. It’s a blessed opportunity just to be in the NFL, just to be a part of the Miami Dolphins organization. ”
(On if he has had a chance to put his night into perspective) – “Like I said, (I’m) just excited to be a part of this organization.”
(On what he would say to Dolphins fans that think he has character issues) – “Just know they got a good guy that puts everything on the line for the team.”
(On what the past 24 hours have been like for him) – “It’s been good to me. I’m drafted. I’m in the NFL. So I’m happy.”
(On if he can clarify who hacked into his account) – “I don’t know (anything) about that. I’m here to talk about the Miami Dolphins.”
(On what happened today to make him ill) – “I don’t know what happened. I had an allergic reaction. The doctor took care of me so I’m good.”
(On if he felt woozy or fainted) – “No. I just had an allergic reaction.”
(On if it was something he ate) – “Probably.”
(On whether an allergic reaction has happened to him before) – “Yes, it has.
(On whether the text messages posted to his Instagram account were accurate) – “I’m here to talk about the Miami Dolphins.”
(On where he anticipates playing on the offensive line) – “Anywhere they put me would be fine. If coach wants me to play quarterback, coach wants (me) to play receiver, tight end – hopefully tight end – but whatever he wants me to play.” (laughter)
(On whether he has previously played guard) – “Like I said, whatever position he puts me in will be fine.”
(On how much he knew about the Dolphins prior to the draft) – “I’m from Florida, actually, so I know a lot about the Miami Dolphins. Being from Florida, I knew a lot about the Dolphins.”
(On whether he grew up a Dolphins fan) – “No, I grew up a Saints fan.” (laughter)
Mike Tannenbaum:
“We just found that out.” (laughter)
Laremy Tunsil:
(On the Dolphins’ history of left tackles and where he hopes to fit into that lineage) – “Like I said, wherever you put me will be great. I heard a lot of good things about the tackles.”
(On how his conversations with Head Coach Adam Gase have gone) – “Pretty good.” (laughter)
Mike Tannenbaum:
“Adam was really disappointed we took an offensive player.” (laughter)
Laremy Tunsil:
(On whether there is a player he admires) – “I liked Tyron Smith from the Dallas Cowboys.”
(On why he admires Tyron Smith) – “His game. The way he plays is nice.”
(On whether he was able to sleep last night) – “Like I said, I’m blessed just to be here. It’s a great opportunity.”
(On handling adversity with an upbeat attitude) – “Like I said before, it’s a blessing just to be here, just to be in the NFL and to be a part of this organization.”
(On if he can shed light on his comments from last night) – “I’m just here to talk about the Miami Dolphins.”
(On the Dolphins’ willingness to draft him) – “They gave me a chance and (I’m going to show them) why. I’m the best player and I should be in the draft.”
(On the dangers of social media) – “Like I said, I’m blessed.”
(On whether he has seen QB Ryan Tannehill play much) – “No, but he texted me yesterday, so that’s a sign of (knowing) he has my back.”
(On what he would say to people about his character) – “No character issues at all.”
(On if he can help protect QB Ryan Tannehill) – “I’m coming here to help the team anyway I can.”
