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Blogroll
RYAN KERRIGAN
Q. Did you think you were going to be playing in Washington?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I had an idea, and I really liked Washington in my pre‑Draft meetings. It's always surprising on Draft day and I'm really thankful for this opportunity.
Q. Are you looking forward to being a Redskin?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I can't wait. I'm really excited. I'm really excited to be part of the Redskins organization.
Q. Talk about playing in the Big Ten against great offensive linemen and how that will help you at the next level.
RYAN KERRIGAN: The Big Ten is known for being one of the more physical conferences around the country. Typically a pro style offense is in there so I had some good advance training heading into the NFL and I think that will certainly help me out coming into the league.
Q. How do you feel about the big rivalry between Washington, Dallas, the Giants, Philadelphia?
RYAN KERRIGAN: It's very cool. Especially coming from the Big Ten where it seems like every team is a rival in that league, too. I think that will be ‑‑ I'll be really excited for that and really looking forward to those rivalry games.
Q. How much are you looking forward to playing under Shanahan?
RYAN KERRIGAN: It's a true blessing. He's done some phenomenal things in his coaching career and to be able and learn and grow under him is going to be a great opportunity.
Q. How do you feel about playing with Albert?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I'm going to embrace all my teammates. I'm excited to meet them and get inside the building and know all of them and start playing some football.
Q. If there's one thing you have to work on going to the next level, what would that be?
RYAN KERRIGAN: Making the adjustment from a 4‑3 end to a 3‑4 outside linebacker. You see the game from a whole other perspective, in a two‑point stance, standing up, whereas in a four‑three defense, your hand is on the ground and you can only see so far. I think it's going to be a good transition and I'm looking forward to and I'm excited to be there.
Q. What did you study?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I'm a health ed major.
Q. What about the speed, does that concern you?
RYAN KERRIGAN: That's an adjustment I had to make coming from high school to college. There's an adjustment in the speed of the game and there will be going from college to the pros. It's one that I have to make and I'm going to make and I'm going to get better at it every day and I'm going to work to get better at it every day.
Q. How exciting is it for you to see that this is a Draft of a defensive line and how all of you can mature and possibly be Pro Bowlers in the future?
RYAN KERRIGAN: This was a great year for defensive ends, a lot with first‑potential and to be able to go 16 overall is really special. To go to an organization like the Redskins, I feel blessed and I'm truly grateful for this opportunity.
Q. What were your thoughts when they benched Donovan McNabb and the state of quarterbacks?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I can't really comment on that. I was obviously still playing college football then so I can't ‑‑ that's something between the coaches and the players, McNabb and the coaches there, so I can't really comment on that.
Q. Were you surprised on what was taking place there?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I can't really say. I don't know all of the details going on so I can't really say.
Q. Did you talk with Coach Shanahan today?
RYAN KERRIGAN: He's the one that called me and said, "Are you excited to be a Redskin"?
And I said, "Heck, yes, I am." And I really am. I'm excited.
Q. What's your impression of New York?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I've been here since Tuesday and it's different, from Indiana; you're never in a rush to get anywhere and so many more people. It's definitely a cool experience and I'm glad to be a part of it.
Q. Walking down the street, did anybody recognize you at all?
RYAN KERRIGAN: No, they didn't it. Was probably better that way.
Q. Are you going to have to gain some weight to stop the run and if so, is that going to slow you down?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I don't think so. I've been as much as 267 before and I felt great and I felt good running at the Combine, running at that, and so whatever the coaches ask me to do, lose weight, gain weight, I'll do it to the best of my ability.
Q. Speaking of the Combine, was there anything that you experienced that you were surprised that you could do or couldn't do?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I think I did better in the linebacker drills than most anticipated. I really worked on it a lot with my linebacker coach and with my Combine trainer, Dan Brandenburg. He really helped me get better at it. I honed in on my skills and drops and getting ready in the two‑point stance.
Q. Did you think you were going to be playing in Washington?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I had an idea, and I really liked Washington in my pre‑Draft meetings. It's always surprising on Draft day and I'm really thankful for this opportunity.
Q. Are you looking forward to being a Redskin?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I can't wait. I'm really excited. I'm really excited to be part of the Redskins organization.
Q. Talk about playing in the Big Ten against great offensive linemen and how that will help you at the next level.
RYAN KERRIGAN: The Big Ten is known for being one of the more physical conferences around the country. Typically a pro style offense is in there so I had some good advance training heading into the NFL and I think that will certainly help me out coming into the league.
Q. How do you feel about the big rivalry between Washington, Dallas, the Giants, Philadelphia?
RYAN KERRIGAN: It's very cool. Especially coming from the Big Ten where it seems like every team is a rival in that league, too. I think that will be ‑‑ I'll be really excited for that and really looking forward to those rivalry games.
Q. How much are you looking forward to playing under Shanahan?
RYAN KERRIGAN: It's a true blessing. He's done some phenomenal things in his coaching career and to be able and learn and grow under him is going to be a great opportunity.
Q. How do you feel about playing with Albert?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I'm going to embrace all my teammates. I'm excited to meet them and get inside the building and know all of them and start playing some football.
Q. If there's one thing you have to work on going to the next level, what would that be?
RYAN KERRIGAN: Making the adjustment from a 4‑3 end to a 3‑4 outside linebacker. You see the game from a whole other perspective, in a two‑point stance, standing up, whereas in a four‑three defense, your hand is on the ground and you can only see so far. I think it's going to be a good transition and I'm looking forward to and I'm excited to be there.
Q. What did you study?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I'm a health ed major.
Q. What about the speed, does that concern you?
RYAN KERRIGAN: That's an adjustment I had to make coming from high school to college. There's an adjustment in the speed of the game and there will be going from college to the pros. It's one that I have to make and I'm going to make and I'm going to get better at it every day and I'm going to work to get better at it every day.
Q. How exciting is it for you to see that this is a Draft of a defensive line and how all of you can mature and possibly be Pro Bowlers in the future?
RYAN KERRIGAN: This was a great year for defensive ends, a lot with first‑potential and to be able to go 16 overall is really special. To go to an organization like the Redskins, I feel blessed and I'm truly grateful for this opportunity.
Q. What were your thoughts when they benched Donovan McNabb and the state of quarterbacks?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I can't really comment on that. I was obviously still playing college football then so I can't ‑‑ that's something between the coaches and the players, McNabb and the coaches there, so I can't really comment on that.
Q. Were you surprised on what was taking place there?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I can't really say. I don't know all of the details going on so I can't really say.
Q. Did you talk with Coach Shanahan today?
RYAN KERRIGAN: He's the one that called me and said, "Are you excited to be a Redskin"?
And I said, "Heck, yes, I am." And I really am. I'm excited.
Q. What's your impression of New York?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I've been here since Tuesday and it's different, from Indiana; you're never in a rush to get anywhere and so many more people. It's definitely a cool experience and I'm glad to be a part of it.
Q. Walking down the street, did anybody recognize you at all?
RYAN KERRIGAN: No, they didn't it. Was probably better that way.
Q. Are you going to have to gain some weight to stop the run and if so, is that going to slow you down?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I don't think so. I've been as much as 267 before and I felt great and I felt good running at the Combine, running at that, and so whatever the coaches ask me to do, lose weight, gain weight, I'll do it to the best of my ability.
Q. Speaking of the Combine, was there anything that you experienced that you were surprised that you could do or couldn't do?
RYAN KERRIGAN: I think I did better in the linebacker drills than most anticipated. I really worked on it a lot with my linebacker coach and with my Combine trainer, Dan Brandenburg. He really helped me get better at it. I honed in on my skills and drops and getting ready in the two‑point stance.
BLAINE GABBERT
Q. Can you talk about the labor stuff, coming up to this - was that a concern of yours?
BLAINE GABBERT: Not at all. I'm speaking for every player in that Draft that they are happy that they reached somewhat of an agreement and things are going smoothly.
Q. Are you excited to get down to Jacksonville?
BLAINE GABBERT: I'm excited that this process has come to an end and now I get to go back and look at the playbook and play football.
Q. The University of Missouri and the players that have been coming out of there the last five or six seasons, talk about what the coach has done and instilled in you guys?
BLAINE GABBERT: He's given us an opportunity to play at the next level and the coaching staff there puts you in the right position to make plays, make a name for yourself and have this opportunity. I know Aldon [Smith] and I are extremely fortunate that we did play at Missouri and the coaching staff treated us wonderfully and really helped us come from a high school senior to a big time college player to now being in the NFL.
Q. Are you looking forward to the challenge of playing in the NFL?
BLAINE GABBERT: I am excited to get down there, learn the playbook, and compete with all of the other quarterbacks on the roster. Like I said, whatever the coaches and I guess the people in that organization deem necessary for what quarterback to play, that's a decision that they have to make.
Q. What about playing at the pro level, the challenges you'll face, the speed of the game, reading the defenses, processing everything. It's so much quicker. How are you going to prepare?
BLAINE GABBERT: I consider myself a sound decision‑maker. It's a process. Once you get your feet wet in the games, you're going to adjust. College is a pretty fast game. You guys don't realize it. It's going to be definitely fun competing out there week‑in and week‑out, the best athletes in the world.
Q. Considering you were the best or second‑best quarterback in the draft ‑‑ did you think top 10?
BLAINE GABBERT: The mind‑set I came into the Draft with was, whatever team wants to draft you is the one that wants to draft you the most. I wanted to have fun with the process and don't too stressed out about it and, thankfully I was drafted No. 10 by the Jaguars.
Q. What did you study?
BLAINE GABBERT: I was afinance major.
Q. What do you see yourself doing that after football?
BLAINE GABBERT: The biggest thing, I'd like to finish my degree in the off‑season and that's important and I'm close to doing that. At the same time my focus is on football right now. I want to get in the playbook and learn that as fast as possible.
Q. Having a top tight end is a great safety valve and comfort. What do you know about Marcedes [Lewis]?
BLAINE GABBERT: He's a great player, having a big athletic tight end like that helps you out. We had a great tight end in Missouri, as well and having a guy that can get a mismatch on a linebacker and stretch the middle of the field puts stress on the defense. Any time you have a guy like that, like Marcedes, that's definitely a comfort for the quarterback.
Q. And the competition against the Colts?
BLAINE GABBERT: It's going to be fun. They are a great football team. I've been getting questions about playing against J.J. - we are great buds and we are going to compete.
Q. What was the most stressful part of the week so far?
BLAINE GABBERT: Nothing. It's a fun process. Not many people get to enjoy this, and like I said, it's very cool and I'm just staying relaxed, got drafted, talking to you guys and it's a great deal.
Q. Obviously you want to win for your team first, but in a few years when I draft you in fantasy football, will that be cool?
BLAINE GABBERT: Oh, that's up to you guys. Playing football will be fun.
Q. Inaudible.
BLAINE GABBERT: At the end of the day football is football. You have to be able to process information quickly, especially being a quarterback, you have to learn the playbook faster than most people and you have to know where everybody is on the field. It's your responsibility to align the team in the right place and being a smart guy opponent the field and in school helps you pick up things and understand defenses faster.
Q. Inaudible?
BLAINE GABBERT: The skinny post, we ran a bunch at Missouri, run the seam -- it's fun to throw.
Q. How much did you get to see of Brad Smith coming in before you started to play?
BLAINE GABBERT: He was one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football of all time, the records that he broke, numbers that he put up were unbelievable, and he's having a great NFL career with the Jets.
Q. Don't you wish could you have been drafted in a bigger market?
BLAINE GABBERT: Jacksonville is a great place and I'm anxious to get down there, anxious to make that my home. I love Florida. I grew up down there on the Atlantic coast. Anxious to get down there and have fun.
Q. Who was your favorite quarterback growing up and did you model yourself after him?
BLAINE GABBERT: I loved watching the game. We had Rams season tickets so watching Kurt Warner on Sundays was definitely special, watching them win the Super Bowl. Seeing all the quarterbacks in the NFL, they are different and we are just trying to take pieces of everybody's game.
Q. What advantage do you feel you have going into the pro game?
BLAINE GABBERT: Mechanically you have to be able to throw the ball, that's extremely important for a quarterback, I was asked to do that about 500 times a year at Missouri. Being able to make a play out of the pocket when things break down. We know everything is not going to be perfect the game so you have to throw the ball on the run and make completions and plays.
Q. What do you feel you have to work on footwork‑wise?
BLAINE GABBERT: I think I have great feet.
Q. Do you think that the team took you with the idea that, hey, worst comes to worst, you can buy some time out of the pocket?
BLAINE GABBERT: That's part of any offense, nothing is going to be perfect on any snap and the ability to create something after your first, second, third reach ‑‑ it's extremely important for a quarterback to have that ability and move in and outside of the pocket is definitely one of my strengths.
Q. Some people say there are two types of quarterbacks: One makes the receivers better and that they need a good supporting cast. Do you feel that you're the type of quarterback that makes your receivers better?
BLAINE GABBERT: There's no question, and it's a collective group effort. They are going to make plays for and you, and you are going to make plays for them. They have to trust you, that you are going to put the ball in the position where they are not going to get killed and they are going to make plays after the catch.
Q. Can you talk about the labor stuff, coming up to this - was that a concern of yours?
BLAINE GABBERT: Not at all. I'm speaking for every player in that Draft that they are happy that they reached somewhat of an agreement and things are going smoothly.
Q. Are you excited to get down to Jacksonville?
BLAINE GABBERT: I'm excited that this process has come to an end and now I get to go back and look at the playbook and play football.
Q. The University of Missouri and the players that have been coming out of there the last five or six seasons, talk about what the coach has done and instilled in you guys?
BLAINE GABBERT: He's given us an opportunity to play at the next level and the coaching staff there puts you in the right position to make plays, make a name for yourself and have this opportunity. I know Aldon [Smith] and I are extremely fortunate that we did play at Missouri and the coaching staff treated us wonderfully and really helped us come from a high school senior to a big time college player to now being in the NFL.
Q. Are you looking forward to the challenge of playing in the NFL?
BLAINE GABBERT: I am excited to get down there, learn the playbook, and compete with all of the other quarterbacks on the roster. Like I said, whatever the coaches and I guess the people in that organization deem necessary for what quarterback to play, that's a decision that they have to make.
Q. What about playing at the pro level, the challenges you'll face, the speed of the game, reading the defenses, processing everything. It's so much quicker. How are you going to prepare?
BLAINE GABBERT: I consider myself a sound decision‑maker. It's a process. Once you get your feet wet in the games, you're going to adjust. College is a pretty fast game. You guys don't realize it. It's going to be definitely fun competing out there week‑in and week‑out, the best athletes in the world.
Q. Considering you were the best or second‑best quarterback in the draft ‑‑ did you think top 10?
BLAINE GABBERT: The mind‑set I came into the Draft with was, whatever team wants to draft you is the one that wants to draft you the most. I wanted to have fun with the process and don't too stressed out about it and, thankfully I was drafted No. 10 by the Jaguars.
Q. What did you study?
BLAINE GABBERT: I was afinance major.
Q. What do you see yourself doing that after football?
BLAINE GABBERT: The biggest thing, I'd like to finish my degree in the off‑season and that's important and I'm close to doing that. At the same time my focus is on football right now. I want to get in the playbook and learn that as fast as possible.
Q. Having a top tight end is a great safety valve and comfort. What do you know about Marcedes [Lewis]?
BLAINE GABBERT: He's a great player, having a big athletic tight end like that helps you out. We had a great tight end in Missouri, as well and having a guy that can get a mismatch on a linebacker and stretch the middle of the field puts stress on the defense. Any time you have a guy like that, like Marcedes, that's definitely a comfort for the quarterback.
Q. And the competition against the Colts?
BLAINE GABBERT: It's going to be fun. They are a great football team. I've been getting questions about playing against J.J. - we are great buds and we are going to compete.
Q. What was the most stressful part of the week so far?
BLAINE GABBERT: Nothing. It's a fun process. Not many people get to enjoy this, and like I said, it's very cool and I'm just staying relaxed, got drafted, talking to you guys and it's a great deal.
Q. Obviously you want to win for your team first, but in a few years when I draft you in fantasy football, will that be cool?
BLAINE GABBERT: Oh, that's up to you guys. Playing football will be fun.
Q. Inaudible.
BLAINE GABBERT: At the end of the day football is football. You have to be able to process information quickly, especially being a quarterback, you have to learn the playbook faster than most people and you have to know where everybody is on the field. It's your responsibility to align the team in the right place and being a smart guy opponent the field and in school helps you pick up things and understand defenses faster.
Q. Inaudible?
BLAINE GABBERT: The skinny post, we ran a bunch at Missouri, run the seam -- it's fun to throw.
Q. How much did you get to see of Brad Smith coming in before you started to play?
BLAINE GABBERT: He was one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football of all time, the records that he broke, numbers that he put up were unbelievable, and he's having a great NFL career with the Jets.
Q. Don't you wish could you have been drafted in a bigger market?
BLAINE GABBERT: Jacksonville is a great place and I'm anxious to get down there, anxious to make that my home. I love Florida. I grew up down there on the Atlantic coast. Anxious to get down there and have fun.
Q. Who was your favorite quarterback growing up and did you model yourself after him?
BLAINE GABBERT: I loved watching the game. We had Rams season tickets so watching Kurt Warner on Sundays was definitely special, watching them win the Super Bowl. Seeing all the quarterbacks in the NFL, they are different and we are just trying to take pieces of everybody's game.
Q. What advantage do you feel you have going into the pro game?
BLAINE GABBERT: Mechanically you have to be able to throw the ball, that's extremely important for a quarterback, I was asked to do that about 500 times a year at Missouri. Being able to make a play out of the pocket when things break down. We know everything is not going to be perfect the game so you have to throw the ball on the run and make completions and plays.
Q. What do you feel you have to work on footwork‑wise?
BLAINE GABBERT: I think I have great feet.
Q. Do you think that the team took you with the idea that, hey, worst comes to worst, you can buy some time out of the pocket?
BLAINE GABBERT: That's part of any offense, nothing is going to be perfect on any snap and the ability to create something after your first, second, third reach ‑‑ it's extremely important for a quarterback to have that ability and move in and outside of the pocket is definitely one of my strengths.
Q. Some people say there are two types of quarterbacks: One makes the receivers better and that they need a good supporting cast. Do you feel that you're the type of quarterback that makes your receivers better?
BLAINE GABBERT: There's no question, and it's a collective group effort. They are going to make plays for and you, and you are going to make plays for them. They have to trust you, that you are going to put the ball in the position where they are not going to get killed and they are going to make plays after the catch.
VON MILLER
Q. How excited are you to work under John Elway?
VON MILLER: I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to go to Denver and prove myself.
Q. You're going to work with a defensive guru, how much are you looking forward to working with them?
VON MILLER: I'm extremely excited. I've known him before. He's a great guy. He's a guru, a wizard and I feel like I've got a lot to contribute to the team. I feel like I can help to contribute to win, so working with Coach Fox I think will be a perfect fit.
Q. It's a little bit away from Texas, isn't it?
VON MILLER: It's a little bit away but it's not too far.
Q. What was the moment like when you got the phone call, what was going through your head?
VON MILLER: You know, I was watching my phone. My phone didn't ring. I was like, maybe it's not my pick and I looked up to my dad's phone and it had the 303 area code. I knew immediately who it was. I got on the phone and talked to Coach Sanders and I had an immediate flashback from little league football all the way to this point now and I just remember all the guys who told me I can't.
I'm just extremely grateful to have this opportunity to get in the NFL and prove myself.
Q. Did any of the teams you talked to along the way have any reaction to you being a named plaintiff in the case?
VON MILLER: You know, it was about football. I think they know me. I think they did the research and I think they checked my background to know that I'm not a troublemaker and I'm not a guy that just looks for attention. I'm a team guy. Whatever it takes to help out my team is what I do. That's one of the main reasons why I joined.
Q. Are you pleased with the last couple of days?
VON MILLER: I'm extremely pleased about the whole thing. I'm grateful, to make progress and I know both sides of the NFL and players are both working extremely hard, and I'm glad to see there's some progress.
Q. Finally you had some emotion it looked like when you got picked; did you gather your feelings and your thoughts?
VON MILLER: Yes, sir. Like I said, I just had a flashback all the way from little league, second grade, ninth grade, tenth grade, college, all the way through. I just remember the adversity I've been through and what it took to overcome that and I was just extremely, you know, grateful to have this opportunity to prove myself in the National Football League.
Q. Were you annoyed you weren't No. 1?
VON MILLER: No, I wasn't annoyed. Whatever team got me, I was going to be grateful to play for those guys and when the Broncos picked me, I'm extremely grateful to be a Bronco, going to Mile High Stadium and proving myself.
Q. What adversity is it? That you're nearsighted? What adversity is it?
VON MILLER: Playing football is always adversity, especially defense and especially in my shoes. I've never played the same position twice, two years straight.
That's adversity within itself. Going to Texas A&M, battling all of those great teams in the Big 12, that's adversity. The season that we had my senior year, after turning it around after three straight losses and winning six games straight, that's adversity. You know, it gets deeper than that, but I don't have time to have a documentary, but I'm telling you, playing football, it's a lot of adversity.
Q. What about playing in the AFC West with some great receivers, that's going to be a big challenge. What do you feel technique wise you have to do?
VON MILLER: I just have to stick to the same formula of success that I've had, and that's just taking it one day at a time and trying to maximize my days.
I think I've proven time and time again, I feel and in person that I can drop back in coverage and I can take care of all of the responsibilities it takes to be a great running back.
Q. We hear that they are making a decision on the appeal as soon as tonight. Have you heard anything, and do you feel that now that you are with the team, this could be a distraction for your own working out and being a plaintiff in the case?
VON MILLER: It has not been a distraction and I don't feel like it's going to be a distraction at all.
I'm not on my cell phone, I'm a little away from the world, but when I get back to my cell phone I'm sure I'll be updated with all the stuff.
Q. Are you happy you went back to school and the way this worked out?
VON MILLER: I'm extremely happy. I'm extremely happy. It's surreal and I just want to thank God for all of the things He's put in my life and the success He's given me. I'm extremely happy.
Q. Did you speak to anyone in the Broncos organization?
VON MILLER: I talked to them and their message was they were happy to have me there. I've talked to those guys before. I want to get to Denver and I want to get there and I want to prove myself.
Q. How excited are you to work under John Elway?
VON MILLER: I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to go to Denver and prove myself.
Q. You're going to work with a defensive guru, how much are you looking forward to working with them?
VON MILLER: I'm extremely excited. I've known him before. He's a great guy. He's a guru, a wizard and I feel like I've got a lot to contribute to the team. I feel like I can help to contribute to win, so working with Coach Fox I think will be a perfect fit.
Q. It's a little bit away from Texas, isn't it?
VON MILLER: It's a little bit away but it's not too far.
Q. What was the moment like when you got the phone call, what was going through your head?
VON MILLER: You know, I was watching my phone. My phone didn't ring. I was like, maybe it's not my pick and I looked up to my dad's phone and it had the 303 area code. I knew immediately who it was. I got on the phone and talked to Coach Sanders and I had an immediate flashback from little league football all the way to this point now and I just remember all the guys who told me I can't.
I'm just extremely grateful to have this opportunity to get in the NFL and prove myself.
Q. Did any of the teams you talked to along the way have any reaction to you being a named plaintiff in the case?
VON MILLER: You know, it was about football. I think they know me. I think they did the research and I think they checked my background to know that I'm not a troublemaker and I'm not a guy that just looks for attention. I'm a team guy. Whatever it takes to help out my team is what I do. That's one of the main reasons why I joined.
Q. Are you pleased with the last couple of days?
VON MILLER: I'm extremely pleased about the whole thing. I'm grateful, to make progress and I know both sides of the NFL and players are both working extremely hard, and I'm glad to see there's some progress.
Q. Finally you had some emotion it looked like when you got picked; did you gather your feelings and your thoughts?
VON MILLER: Yes, sir. Like I said, I just had a flashback all the way from little league, second grade, ninth grade, tenth grade, college, all the way through. I just remember the adversity I've been through and what it took to overcome that and I was just extremely, you know, grateful to have this opportunity to prove myself in the National Football League.
Q. Were you annoyed you weren't No. 1?
VON MILLER: No, I wasn't annoyed. Whatever team got me, I was going to be grateful to play for those guys and when the Broncos picked me, I'm extremely grateful to be a Bronco, going to Mile High Stadium and proving myself.
Q. What adversity is it? That you're nearsighted? What adversity is it?
VON MILLER: Playing football is always adversity, especially defense and especially in my shoes. I've never played the same position twice, two years straight.
That's adversity within itself. Going to Texas A&M, battling all of those great teams in the Big 12, that's adversity. The season that we had my senior year, after turning it around after three straight losses and winning six games straight, that's adversity. You know, it gets deeper than that, but I don't have time to have a documentary, but I'm telling you, playing football, it's a lot of adversity.
Q. What about playing in the AFC West with some great receivers, that's going to be a big challenge. What do you feel technique wise you have to do?
VON MILLER: I just have to stick to the same formula of success that I've had, and that's just taking it one day at a time and trying to maximize my days.
I think I've proven time and time again, I feel and in person that I can drop back in coverage and I can take care of all of the responsibilities it takes to be a great running back.
Q. We hear that they are making a decision on the appeal as soon as tonight. Have you heard anything, and do you feel that now that you are with the team, this could be a distraction for your own working out and being a plaintiff in the case?
VON MILLER: It has not been a distraction and I don't feel like it's going to be a distraction at all.
I'm not on my cell phone, I'm a little away from the world, but when I get back to my cell phone I'm sure I'll be updated with all the stuff.
Q. Are you happy you went back to school and the way this worked out?
VON MILLER: I'm extremely happy. I'm extremely happy. It's surreal and I just want to thank God for all of the things He's put in my life and the success He's given me. I'm extremely happy.
Q. Did you speak to anyone in the Broncos organization?
VON MILLER: I talked to them and their message was they were happy to have me there. I've talked to those guys before. I want to get to Denver and I want to get there and I want to prove myself.
J.J. WATT
Q. J.J., working with Wade Phillips, how much are you looking forward to that?
J.J. WATT: I'm looking forward to working with coach Phillips and Mario Williams and Brian Cushing and all those guys down there. It's a great day to be a Texan, that's for sure.
Q. How excited are you to be in a state with no income tax?
J.J. WATT: I'm excited, that's one of the perks and I'm excited to be in a state with great fans, I can't wait to experience it.
Q. Who did you talk to?
J.J. WATT: I talked to everybody, the GM, everybody, it was a whirlwind phone call. It was great.
Q. Are you getting ready to sack Peyton Manning?
J.J. WATT: That's what everybody is saying to me all day, he's a guy that we need to sack. I want to sack a quarterback every week. That's a goal for us defensive linemen.
Q. How much are you looking forward to helping them get over the hump and into the playoffs?
J.J. WATT: I'm excited about that opportunity. I think as a first‑round draft pick you are expected to come in and contribute to the team and that's exactly what I want to do. I want to come in and contribute to the team. Every team in the NFL is working towards the Super Bowl and we are no different.
Q. They have really built their defensive line the last few years; how much are you looking forward to joining them?
J.J. WATT: Any time you can work with other great players, especially a guy like Mario Williams who makes everyone around him look good, I'm just going to go in there and excited to be part of the defensive line.
Q. Were you really a walk‑on?
J.J. WATT: I started at Central Michigan and went to Pizza Hut and worked at a local college for six months and walked onto the Badgers in June. I played for the scout team for a year, got on scholarship in May, started for two years and left after my junior year.
Q. How many free pies as were you allowed?
J.J. WATT: I've eaten plenty of pizzas in my day. I kind of have to stop now. My dietician wouldn't be too happy.
Q. What are the challenges you face at the pro level facing the offensive line in the NFL, technique‑wise, what do you feel are going to be it the challenges?
J.J. WATT: Every single week you are seeing a great football player line up from you on the offensive line. They have great footwork and you have to be on your game every single week. I'm excited to work with the coaches in Houston. I can't wait to protect my technique so we can win more football games.
Q. What do you feel are your moves that will translate?
J.J. WATT: I feel like I have a good bull rush, using my strength and size and I have some moves that work off of it, and I watch a ton of film so my opponent very well that's going to help me at the next level.
Q. What do you think about your friends and where they are going?
J.J. WATT: I'm extremely excited for those guys. When I saw Christian get picked, that was an awesome pick and Blaine, going to Jacksonville, that's a great pick for him. We want to have a fishing trip down there but we have to go to work first.
Q. When you were working at Pizza Hut, what was your outer limit of your dream? Did you think you could be a top NFL pick?
J.J. WATT: It was a goal and the dream to be a first rounder. I mean, a lot of people looked at me like I was crazy if I ever told them that but that was always my dream and goal but I never could have imagined being where I am today and it's an unbelievable feeling and it's a testament to my parents for raising me to always work my tail off.
Q. Talk about how you and Gabe challenged each other and how that's going to help you.
J.J. WATT: Yeah, Gabe is a great football player. He has great feet and he has great hands and he's a strong guy and so going against him single day in practice, he was the best offensive lineman in college and no one else got the practice I did and that's definitely going to help me transition to the NFL.
Q. Now that you're a first round pick, at this point, this is the dream, how do you keep yourself motivated to be the best that you can be and excel at a high level?
J.J. WATT: It was my dream to get drafted in the first round of the NFL and that dream has been accomplished so it's time to set new dreams. Going to the NFL, it's your dream to win a Super Bowl, to make the Pro Bowl and all those great things. So as soon as I accomplished one dream I set a new one and so I'm working starting tomorrow, going to my next dream.
Q. Reliant Stadium is a really noisy home field; how much do you think that's going to give you an advantage and how much are you looking to playing in an intense atmosphere?
J.J. WATT: I can't wait. When the fans get rowdy for a defense you know you have a good fan base and nothing gets us more excited than the fans going crazy and I can't wait to play in that crazy environment.
I've heard from Garret Graham and Owen Daniels that said they love it down there, so I can't wait to see it for myself.
Q. Can you talk about the draft process?
J.J. WATT: Back in the Green Room, guys were scrambling around a little bit because I guess however it was supposed to go, it didn't go that way. But for me, I was just waiting for a phone call and extremely excited when I found out it was Houston on the other end of the line.
Q. When will you continue your education?
J.J. WATT: I definitely want to get my college degree. I'm not exactly sure when it's going to happen. But I feel like I would be a hypocrite if told other kids that they needed to get a college degree if they didn't have one. I will be getting my college degree at some point.
Q. Who did you model yourself after?
J.J. WATT: I love watching guys like Howie Long, Reggie White. Those are two great defenders that I really like the way they play the game.
Q. Are you an NFL historian? Do you study older defenses?
J.J. WATT: When I got moved to defensive line, I had to study the greats and see how they did it, and he played the game just with this tenacity that was unbelievable and I love the way he plays it. I love watching him.
Q. You went from one position to another, offense to defense. Talk about how that transition helps you read the defense and see what they are doing and the advantage it gives you when you lineup.
J.J. WATT: Playing tight end and switching over to defensive end, I obviously knew some of the tricks of the trade I guess you could say. But for me it's just more the athleticism, playing tight end you have to have a little more athleticism, and the mind‑set is just a lot different on defense. I get to control my own destiny on every single play.
So if I want to sack the quarterback, I go sack the quarterback. I don't have to wait for somebody to throw me the ball to make the play. That's what I love about defense and I love just being able to go all‑out on every play.
Q. J.J., working with Wade Phillips, how much are you looking forward to that?
J.J. WATT: I'm looking forward to working with coach Phillips and Mario Williams and Brian Cushing and all those guys down there. It's a great day to be a Texan, that's for sure.
Q. How excited are you to be in a state with no income tax?
J.J. WATT: I'm excited, that's one of the perks and I'm excited to be in a state with great fans, I can't wait to experience it.
Q. Who did you talk to?
J.J. WATT: I talked to everybody, the GM, everybody, it was a whirlwind phone call. It was great.
Q. Are you getting ready to sack Peyton Manning?
J.J. WATT: That's what everybody is saying to me all day, he's a guy that we need to sack. I want to sack a quarterback every week. That's a goal for us defensive linemen.
Q. How much are you looking forward to helping them get over the hump and into the playoffs?
J.J. WATT: I'm excited about that opportunity. I think as a first‑round draft pick you are expected to come in and contribute to the team and that's exactly what I want to do. I want to come in and contribute to the team. Every team in the NFL is working towards the Super Bowl and we are no different.
Q. They have really built their defensive line the last few years; how much are you looking forward to joining them?
J.J. WATT: Any time you can work with other great players, especially a guy like Mario Williams who makes everyone around him look good, I'm just going to go in there and excited to be part of the defensive line.
Q. Were you really a walk‑on?
J.J. WATT: I started at Central Michigan and went to Pizza Hut and worked at a local college for six months and walked onto the Badgers in June. I played for the scout team for a year, got on scholarship in May, started for two years and left after my junior year.
Q. How many free pies as were you allowed?
J.J. WATT: I've eaten plenty of pizzas in my day. I kind of have to stop now. My dietician wouldn't be too happy.
Q. What are the challenges you face at the pro level facing the offensive line in the NFL, technique‑wise, what do you feel are going to be it the challenges?
J.J. WATT: Every single week you are seeing a great football player line up from you on the offensive line. They have great footwork and you have to be on your game every single week. I'm excited to work with the coaches in Houston. I can't wait to protect my technique so we can win more football games.
Q. What do you feel are your moves that will translate?
J.J. WATT: I feel like I have a good bull rush, using my strength and size and I have some moves that work off of it, and I watch a ton of film so my opponent very well that's going to help me at the next level.
Q. What do you think about your friends and where they are going?
J.J. WATT: I'm extremely excited for those guys. When I saw Christian get picked, that was an awesome pick and Blaine, going to Jacksonville, that's a great pick for him. We want to have a fishing trip down there but we have to go to work first.
Q. When you were working at Pizza Hut, what was your outer limit of your dream? Did you think you could be a top NFL pick?
J.J. WATT: It was a goal and the dream to be a first rounder. I mean, a lot of people looked at me like I was crazy if I ever told them that but that was always my dream and goal but I never could have imagined being where I am today and it's an unbelievable feeling and it's a testament to my parents for raising me to always work my tail off.
Q. Talk about how you and Gabe challenged each other and how that's going to help you.
J.J. WATT: Yeah, Gabe is a great football player. He has great feet and he has great hands and he's a strong guy and so going against him single day in practice, he was the best offensive lineman in college and no one else got the practice I did and that's definitely going to help me transition to the NFL.
Q. Now that you're a first round pick, at this point, this is the dream, how do you keep yourself motivated to be the best that you can be and excel at a high level?
J.J. WATT: It was my dream to get drafted in the first round of the NFL and that dream has been accomplished so it's time to set new dreams. Going to the NFL, it's your dream to win a Super Bowl, to make the Pro Bowl and all those great things. So as soon as I accomplished one dream I set a new one and so I'm working starting tomorrow, going to my next dream.
Q. Reliant Stadium is a really noisy home field; how much do you think that's going to give you an advantage and how much are you looking to playing in an intense atmosphere?
J.J. WATT: I can't wait. When the fans get rowdy for a defense you know you have a good fan base and nothing gets us more excited than the fans going crazy and I can't wait to play in that crazy environment.
I've heard from Garret Graham and Owen Daniels that said they love it down there, so I can't wait to see it for myself.
Q. Can you talk about the draft process?
J.J. WATT: Back in the Green Room, guys were scrambling around a little bit because I guess however it was supposed to go, it didn't go that way. But for me, I was just waiting for a phone call and extremely excited when I found out it was Houston on the other end of the line.
Q. When will you continue your education?
J.J. WATT: I definitely want to get my college degree. I'm not exactly sure when it's going to happen. But I feel like I would be a hypocrite if told other kids that they needed to get a college degree if they didn't have one. I will be getting my college degree at some point.
Q. Who did you model yourself after?
J.J. WATT: I love watching guys like Howie Long, Reggie White. Those are two great defenders that I really like the way they play the game.
Q. Are you an NFL historian? Do you study older defenses?
J.J. WATT: When I got moved to defensive line, I had to study the greats and see how they did it, and he played the game just with this tenacity that was unbelievable and I love the way he plays it. I love watching him.
Q. You went from one position to another, offense to defense. Talk about how that transition helps you read the defense and see what they are doing and the advantage it gives you when you lineup.
J.J. WATT: Playing tight end and switching over to defensive end, I obviously knew some of the tricks of the trade I guess you could say. But for me it's just more the athleticism, playing tight end you have to have a little more athleticism, and the mind‑set is just a lot different on defense. I get to control my own destiny on every single play.
So if I want to sack the quarterback, I go sack the quarterback. I don't have to wait for somebody to throw me the ball to make the play. That's what I love about defense and I love just being able to go all‑out on every play.
TYRON SMITH
Q. There are a lot of great pass rushers in the NFC East. I know your looking forward to the challenge to help yourself get better?
TYRON SMITH: Yeah, I'm looking forward to the challenge. I'm willing to work hard and study film on anybody that I need to study film on to compete.
Q. How do you feel about playing with DeMarcus Ware?
TYRON SMITH: Excited. Very excited.
Q. In the NFL, facing different defenses, what do you feel about the learning curve; what do you feel you're going to have to work on to adapt to the pro game?
TYRON SMITH: I feel like there's going to be a lot of film study and a lot of practice. It's going to be a lot of overnight ‑‑ it's basically going to be up to me how hard I work on it.
Q. Technique‑wise, what are some of the advantages that might help you right away?
TYRON SMITH: Technique‑wise, coming off the ball fast, having a vertical press in pass protection and basically, being like somebody is going to steal your job.
Q. Are you looking to start right away?
TYRON SMITH: Only time will tell.
Q. What sort of things did you learn in college that prepared you to face the NFL's defense?
TYRON SMITH: Well, all the coaches that I had in college prepared me for this level. They had, as far as like preparing for games, running pro‑style offense prepared us for the next level and we had a lot of coaches who coach in the NFL that basically prepared us.
Q. Your dad was in the business, do you come in here maybe less starry‑eyed than your counterparts and are you aware of the issues?
TYRON SMITH: Say that again?
Q. The business side, the labor situation.
TYRON SMITH: Education is important, and I still have one more year left. I came out early as a junior and the whole lockout situation is basically ‑‑ my saying is "always be ready to work" and whenever the whole thing is over with and cleared and everything like that, it's basically come in here and work and I'm ready to work.
Q. Do you plan to coach and teach after football?
TYRON SMITH: I don't know. I won't know until after it's over with.
Q. What do you study at USC?
TYRON SMITH: I studied real estate.
Q. How do you see yourself fitting in with the offense?
TYRON SMITH: I feel like I'll fit in pretty well, as long as I learn from the veterans, any kind of help they can give me, any kind of help the coaches can give me, I feel like I'll fit in pretty well.
Q. How does it feel to be drafted?
TYRON SMITH: It's a privilege and I'm very blessed to be in this spot right now.
Q. When you made the decision to enter the draft ‑‑ inaudible.
TYRON SMITH: No, I had a mind‑set, I didn't know where I was going to go. Basically, I wanted to be surprised by it.
Q. Did you watch Larry Allen and the other great offensive linemen growing up?
TYRON SMITH: Not so much, just like a little bit.
Q. Who did you really like model yourself after or idolize?
TYRON SMITH: Growing up, I never had a favorite team. Just basically enjoyed watching the sport.
Q. Inaudible.
TYRON SMITH: I was in the same spot as anybody else and I feel like age has nothing to do with it.
Q. Did you talk with Jason Garrett?
TYRON SMITH: Yeah, that's the last person I talked to before I went on to the stage, and I said I'm excited and ready to work.
Q. Do you feel like your progression will be able to augment very quickly under him?
TYRON SMITH: Yeah.
Q. Do you think so?
TYRON SMITH: Do I think so? Yeah.
Q. What about the rivalry in the NFC East going against the Giants and Redskins and Eagles?
TYRON SMITH: Yeah, I'm looking forward to anything that's being thrown at me.
Q. Inaudible.
TYRON SMITH: Not at all. It's always been my dream to go to the next level. You know, I'm taking advantage of this opportunity and happy to be in this spot right now.
Q. What about joining the tradition of the Cowboys?
TYRON SMITH: I'm happy to join the tradition, and I feel like it's going to be a great time for me. It's going to be a great time. It's going to be a privilege playing in that stadium and I can't wait.
Q. Did you talk to the coaches yet?
TYRON SMITH: Just Coach Garrett.
Q. Did you talk to Coach Carroll about his experiences in the NFL and anything you need to work on?
TYRON SMITH: Yeah, Coach Carroll, he was always having speeches and lectures to us about the next level, what to expect, what you need to prepare for and basically they did a pretty nice job preparing us for the next level. I'm grateful for everything they did for me.
Q. Playing in the NFL is a big responsibility in terms of what you give back to the community. Are there any charities right now that you support or any that you see yourself supporting in the future?
TYRON SMITH: Just having like little mini‑camps just for kids and anyway I can give back to the community.
Q. The pro level, certain types of plays that you run, traps, etc., how do you feel that technique‑wise, what type of challenges do you face?
TYRON SMITH: Everything is going to be a challenge and a lot of hard work. It's a zone offense, the same offense we ran at the USC. It's going to be a big transition going to the next level.
Q. There are a lot of great pass rushers in the NFC East. I know your looking forward to the challenge to help yourself get better?
TYRON SMITH: Yeah, I'm looking forward to the challenge. I'm willing to work hard and study film on anybody that I need to study film on to compete.
Q. How do you feel about playing with DeMarcus Ware?
TYRON SMITH: Excited. Very excited.
Q. In the NFL, facing different defenses, what do you feel about the learning curve; what do you feel you're going to have to work on to adapt to the pro game?
TYRON SMITH: I feel like there's going to be a lot of film study and a lot of practice. It's going to be a lot of overnight ‑‑ it's basically going to be up to me how hard I work on it.
Q. Technique‑wise, what are some of the advantages that might help you right away?
TYRON SMITH: Technique‑wise, coming off the ball fast, having a vertical press in pass protection and basically, being like somebody is going to steal your job.
Q. Are you looking to start right away?
TYRON SMITH: Only time will tell.
Q. What sort of things did you learn in college that prepared you to face the NFL's defense?
TYRON SMITH: Well, all the coaches that I had in college prepared me for this level. They had, as far as like preparing for games, running pro‑style offense prepared us for the next level and we had a lot of coaches who coach in the NFL that basically prepared us.
Q. Your dad was in the business, do you come in here maybe less starry‑eyed than your counterparts and are you aware of the issues?
TYRON SMITH: Say that again?
Q. The business side, the labor situation.
TYRON SMITH: Education is important, and I still have one more year left. I came out early as a junior and the whole lockout situation is basically ‑‑ my saying is "always be ready to work" and whenever the whole thing is over with and cleared and everything like that, it's basically come in here and work and I'm ready to work.
Q. Do you plan to coach and teach after football?
TYRON SMITH: I don't know. I won't know until after it's over with.
Q. What do you study at USC?
TYRON SMITH: I studied real estate.
Q. How do you see yourself fitting in with the offense?
TYRON SMITH: I feel like I'll fit in pretty well, as long as I learn from the veterans, any kind of help they can give me, any kind of help the coaches can give me, I feel like I'll fit in pretty well.
Q. How does it feel to be drafted?
TYRON SMITH: It's a privilege and I'm very blessed to be in this spot right now.
Q. When you made the decision to enter the draft ‑‑ inaudible.
TYRON SMITH: No, I had a mind‑set, I didn't know where I was going to go. Basically, I wanted to be surprised by it.
Q. Did you watch Larry Allen and the other great offensive linemen growing up?
TYRON SMITH: Not so much, just like a little bit.
Q. Who did you really like model yourself after or idolize?
TYRON SMITH: Growing up, I never had a favorite team. Just basically enjoyed watching the sport.
Q. Inaudible.
TYRON SMITH: I was in the same spot as anybody else and I feel like age has nothing to do with it.
Q. Did you talk with Jason Garrett?
TYRON SMITH: Yeah, that's the last person I talked to before I went on to the stage, and I said I'm excited and ready to work.
Q. Do you feel like your progression will be able to augment very quickly under him?
TYRON SMITH: Yeah.
Q. Do you think so?
TYRON SMITH: Do I think so? Yeah.
Q. What about the rivalry in the NFC East going against the Giants and Redskins and Eagles?
TYRON SMITH: Yeah, I'm looking forward to anything that's being thrown at me.
Q. Inaudible.
TYRON SMITH: Not at all. It's always been my dream to go to the next level. You know, I'm taking advantage of this opportunity and happy to be in this spot right now.
Q. What about joining the tradition of the Cowboys?
TYRON SMITH: I'm happy to join the tradition, and I feel like it's going to be a great time for me. It's going to be a great time. It's going to be a privilege playing in that stadium and I can't wait.
Q. Did you talk to the coaches yet?
TYRON SMITH: Just Coach Garrett.
Q. Did you talk to Coach Carroll about his experiences in the NFL and anything you need to work on?
TYRON SMITH: Yeah, Coach Carroll, he was always having speeches and lectures to us about the next level, what to expect, what you need to prepare for and basically they did a pretty nice job preparing us for the next level. I'm grateful for everything they did for me.
Q. Playing in the NFL is a big responsibility in terms of what you give back to the community. Are there any charities right now that you support or any that you see yourself supporting in the future?
TYRON SMITH: Just having like little mini‑camps just for kids and anyway I can give back to the community.
Q. The pro level, certain types of plays that you run, traps, etc., how do you feel that technique‑wise, what type of challenges do you face?
TYRON SMITH: Everything is going to be a challenge and a lot of hard work. It's a zone offense, the same offense we ran at the USC. It's going to be a big transition going to the next level.
ALDON SMITH
Q. How much are you looking forward to playing with Patrick Willis?
ALDON SMITH: It's going to be a blast, it's going to be a blast.
Q. Lawson, too.
ALDON SMITH: It's going to be good. It's going to be good.
Q. Are you happy to be joining the tradition of the 49ers?
ALDON SMITH: Most definitely. Most definitely.
Q. Have you talked with Jim Harbaugh?
ALDON SMITH: Yeah, he called me. That's the phone call I got.
Q. Are you excited for that energy?
ALDON SMITH: Oh, yeah, it will rub off on the players. I'll be energetic. I'll be excited.
Q. What about playing in a division with a lot of challenges?
ALDON SMITH: I'd better step up to the plate then.
Q. How does it feel to be in an emerging, solid defense and what do you think you bring to the table and can you make an immediate impact with the 49ers?
ALDON SMITH: It's definitely exciting to be part of something that's building and hopefully I want to be part of that and help keep it building. I bring another playmaker on the team besides Patrick Willis and Justin Smith and the other great players they have there. I hope to be a part of that.
Q. Can you talk about being with so many Pro Bowl players and how the program has really progressed?
ALDON SMITH: Missouri, the coaches are preparing us greatly for this level. The league that we play in, the Big 12, the competition that was so high, once we get to the NFL, we are ready for it and we are going to step up to the plate make things happen.
Q. What do you anticipate learning with the pro style offense?
ALDON SMITH: Speed changes, I was able to adapt from high school to college, and I'll be able to adapt from college to the pros.
Q. How much about shedding tackles, technique, how much more is technique going to be a challenge?
ALDON SMITH: Technique will definitely be something that's important because at this level, everybody is so good, you can't depend on your talent everything and have to depend on what the coaches teach you.
Q. How excited are you about going to the City of San Francisco ‑‑ you lucked out?
ALDON SMITH: I think I did, too. I'm excited.
Q. Have you been there before?
ALDON SMITH: For a visit. I was in Palo Alto and I had a good time there.
Q. Are you relieved to be done with the whole draft process?
ALDON SMITH: Yeah, now it's time to go back to work. Time to go back to playing.
Q. How high should your rating be in the Madden video game?
ALDON SMITH: I don't know how high my rating should be. Hopefully in the 90s. I don't know. It will be exciting.
Q. Do players really pay attention to that stuff?
ALDON SMITH: If I'm not 90, I'm going to edit my player and make it 90 (Laughter).
Q. What are you looking forward to the most about San Francisco?
ALDON SMITH: Playing football for the 49ers. Just being on that side, I've never been to California besides to visit San Francisco. The weather was good there. It's different from Missouri.
Q. What players did you idolize growing up or did you model yourself after?
ALDON SMITH: Jevon Kearse, Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, everybody like that.
Q. What about some of the rivalries, the 49ers and Seahawks is starting to become pretty intense, and the 49ers and Cardinals. People talk about the NFC West like it's weak, but they are starting to become better rivalries out west?
ALDON SMITH: I'm definitely excited to be part of it and hopefully the 49ers will come out on top of those rivalries.
Q. Do you think you're going to help San Francisco make it to the Super Bowl?
ALDON SMITH: I sure hope so. I'm going to work hard to help them.
Q. How much are you looking forward to playing with Patrick Willis?
ALDON SMITH: It's going to be a blast, it's going to be a blast.
Q. Lawson, too.
ALDON SMITH: It's going to be good. It's going to be good.
Q. Are you happy to be joining the tradition of the 49ers?
ALDON SMITH: Most definitely. Most definitely.
Q. Have you talked with Jim Harbaugh?
ALDON SMITH: Yeah, he called me. That's the phone call I got.
Q. Are you excited for that energy?
ALDON SMITH: Oh, yeah, it will rub off on the players. I'll be energetic. I'll be excited.
Q. What about playing in a division with a lot of challenges?
ALDON SMITH: I'd better step up to the plate then.
Q. How does it feel to be in an emerging, solid defense and what do you think you bring to the table and can you make an immediate impact with the 49ers?
ALDON SMITH: It's definitely exciting to be part of something that's building and hopefully I want to be part of that and help keep it building. I bring another playmaker on the team besides Patrick Willis and Justin Smith and the other great players they have there. I hope to be a part of that.
Q. Can you talk about being with so many Pro Bowl players and how the program has really progressed?
ALDON SMITH: Missouri, the coaches are preparing us greatly for this level. The league that we play in, the Big 12, the competition that was so high, once we get to the NFL, we are ready for it and we are going to step up to the plate make things happen.
Q. What do you anticipate learning with the pro style offense?
ALDON SMITH: Speed changes, I was able to adapt from high school to college, and I'll be able to adapt from college to the pros.
Q. How much about shedding tackles, technique, how much more is technique going to be a challenge?
ALDON SMITH: Technique will definitely be something that's important because at this level, everybody is so good, you can't depend on your talent everything and have to depend on what the coaches teach you.
Q. How excited are you about going to the City of San Francisco ‑‑ you lucked out?
ALDON SMITH: I think I did, too. I'm excited.
Q. Have you been there before?
ALDON SMITH: For a visit. I was in Palo Alto and I had a good time there.
Q. Are you relieved to be done with the whole draft process?
ALDON SMITH: Yeah, now it's time to go back to work. Time to go back to playing.
Q. How high should your rating be in the Madden video game?
ALDON SMITH: I don't know how high my rating should be. Hopefully in the 90s. I don't know. It will be exciting.
Q. Do players really pay attention to that stuff?
ALDON SMITH: If I'm not 90, I'm going to edit my player and make it 90 (Laughter).
Q. What are you looking forward to the most about San Francisco?
ALDON SMITH: Playing football for the 49ers. Just being on that side, I've never been to California besides to visit San Francisco. The weather was good there. It's different from Missouri.
Q. What players did you idolize growing up or did you model yourself after?
ALDON SMITH: Jevon Kearse, Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, everybody like that.
Q. What about some of the rivalries, the 49ers and Seahawks is starting to become pretty intense, and the 49ers and Cardinals. People talk about the NFC West like it's weak, but they are starting to become better rivalries out west?
ALDON SMITH: I'm definitely excited to be part of it and hopefully the 49ers will come out on top of those rivalries.
Q. Do you think you're going to help San Francisco make it to the Super Bowl?
ALDON SMITH: I sure hope so. I'm going to work hard to help them.
A.J. GREEN
Q. A.J. how much are you looking forward to playing with a young nucleus of wide receivers?
A.J. GREEN: I'm looking forward to going in with some receivers, hopefully ‑‑ I'm just looking forward to getting back to work.
Q. A lot of people talked about you like a Calvin Johnson; do you think you can come in from day one and be that outstanding type of talent?
A.J. GREEN: Yeah, I can make that transition to the next level just because of the way I work. I'm not going to settle for anything less. I'm going to be great.
Q. It's exciting to be drafted. But do you wish could you have had the right to negotiate with all of the employers of the NFL and not just Cincinnati be your only employer?
A.J. GREEN: I was just ready to not sit there no more. I felt like Cincinnati was the best fit for me, anyway.
Q. What do you feel is the advantage that you immediately had against defensive backs, things like size, strength? What do you feel are the advantages that you have?
A.J. GREEN: I think it's both my speed, the way I come in and out of my breaks, my hands, the way I can attack the ball when it's in the air.
Q. It's going to be great to practice against Leon Hall.
A.J. GREEN: Yeah ‑‑ he went to South Carolina and I grew up watching him. Leon Hall I saw him working out at API. Those are great guys and they are going to challenge me.
Q. I'm going to draft you in fantasy football. Am I making a good move?
A.J. GREEN: Definitely. It's back to square one so I've got to prove myself.
Q. How many things do you know about the City of Cincinnati now?
A.J. GREEN: I know they have a great amusement park. That's about it.
Q. You're going to be in a conference with some really good quarterbacks and defenders, and the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are in the division; what challenge do you see them throwing at you?
A.J. GREEN: Those teams are a great defensive teams and we have some great defensive backs, and I'm just ready to get back to work. I'm just going to try to make the best impact I can.
Q. You and Julio were taken in the top six; what does that say about this year's wide receiver class?
A.J. GREEN: It says a lot, because you don't really see two receivers going in the Top‑10. To make the next step from college to the NFL is unbelievable.
Q. Did you like accounting?
A.J. GREEN: It's hard. Trust me, it's one of the toughest things ‑‑ I had thoughts of changing but my parents are like, no, you've got stick to that.
Q. When you're done playing, you can become an agent.
A.J. GREEN: No, that's too much work.
Q. In this business do you find when the labor situation, do you find the background helps you understand what's going on?
A.J. GREEN: I hope so, to manage my money, so I don't really need many people managing my money. I can manage my money myself.
Q. Any receivers you'll model yourself after?
A.J. GREEN: I don't model my game off one receiver. I take different aspects of each receiver and try to apply it to my game.
Q. Do you have any inkling that the Bengals were looking hard at you?
A.J. GREEN: Just coming in, that's where everybody linked me to, and I felt a bond with Jay Gruden the way he lightened up the mood.
Q. Who made the call to your agent?
A.J. GREEN: It was Mike, the receivers’ coach.
Q. What about following in the great tradition of Cincinnati receivers? Offense has been the tradition in Cincinnati.
A.J. GREEN: Like I said I'm just going to go in there and work. I've got a lot of big shoes to fill but I'm up for the challenge.
Q. What about the rivalry against the Browns? Are you looking forward to that?
A.J. GREEN: It will be fun to play against one of my old teammates. I'm just ready to get on the road now.
Q. How intense and fun are those matches going to be between you and Mo?
A.J. GREEN: He's like my big brother. He took me under his wing when I was in the University of Georgia and I'm blessed to have him in my life just to teach me the ropes and show me around.
Q. Inaudible.
A.J. GREEN: Not yet. I'm going to have to get a couple big coats.
Q. They have a good Museum of Natural History in Cincinnati?
A.J. GREEN: Okay, I'll definitely have to look that up.
Q. Inaudible.
A.J. GREEN: The only thing I can control is get in camp and play football. I don't really look at the whole labor stuff.
Q. Have you talked to any of the Players Association people yet?
A.J. GREEN: Oh, no, not yet.
Q. A.J. how much are you looking forward to playing with a young nucleus of wide receivers?
A.J. GREEN: I'm looking forward to going in with some receivers, hopefully ‑‑ I'm just looking forward to getting back to work.
Q. A lot of people talked about you like a Calvin Johnson; do you think you can come in from day one and be that outstanding type of talent?
A.J. GREEN: Yeah, I can make that transition to the next level just because of the way I work. I'm not going to settle for anything less. I'm going to be great.
Q. It's exciting to be drafted. But do you wish could you have had the right to negotiate with all of the employers of the NFL and not just Cincinnati be your only employer?
A.J. GREEN: I was just ready to not sit there no more. I felt like Cincinnati was the best fit for me, anyway.
Q. What do you feel is the advantage that you immediately had against defensive backs, things like size, strength? What do you feel are the advantages that you have?
A.J. GREEN: I think it's both my speed, the way I come in and out of my breaks, my hands, the way I can attack the ball when it's in the air.
Q. It's going to be great to practice against Leon Hall.
A.J. GREEN: Yeah ‑‑ he went to South Carolina and I grew up watching him. Leon Hall I saw him working out at API. Those are great guys and they are going to challenge me.
Q. I'm going to draft you in fantasy football. Am I making a good move?
A.J. GREEN: Definitely. It's back to square one so I've got to prove myself.
Q. How many things do you know about the City of Cincinnati now?
A.J. GREEN: I know they have a great amusement park. That's about it.
Q. You're going to be in a conference with some really good quarterbacks and defenders, and the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are in the division; what challenge do you see them throwing at you?
A.J. GREEN: Those teams are a great defensive teams and we have some great defensive backs, and I'm just ready to get back to work. I'm just going to try to make the best impact I can.
Q. You and Julio were taken in the top six; what does that say about this year's wide receiver class?
A.J. GREEN: It says a lot, because you don't really see two receivers going in the Top‑10. To make the next step from college to the NFL is unbelievable.
Q. Did you like accounting?
A.J. GREEN: It's hard. Trust me, it's one of the toughest things ‑‑ I had thoughts of changing but my parents are like, no, you've got stick to that.
Q. When you're done playing, you can become an agent.
A.J. GREEN: No, that's too much work.
Q. In this business do you find when the labor situation, do you find the background helps you understand what's going on?
A.J. GREEN: I hope so, to manage my money, so I don't really need many people managing my money. I can manage my money myself.
Q. Any receivers you'll model yourself after?
A.J. GREEN: I don't model my game off one receiver. I take different aspects of each receiver and try to apply it to my game.
Q. Do you have any inkling that the Bengals were looking hard at you?
A.J. GREEN: Just coming in, that's where everybody linked me to, and I felt a bond with Jay Gruden the way he lightened up the mood.
Q. Who made the call to your agent?
A.J. GREEN: It was Mike, the receivers’ coach.
Q. What about following in the great tradition of Cincinnati receivers? Offense has been the tradition in Cincinnati.
A.J. GREEN: Like I said I'm just going to go in there and work. I've got a lot of big shoes to fill but I'm up for the challenge.
Q. What about the rivalry against the Browns? Are you looking forward to that?
A.J. GREEN: It will be fun to play against one of my old teammates. I'm just ready to get on the road now.
Q. How intense and fun are those matches going to be between you and Mo?
A.J. GREEN: He's like my big brother. He took me under his wing when I was in the University of Georgia and I'm blessed to have him in my life just to teach me the ropes and show me around.
Q. Inaudible.
A.J. GREEN: Not yet. I'm going to have to get a couple big coats.
Q. They have a good Museum of Natural History in Cincinnati?
A.J. GREEN: Okay, I'll definitely have to look that up.
Q. Inaudible.
A.J. GREEN: The only thing I can control is get in camp and play football. I don't really look at the whole labor stuff.
Q. Have you talked to any of the Players Association people yet?
A.J. GREEN: Oh, no, not yet.
MARCELL DAREUS
Q. Marcell, the Bills had a lot of trouble stopping the run last season; do you feel like that's the biggest thing that you can bring to them?
MARCELL DAREUS: Of course, I try to bring that among other things. I'm good on other things than stopping the run. I can help out in other places, too.
Q. When you were sitting back there behind the stage and waiting for this thing to play out, how much did you reflect on the journey that you had to take from the time you were small to get to this point?
MARCELL DAREUS: Every time my phone rang and rang and rang ‑‑ it was me, this is my turn. I can't explain the way I felt. I just want to play this game, man. Since I've been playing I never thought I would get to this point where I was sitting here in the first round, third pick overall, Buffalo Bills. It's overwhelming, I can't even explain it.
Q. What's it like to join a great tradition and community team?
MARCELL DAREUS: I feel like it's just like Tuscaloosa. The history, the fans, it's crazy ‑‑ I got off my plane to visit and fans were on the plane and they wanted autographs and pictures and that just showed the dedication of the fans then. I can't wait to get back and see them.
Q. Are you excited to add to the culture?
MARCELL DAREUS: Of course, I think I can bring something else to the team, a little spice. I don't know quite what it is, but I guess that's part of what I'm going to find out.
Q. The last couple of days down in Alabama, is everybody you know safe and okay from what you know?
MARCELL DAREUS: I really can't wait to get home and see my brothers and my sisters. The tragedy that happened in Tuscaloosa, there's a lot that we had to take in. Me, Mark and Julio, we sat back and talked about what can we do to help out. I know Coach and he would get us involved in the community and help out, so when me and Mark and Julio get settled, we are going to help out anyway we can.
Q. Where are you from?
MARCELL DAREUS: Birmingham, Alabama. They were hit it pretty hard. My brothers and sisters were shook up but nothing really happened to my family, I thank God for that.
Q. You're the highest pick the Bills have had since Bruce Smith. Obviously he became a great player and the expectation is you will become a great player. What are your thoughts about the expectations?
MARCELL DAREUS: I'm just happy they gave me a chance so I can show what I can do. A lot of people can talk about what they can't do or what they are going to do. I just can't wait to get there and show what I can do, and everybody will see, hey, he can be a great player; he's consistent and dedicated and he's a great player.
Q. Who would you compare yourself to?
MARCELL DAREUS: I really would put myself with Warren Sapp. He's disruptive. No one really likes to go against him.
Q. The Bills are in transition to a 3‑4 defense, where do you see yourself?
MARCELL DAREUS: I can play anywhere they want me to play, wherever they want me, I'm there. If I'm not the best there, I promise you, give me a couple of weeks there, and I will be.
Q. What about the rivalries in the AFC East, playing against the Dolphins and the Jets and the Patriots? That's going to be a major challenge for you.
MARCELL DAREUS: I don't see any challenge. I don't see any rivalry or nothing there. I'm not like that. I don't look at rivalry. My rivalry is just going out there and winning. It's all about L's and W's with me. I'm going to fight my butt off to get a W.
Q. Are you looking forward to the intensity of the Bills/Jets type of matchups?
MARCELL DAREUS: Of course. I can't wait to get in the atmosphere. That's what I want, the atmosphere.
Q. Are you going to take it easy on Ryan Fitzpatrick?
MARCELL DAREUS: Why? (Laughter) I'm not a big fan of quarterbacks. I think I've never had to throw so I always had the speed to get to them.
Q. Tell us what you know about Buffalo.
MARCELL DAREUS: I know the fan base is crazy. I just know based on what I do when I'm out there and the experience I have with just the fans ‑‑ I didn't think there was any other fans like Tuscaloosa fans, but Buffalo, they really made me feel at home. Forget the weather, cold weather always bothered me, but the fans, everybody, cold weather, not cold weather, we dealt with it and guys gave 110% and that's what I really want.
Q. What challenges do you feel you face in the NFL level against the offensive line?
MARCELL DAREUS: I just want to get there so I can get the experience, get around the veterans that really want to win and really want to win as badly as I do and really want to dedicate themselves to football and the Buffalo Bills like I do. And then I can learn a lot more from them and put a little spin on it and do my thing.
Q. Marcell, the Bills had a lot of trouble stopping the run last season; do you feel like that's the biggest thing that you can bring to them?
MARCELL DAREUS: Of course, I try to bring that among other things. I'm good on other things than stopping the run. I can help out in other places, too.
Q. When you were sitting back there behind the stage and waiting for this thing to play out, how much did you reflect on the journey that you had to take from the time you were small to get to this point?
MARCELL DAREUS: Every time my phone rang and rang and rang ‑‑ it was me, this is my turn. I can't explain the way I felt. I just want to play this game, man. Since I've been playing I never thought I would get to this point where I was sitting here in the first round, third pick overall, Buffalo Bills. It's overwhelming, I can't even explain it.
Q. What's it like to join a great tradition and community team?
MARCELL DAREUS: I feel like it's just like Tuscaloosa. The history, the fans, it's crazy ‑‑ I got off my plane to visit and fans were on the plane and they wanted autographs and pictures and that just showed the dedication of the fans then. I can't wait to get back and see them.
Q. Are you excited to add to the culture?
MARCELL DAREUS: Of course, I think I can bring something else to the team, a little spice. I don't know quite what it is, but I guess that's part of what I'm going to find out.
Q. The last couple of days down in Alabama, is everybody you know safe and okay from what you know?
MARCELL DAREUS: I really can't wait to get home and see my brothers and my sisters. The tragedy that happened in Tuscaloosa, there's a lot that we had to take in. Me, Mark and Julio, we sat back and talked about what can we do to help out. I know Coach and he would get us involved in the community and help out, so when me and Mark and Julio get settled, we are going to help out anyway we can.
Q. Where are you from?
MARCELL DAREUS: Birmingham, Alabama. They were hit it pretty hard. My brothers and sisters were shook up but nothing really happened to my family, I thank God for that.
Q. You're the highest pick the Bills have had since Bruce Smith. Obviously he became a great player and the expectation is you will become a great player. What are your thoughts about the expectations?
MARCELL DAREUS: I'm just happy they gave me a chance so I can show what I can do. A lot of people can talk about what they can't do or what they are going to do. I just can't wait to get there and show what I can do, and everybody will see, hey, he can be a great player; he's consistent and dedicated and he's a great player.
Q. Who would you compare yourself to?
MARCELL DAREUS: I really would put myself with Warren Sapp. He's disruptive. No one really likes to go against him.
Q. The Bills are in transition to a 3‑4 defense, where do you see yourself?
MARCELL DAREUS: I can play anywhere they want me to play, wherever they want me, I'm there. If I'm not the best there, I promise you, give me a couple of weeks there, and I will be.
Q. What about the rivalries in the AFC East, playing against the Dolphins and the Jets and the Patriots? That's going to be a major challenge for you.
MARCELL DAREUS: I don't see any challenge. I don't see any rivalry or nothing there. I'm not like that. I don't look at rivalry. My rivalry is just going out there and winning. It's all about L's and W's with me. I'm going to fight my butt off to get a W.
Q. Are you looking forward to the intensity of the Bills/Jets type of matchups?
MARCELL DAREUS: Of course. I can't wait to get in the atmosphere. That's what I want, the atmosphere.
Q. Are you going to take it easy on Ryan Fitzpatrick?
MARCELL DAREUS: Why? (Laughter) I'm not a big fan of quarterbacks. I think I've never had to throw so I always had the speed to get to them.
Q. Tell us what you know about Buffalo.
MARCELL DAREUS: I know the fan base is crazy. I just know based on what I do when I'm out there and the experience I have with just the fans ‑‑ I didn't think there was any other fans like Tuscaloosa fans, but Buffalo, they really made me feel at home. Forget the weather, cold weather always bothered me, but the fans, everybody, cold weather, not cold weather, we dealt with it and guys gave 110% and that's what I really want.
Q. What challenges do you feel you face in the NFL level against the offensive line?
MARCELL DAREUS: I just want to get there so I can get the experience, get around the veterans that really want to win and really want to win as badly as I do and really want to dedicate themselves to football and the Buffalo Bills like I do. And then I can learn a lot more from them and put a little spin on it and do my thing.
PATRICK PETERSON
Q. How much are you looking forward to being paired up with Dominique Rodgers?
PATRICK PETERSON: Man, it's going to be fun. I'm definitely going to have plans sometime in the year having the best secondary in the league. You know, that's something that I always set my eyes on, any secondary I ever played on, so I know this secondary is going to be special, he's a rocky as well and I'm going to take a lot of learning points from him. He did what I'm trying to do.
Q. You have family in this business; is it strange trying to shake the Commissioner's hands when he's trying to lower the economic benefits for your family?
PATRICK PETERSON: Not at all. That's something that us rookies coming in, I guess they are going through ‑‑ they kept putting too much money and guys not performing.
It is what it is. The decision is out of my hands. It has nothing to do with me. I still want to go out there and perform at the highest level.
Q. The only discussion I heard about not taking you one, two, or three, it was not about you, but the cornerback position, people saying not to take a cornerback that high. Did that make sense to you?
PATRICK PETERSON: I believe the cornerback position is the second‑most needed position on any football team. If you don't have a corner, anybody can throw the ball all over you. You don't have a quarterback, you'll be throwing interceptions or sacks.
Teams know what they want and what direction they want to go in and they know what player they think that's going to help them build a championship.
Q. Technique‑wise what do you feel some of your strengths are?
PATRICK PETERSON: Some of my strengths at the technique level, I'm good at the bump and run, I believe I can become better at a lot of things. But I was in college, you know and now I'm going to the NFL and I have to be getting better at my Kraft each and every day. I know Larry Fitzgerald will keep me prepared to play games on Sundays.
Q. How do you feel about going to a team that almost won the Super Bowl three years ago?
PATRICK PETERSON: I like this kid. It feels good. I know those guys definitely want to get back to the championship level. I believe I can definitely get those guys over the hump. I know those guys wanted a quarterback because like Coach said, he wanted the best players in the draft and he came out and got me.
So now we've just got to wait for the free agent and see what quarterback we bring in on our team. But, it will be fun to get that team back to the championship.
Q. Are you looking to start right away?
PATRICK PETERSON: Definitely. Definitely. That's something that always ‑‑ this is something that I always wanted to do as a child, growing up, watching games on Sundays, telling myself, this is where I want to be. I want to be a starter from day one. Hopefully when I get in there I learn the system and happy to get everything down pat and hopefully some day I will be a first‑day starter.
Q. A lot of people think that your size is going to make you become a safety instead of a corner. What are your thoughts?
PATRICK PETERSON: I don't think so. I believe I'm a young ‑‑ I am a young man and a professional. But being at this level, you definitely have to be smart, what you put in your body if you want to last in this business for a long time. You know, with me, with this size, honestly, I cannot help to the way I am built. My dad, he trained me my entire life. I never had any trouble running with smaller guys. I never had trouble turning my hips, flipping my hips or running with anyone.
So I believe the size that I am at right now, I believe I don't get any bigger than this. I'm at my peak. I just have to be smart about what I put in this Ferrari.
Q. When you see yourself in John Madden ‑‑ inaudible ‑‑
PATRICK PETERSON: I definitely would give myself 99.
Q. What did you study?
PATRICK PETERSON: Sports administration.
Q. Most people thought you were the best player in the draft. What do you say to people that are still gambling when they can get a Darrelle Revis‑type like you with the first pick? Why are they gambling?
PATRICK PETERSON: I have no idea. But Cam, he deserved to be the No. 1 pick. I played against the guy. He's an animal in the field and he's a competitor and he got Auburn to the championship in his first year. That's something guys don't do. With Cam Newton, he definitely deserved to be No. 1.
But I think the corner back position should definitely be a long thought process of taking a guy like myself or any other corners that's coming up in the league No. 1.
Q. Are you looking forward to playing against him again?
PATRICK PETERSON: Cam? Oh, yeah. I mean, Cam new ton, he's a fierce competitor. I'm definitely looking forward to playing against all of these guys that went through this process with me.
Q. The fact that your tie and handkerchief match the colors; is that a coincidence?
PATRICK PETERSON: A coincidence but red is my favorite color. I always have red or black on.
FastScripts by ASAP Sports ...
Q. How much are you looking forward to being paired up with Dominique Rodgers?
PATRICK PETERSON: Man, it's going to be fun. I'm definitely going to have plans sometime in the year having the best secondary in the league. You know, that's something that I always set my eyes on, any secondary I ever played on, so I know this secondary is going to be special, he's a rocky as well and I'm going to take a lot of learning points from him. He did what I'm trying to do.
Q. You have family in this business; is it strange trying to shake the Commissioner's hands when he's trying to lower the economic benefits for your family?
PATRICK PETERSON: Not at all. That's something that us rookies coming in, I guess they are going through ‑‑ they kept putting too much money and guys not performing.
It is what it is. The decision is out of my hands. It has nothing to do with me. I still want to go out there and perform at the highest level.
Q. The only discussion I heard about not taking you one, two, or three, it was not about you, but the cornerback position, people saying not to take a cornerback that high. Did that make sense to you?
PATRICK PETERSON: I believe the cornerback position is the second‑most needed position on any football team. If you don't have a corner, anybody can throw the ball all over you. You don't have a quarterback, you'll be throwing interceptions or sacks.
Teams know what they want and what direction they want to go in and they know what player they think that's going to help them build a championship.
Q. Technique‑wise what do you feel some of your strengths are?
PATRICK PETERSON: Some of my strengths at the technique level, I'm good at the bump and run, I believe I can become better at a lot of things. But I was in college, you know and now I'm going to the NFL and I have to be getting better at my Kraft each and every day. I know Larry Fitzgerald will keep me prepared to play games on Sundays.
Q. How do you feel about going to a team that almost won the Super Bowl three years ago?
PATRICK PETERSON: I like this kid. It feels good. I know those guys definitely want to get back to the championship level. I believe I can definitely get those guys over the hump. I know those guys wanted a quarterback because like Coach said, he wanted the best players in the draft and he came out and got me.
So now we've just got to wait for the free agent and see what quarterback we bring in on our team. But, it will be fun to get that team back to the championship.
Q. Are you looking to start right away?
PATRICK PETERSON: Definitely. Definitely. That's something that always ‑‑ this is something that I always wanted to do as a child, growing up, watching games on Sundays, telling myself, this is where I want to be. I want to be a starter from day one. Hopefully when I get in there I learn the system and happy to get everything down pat and hopefully some day I will be a first‑day starter.
Q. A lot of people think that your size is going to make you become a safety instead of a corner. What are your thoughts?
PATRICK PETERSON: I don't think so. I believe I'm a young ‑‑ I am a young man and a professional. But being at this level, you definitely have to be smart, what you put in your body if you want to last in this business for a long time. You know, with me, with this size, honestly, I cannot help to the way I am built. My dad, he trained me my entire life. I never had any trouble running with smaller guys. I never had trouble turning my hips, flipping my hips or running with anyone.
So I believe the size that I am at right now, I believe I don't get any bigger than this. I'm at my peak. I just have to be smart about what I put in this Ferrari.
Q. When you see yourself in John Madden ‑‑ inaudible ‑‑
PATRICK PETERSON: I definitely would give myself 99.
Q. What did you study?
PATRICK PETERSON: Sports administration.
Q. Most people thought you were the best player in the draft. What do you say to people that are still gambling when they can get a Darrelle Revis‑type like you with the first pick? Why are they gambling?
PATRICK PETERSON: I have no idea. But Cam, he deserved to be the No. 1 pick. I played against the guy. He's an animal in the field and he's a competitor and he got Auburn to the championship in his first year. That's something guys don't do. With Cam Newton, he definitely deserved to be No. 1.
But I think the corner back position should definitely be a long thought process of taking a guy like myself or any other corners that's coming up in the league No. 1.
Q. Are you looking forward to playing against him again?
PATRICK PETERSON: Cam? Oh, yeah. I mean, Cam new ton, he's a fierce competitor. I'm definitely looking forward to playing against all of these guys that went through this process with me.
Q. The fact that your tie and handkerchief match the colors; is that a coincidence?
PATRICK PETERSON: A coincidence but red is my favorite color. I always have red or black on.
FastScripts by ASAP Sports ...
JULIO JONES
Q. How do you feel about playing in the Atlanta Falcons offense?
JULIO JONES: You know, I'm grateful for them trading up for me. Excited.
Q. We talked yesterday, it looked like you were excited to know that you were going to a team that was going to be throwing the ball and you want to catch the ball ‑‑
JULIO JONES: Doesn't matter for me. I can catch the ball one time. I don't have to catch the ball at all. Just want the W. I just want to help my teammates contribute to my team.
Q. I love the bow tie.
JULIO JONES: It started in college. My fans, they love my bow tie, so I don't want to disappoint them.
Q. Is it hard to learn?
JULIO JONES: You've got to put it around your leg first to start it off.
Q. You go to a team with tremendous offensive balance, and you have Michael Turner and Tony Gonzalez; do you think the curve is easier at the pro level?
JULIO JONES: I have great guys around me and they know how to win games. With success, you know, comes hard work and I know those guys have a great work ethic because they are winning and they have been successful. I'm just trying to go in there and learn from those guys, as well.
Q. How do you react when someone says, Julio, I have you on my fantasy football.
JULIO JONES: I don't care. I'm going to try to go out there and do the best for my team. I'm trying to get some guys some points.
Q. Inaudible.
JULIO JONES: No, sir, not at all. They came in short notice at the University of Alabama. That was it. You know, lost contact with them and my agent I guess was talking to them and everything but I got the call today that they was trading up to get me. I'm just very excited that they had that much trust to me to come into the organization and also get one of those picks so I don't want to disappoint them.
Q. Did you think you would be drafted sixth pick?
JULIO JONES: I don't know, I came here open, didn't matter where I went. Just because I didn't want to be one of those guys to be disappointed to go to a team that didn't want to go there. I want to give my all. I'm a guy that's willing to work. It didn't matter what team I went to.
Q. Inaudible.
JULIO JONES: Talked to him on the phone a little bit. Very excited about me coming to the organization.
Q. What do you feel are the challenges that you face against NFL defense to get back to the next level?
JULIO JONES: Everything, but you know, I'm just trying to contribute to my team. I have great guys around me. I guess I'll be getting a lot of man‑to‑man but they can't double ‑‑ so you have to pick your poison. I'm just going to go out there and try to win football games.
Q. Have they given you some advice, the professional receivers?
JULIO JONES: I haven't. Coming out of high school, the only advice I had was from Jerry Rice. I talked to him a little bit but it was just briefly. I haven't been talking to any receivers.
Q. One of your favorite players was Barry Sanders. Did you get a chance to meet him?
JULIO JONES: Yes, I did, before I came over here, I just met him and shook his hand. It was great just meeting him because growing up I was a running back and I used to watch him when I could. So it was great meeting him.
Q. Inaudible.
JULIO JONES: It's great. Because we play the game at the Georgia Dome, it was great there. The fans came and supported me and being that close to Tuscaloosa, those fans can now cross over to be Atlanta Falcons fans and keep supporting us and the Atlanta Falcons organization.
Q. Do you think how high you were taken says something about the value about blocking along wide receivers?
JULIO JONES: I think just because I'm not a selfish player, that's where that comes from. I'm a guy that's going to come in and work and impact the team. If they want me to catch the ball, I'll catch the ball. If they want me to block, I'll go and do that. Doesn't matter to me. I'm a team player and just what they was looking for.
Q. Is having an agent like the movie Jerry McGuire?
JULIO JONES: My agent, great agents, they have been there. If I needed anything, they took care of my family, everything. They are just friendly people. I love my decision.
Q. How exciting was it to be taken No. 6? Some mock drafts had you lower.
JULIO JONES: I didn't get into the mocks. People are entitled to their opinion. I didn't get into that. My motto is a time like you, they will get you. The Atlanta Falcons, they gave up picks and everything. So that says a lot about them and what they see in me.
Q. Will you still keep in touch with Coach Saban?
JULIO JONES: I invited him to the draft here with me. He's a great male figure in my life and going to the University of Alabama, he taught me how to be a better man, be accountable and that's what I'm trying to bring to the Atlanta Falcons as well.
Q. What do you study at the University of Alabama?
JULIO JONES: Consumer affairs.
Q. How do you feel about playing in the Atlanta Falcons offense?
JULIO JONES: You know, I'm grateful for them trading up for me. Excited.
Q. We talked yesterday, it looked like you were excited to know that you were going to a team that was going to be throwing the ball and you want to catch the ball ‑‑
JULIO JONES: Doesn't matter for me. I can catch the ball one time. I don't have to catch the ball at all. Just want the W. I just want to help my teammates contribute to my team.
Q. I love the bow tie.
JULIO JONES: It started in college. My fans, they love my bow tie, so I don't want to disappoint them.
Q. Is it hard to learn?
JULIO JONES: You've got to put it around your leg first to start it off.
Q. You go to a team with tremendous offensive balance, and you have Michael Turner and Tony Gonzalez; do you think the curve is easier at the pro level?
JULIO JONES: I have great guys around me and they know how to win games. With success, you know, comes hard work and I know those guys have a great work ethic because they are winning and they have been successful. I'm just trying to go in there and learn from those guys, as well.
Q. How do you react when someone says, Julio, I have you on my fantasy football.
JULIO JONES: I don't care. I'm going to try to go out there and do the best for my team. I'm trying to get some guys some points.
Q. Inaudible.
JULIO JONES: No, sir, not at all. They came in short notice at the University of Alabama. That was it. You know, lost contact with them and my agent I guess was talking to them and everything but I got the call today that they was trading up to get me. I'm just very excited that they had that much trust to me to come into the organization and also get one of those picks so I don't want to disappoint them.
Q. Did you think you would be drafted sixth pick?
JULIO JONES: I don't know, I came here open, didn't matter where I went. Just because I didn't want to be one of those guys to be disappointed to go to a team that didn't want to go there. I want to give my all. I'm a guy that's willing to work. It didn't matter what team I went to.
Q. Inaudible.
JULIO JONES: Talked to him on the phone a little bit. Very excited about me coming to the organization.
Q. What do you feel are the challenges that you face against NFL defense to get back to the next level?
JULIO JONES: Everything, but you know, I'm just trying to contribute to my team. I have great guys around me. I guess I'll be getting a lot of man‑to‑man but they can't double ‑‑ so you have to pick your poison. I'm just going to go out there and try to win football games.
Q. Have they given you some advice, the professional receivers?
JULIO JONES: I haven't. Coming out of high school, the only advice I had was from Jerry Rice. I talked to him a little bit but it was just briefly. I haven't been talking to any receivers.
Q. One of your favorite players was Barry Sanders. Did you get a chance to meet him?
JULIO JONES: Yes, I did, before I came over here, I just met him and shook his hand. It was great just meeting him because growing up I was a running back and I used to watch him when I could. So it was great meeting him.
Q. Inaudible.
JULIO JONES: It's great. Because we play the game at the Georgia Dome, it was great there. The fans came and supported me and being that close to Tuscaloosa, those fans can now cross over to be Atlanta Falcons fans and keep supporting us and the Atlanta Falcons organization.
Q. Do you think how high you were taken says something about the value about blocking along wide receivers?
JULIO JONES: I think just because I'm not a selfish player, that's where that comes from. I'm a guy that's going to come in and work and impact the team. If they want me to catch the ball, I'll catch the ball. If they want me to block, I'll go and do that. Doesn't matter to me. I'm a team player and just what they was looking for.
Q. Is having an agent like the movie Jerry McGuire?
JULIO JONES: My agent, great agents, they have been there. If I needed anything, they took care of my family, everything. They are just friendly people. I love my decision.
Q. How exciting was it to be taken No. 6? Some mock drafts had you lower.
JULIO JONES: I didn't get into the mocks. People are entitled to their opinion. I didn't get into that. My motto is a time like you, they will get you. The Atlanta Falcons, they gave up picks and everything. So that says a lot about them and what they see in me.
Q. Will you still keep in touch with Coach Saban?
JULIO JONES: I invited him to the draft here with me. He's a great male figure in my life and going to the University of Alabama, he taught me how to be a better man, be accountable and that's what I'm trying to bring to the Atlanta Falcons as well.
Q. What do you study at the University of Alabama?
JULIO JONES: Consumer affairs.
CAM NEWTON
Q. How do you feel?
CAM NEWTON: How do I feel? Great. I feel great.
Q. What thoughts are going through your head right now?
CAM NEWTON: I'm ready to get this show on the road right now. I understand that this is what this process is about, and you know, it's important in my heart knowing that I'm going to an excellent city in Charlotte and an excellent organization with excellent people running the organization, Mr. Richardson, Coach Rivera, and I'm ready to do some work.
Q. What do you take from all this? What have you learned?
CAM NEWTON: I've learned a lot. I've learned that you guys have a job to do in critiquing each athlete to the core but at the same time I have embraced this process and understand that everything is under the watchful eye right now from this point on and it has been, for me. But nothing is going to change, but to progress to be great.
Q. Is it your goal to be the starting quarterback this year?
CAM NEWTON: I can't answer that question, but it's a goal for me to consistently on a consistent basis challenge myself to get better on a daily basis. I don't know when that call is going to happen. But you know, each day, I'm just going to go out and learn something about the whole offense.
Q. What do you feel you have to improve upon?
CAM NEWTON: Just consistency playing quarterback, the whole transition from the collegiate level to the NFL, I understand that preparation is going be to be key. That's part of the maturation process in this whole transformation, and you know, I'm willing to make that step and we'll see how it goes.
Q. When did you find out that the Panthers had actually decided to make that pick? And the second part of the question, can you describe how long of a day this has been for you waiting for this?
CAM NEWTON: I found out about 15 minutes ago. I put closure to it 15 minutes ago. Like I said, I didn't know. I thought you guys were going to tell me something, because I was out there for a long time. I will go to sleep with questions like where am I going and just moments ago, I just realized it and found out. But you know, as soon as Coach Rivera called me, it put a warmth in my heart knowing this deal is done and my job to some degree and my work has paid off.
Q. So you actually went to sleep today?
CAM NEWTON: Last night.
Q. Did you sleep today?
CAM NEWTON: Oh, no. I can't sleep right now. (Laughter) Man. This organization has kept me up more than anything. So I need to catch up on some sleep, but at the same time, be willing to embark on this whole process.
Q. With everything that just went on, are you happy to be the No. 1 pick overall?
CAM NEWTON: Absolutely. I'm more happy to say that with this organization, you know, I'm comfortable. And that's one thing I feared throughout this whole visit process, being a part of people that I could be coached by someone that I feel comfortable with; that I could tell them my true feelings and that was going to happen regardless. But at the same time, knowing that this particular coach or this particular general manager has my best interest. And doing the same thing I'm trying to do.
Q. How much are you looking forward to playing with Steve Smith?
CAM NEWTON: I'm very excited, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, Mr. Stewart, all those guys are, you know, I'm just waiting to meet and greet those guys, and also, just the whole team. You know, that will be something that I will be looking forward to and I have been looking forward to for a long time.
With this lockout clearing up, you know, that will be something real soon that will happen.
Q. With everything you've gone through, do you feel like you have a lot to prove in this whole process? Everybody questioned your intelligence and everything about you. Do you feel when you get to that headquarters the first day, you have a lot to study and prove?
CAM NEWTON: I'm not trying to prove nothing to no one that I'm not trying to prove to myself, and I understand that I'm my biggest critic. You know, I understand and I try to fight and I try to battle from that; from restraining myself to listen to, you know, how people critique me.
But it happens. And at the end of the day, I can't go to sleep not knowing that I didn't get better that particular day; that I didn't push myself towards where I know I want to be.
Q. With all of the turmoil that you went through this year, does tonight make all of that worthwhile?
CAM NEWTON: To some degree it does. But at the same time, when I wake up in the morning, it's another goal or a task at hand that I need to tackle. You know, it's transforming an organization that was worst and try to progress to be the first.
Q. You sound like you're more burdened ‑‑ is that the case?
CAM NEWTON: Burdened? Oh, man, I'm relieved. I apologize if I gave you that type of feeling. But man, you just don't understand how I'm feeling right now. And what I really want to do, I can't do it. I just want to scream.
Q. What do you think about kids playing football?
CAM NEWTON: What do I think about it? Man, that's a passion of mine, just seeing a little kid play football is something in itself that puts a joy in my heart because it's authentic at a young age.
And as you grow more and more, people have agendas, but as a kid, you realize that they are just playing just because they like to play football. And no matter if they did good or bad, they are just out there having fun.
Q. With the labor dispute still unsettled, what are you using as a watermark when you're looking at a salary cap; and how are the deals shaping up as far as endorsements?
CAM NEWTON: I'm really not focused on endorsements and money. That's something that's going to take care of itself. The one thing I'm focused on, my No. 1 priority, is getting in this organization and make steps as far as me becoming a better player.
Q. Do you have a message for your critics?
CAM NEWTON: I really don't. I understand that they have a job to do, and I have a job to do, as well. And I understand just that everybody is not just going to stop and say, "All right. That's Cam, the No. 1 pick, and we can leave him alone." If anything, the floodgates have opened officially. That's one thing I can't control. I can only control what I do.
Q. Do you feel vindicated or do you have anything more to prove right now?
CAM NEWTON: I wouldn't say I have more to prove to people; I have more to prove to myself. It's a lot of goals and aspirations that I have where Mr. Goodell said my name as the No. 1 pick. It's a lot of things that's been given to me, it's a lot of risk and at the same time I'm willing to tackle all of that.
Q. What message do you have for the Carolina fans?
CAM NEWTON: What message? I can't wait. I can't wait.
Q. How do you feel about comparisons to Vince Young that people have said about you?
CAM NEWTON: That's another critique that I feel that I'm my own man, and I'm my own athlete. I feel like I shouldn't be compared to anybody because, you know, the attributes that I bring to this game is something that I haven't really worked out. That's what I work out, and what I work to be, my own category. I try to pick something from each quarterback that I try to model my game after. If I don't do that, I won't have a model to look at.
Every year, many players join the National Football League from families rich in athletic tradition. Here is a sampling of draft prospects who had family members compete at either the collegiate or professional level in the world of sports.
QUARTERBACKS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
CAM NEWTON – Auburn…Father, CECIL, SR., spent time in training camp with the Dallas Cowboys (1984) and Buffalo Bills (1985)…Brother, CECIL, JR., was an All-Ohio Valley center at Tennessee State (2005-08) and was signed as a free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the 2009 NFL Draft.
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
JAKE LOCKER – Washington…Father, Scott, and uncles, Mike, John and Patrick, all played football at Western Washington University, where Patrick still holds the career rushing record (4,049 yards)...Patrick, the Player of the Century at Western Washington, was introduced by Jake during his induction into the Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame in 2008…Cousin, Casey, is currently a safety on the Washington State football team.
GREG MC ELROY – Alabama…Father, Greg, Sr., played football at the University of Hawaii.
SCOTT TOLZIEN – Wisconsin…Older brother, Michael, played football at Air Force...Younger brother, Mark, is a junior quarterback for Holy Cross...Uncle, Mike Korf, played football at Tulane (1971-76).
RUNNING BACKS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
HENRY HYNOSKI – Pittsburgh…Father, HENRY, SR., was a star fullback at Temple (1972-74) and spent one season with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the sixth round of the 1975 NFL Draft...Sister, Mary Frances, played basketball at Lehigh University (2001-05)...Uncle, Chester, played baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1930s...Two cousins, Fred (Cincinnati, 1960-62) and Walter (Penn, 1952-54), also played college football.
MARK INGRAM – Alabama…Father, MARK, SR., played wide receiver at Michigan State before being drafted in the first round by the New York Giants (No. 28 overall) in 1987. He played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Giants, including the Super Bowl XXV championship team, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.
JACQUIZZ RODGERS – Oregon State…Uncle, MICHAEL LEWIS, is a 10-year NFL veteran who currently plays safety for the St. Louis Rams…Older brother, JAMES, was a teammate at Oregon State and is also a 2011 NFL Draft prospect at wide receiver.
SHANE VEREEN – California…Father, HENRY, played wide receiver for UNLV before being selected in the ninth round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers…Mother, Venita, also played tennis for the Rebels.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
CHARLES CLAY – Tulsa…Father, Charles, played football at Arkansas (1975-78).
DA’ REL SCOTT – Maryland…Has two older brothers, Lee Scott, Jr., who played football as a defensive back at La Salle, and James, who ran track at Saint Joseph’s.
WIDE RECEIVERS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
JONATHAN BALDWIN – Pittsburgh…Cousin, CHARLES FISHER, played defensive back at West Virginia (1995-98) before spending two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals (1999-2000)…Father, Jeffrey, was a defensive lineman at the University of Pittsburgh (1981-84).
RANDALL COBB – Kentucky…Cousin, SHANNON MITCHELL, played tight end at Georgia and with the San Diego Chargers (1994-97)…Cousin, BILLY WILLIAMS, played wide receiver at Tennessee and with the St. Louis Rams (1995-96).
EDMUND GATES – Abilene Christian…Cousin, BERNARD SCOTT, was selected in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Bengals and has rushed for 620 yards over the past two seasons for Cincinnati. Scott was an All-American running back at Abilene Christian and holds several school rushing records.
NILES PAUL – Nebraska…Uncle, AHMAN GREEN, who also played at Nebraska (1995-97), rushed for 9,205 yards and 60 touchdowns in his 12-year NFL career as a running back with the Seattle Seahawks (1998-99), Green Bay Packers (2000-06, 2009) and Houston Texans (2007-08).
JAMES RODGERS – Oregon State…Uncle, MICHAEL LEWIS, is a 10-year NFL veteran who currently plays safety for the St. Louis Rams…Younger brother, JACQUIZZ, was a teammate at Oregon State and is also a 2011 NFL Draft prospect at running back.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
COURTNEY SMITH – South Alabama…Uncle, Wayne, lettered three years in football at Tulane from 1961-63…Cousin, Carldell “Squeaky” Johnson, was a standout basketball player at Alabama-Birmingham.
TIGHT ENDS
FAMILY MEMBER WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
LEE SMITH – Marshall…Father, DARYLE, was an offensive lineman at Tennessee (1983-86) before signing a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys (1987-88). Daryle also played with the Cleveland Browns (1989) and Philadelphia Eagles (1990-92). He finished his professional career in the CFL, spending time with the Toronto Argonauts (1993), Sacramento Gold Miners (1994), San Antonio Texans (1995) and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1996).
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
JORDAN CAMERON – Southern California…Brother, Colby, is currently a quarterback at Louisiana Tech…Sister, Brynn, was a guard on Southern California’s women’s basketball team from 2005-2009.
VIRGIL GREEN – Nevada…Younger brother, Jeremiah, recently transferred to Nevada and plays linebacker for the Wolf Pack.
ROBERT HOUSLER – Florida Atlantic…Father, Robert, played college football at UTEP (1984-88).
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
MIKE POUNCEY – Florida…Twin brother, MAURKICE, was a teammate and fellow offensive lineman at Lakeland High School (FL) and Florida. Maurkice was selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie center with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010.
STEFEN WISNIEWSKI – Penn State...Father, LEO, lettered in football at Penn State from 1979-1981. He played four years with the Colts after being chosen in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft…Uncle, STEVE, was a two-time first-team All-America guard during his outstanding Penn State career (1985-88) and was selected All-Pro eight times during his 13-year career with the Raiders. Steve was recently named an assistant coach on Oakland’s staff.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
MARCUS CANNON – TCU…Uncle, Allen, played football at Vanderbilt (1981-82).
ANTHONY CASTONZO – Boston College…Father, Bill, Sr., played football at the University of Illinois…Brother, Bill, Jr., played football at Drake.
JASON KELCE – Cincinnati…Younger brother, Travis, was a teammate at Cincinnati (2008-present) as a reserve tight end…Uncle, Don Blalock, played defensive tackle for Purdue (1976-77)…Grandfather, Don Blalock, played football at Ohio University.
JOHN MOFFITT – Wisconsin…Father, Dave, and uncle, Steven, both played college basketball at New Haven from 1973-76…Another uncle, Jim, played football at Temple.
KRIS O’DOWD – Southern California…Grandfather, Jack, lettered in football at the University of Arizona from 1930-32.
NATE SOLDER – Colorado...Older brother, John, played outside linebacker for Stanford.
CHRIS STEWART – Notre Dame…Brother, George, was the starting center for the Texas Southern University basketball team.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
CAM HEYWARD – Ohio State…Father, CRAIG “IRONHEAD” HEYWARD, rushed for 4,301 yards and 30 touchdowns in his 11-year NFL career with the New Orleans Saints (1988-1992), Chicago Bears (1993), Atlanta Falcons (1994-96), St. Louis Rams (1997) and Indianapolis Colts (1998).
CAMERON JORDAN – California…Father, STEVE, played college football at Brown University, then for 13 seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings (1982-1994), where he was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. He amassed 498 receptions for 6,307 receiving yards and 28 touchdown catches.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
SAM ACHO – Texas…Brother, Emmanuel, currently plays linebacker at Texas (2008-present) and was a teammate of Sam’s…Mother, Christie, ran track at University College Hospital in Nigeria.
DAVID CARTER – UCLA…Brother, Chris, played linebacker at Fresno State and is also a 2011 NFL Draft prospect at linebacker.
DA’ QUAN BOWERS – Clemson…Cousin, Chris Franklin, played linebacker at Clemson (1993-94).
RICKY ELMORE – Arizona…Twin brother, Cory, is a student at Arizona and was a lineman on the Wildcats’ football team before retiring due to a medical condition.
RYAN KERRIGAN – Purdue…Father, Brendan, played football at Ball State…Brother, Kyle, was a member of the DePauw swim team.
STEPHEN PAEA – Oregon…Twin brother, Will, plays football at Foothill Community College, where their younger brother, Pora, also competes on the defensive line.
LINEBACKERS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
ROSS HOMAN – Ohio State…Cousin, BOBBY HOYING, played quarterback at Ohio State and was later drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He spent his six-year pro career in Philadelphia (1996-98) and Oakland (1999-2001)…Another cousin, Tom Hoying, also played quarterback and tight end at Ohio State…Younger brother, Adam, was a teammate at Ohio State (2009-10), competing at running back.
GREG LLOYD – Connecticut…Father, GREG, was selected in the sixth round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent 10 seasons at linebacker in Pittsburgh (1988-1997), playing in five Pro Bowls, before spending one final season with the Carolina Panthers in 1998.
CASEY MATTHEWS – Oregon…Older brother, CLAY, was a first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by Green Bay. Matthews was voted to the Pro Bowl at outside linebacker for the Packers and was an integral part of Green Bay’s Super Bowl XLV championship team…Father, CLAY, JR., played 19 seasons as a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns (1978-1993) and Atlanta Falcons (1994-96)…Grandfather, CLAY, SR., played four seasons (1950, 53-55) as a linebacker and offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers…Uncle, BRUCE, is a Hall of Fame offensive lineman that played 19 seasons (1983-2001) for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans…Cousin, KEVIN, currently plays center for the Tennessee Titans… Eldest brother, Kyle, was a safety for USC’s 2003 national championship team…Another cousin, Jake, is the starting right tackle at Texas A&M.
BRIAN ROLLE – Ohio State…Cousin, ANTREL, is a starting safety for the New York Giants. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Rolle played with the Arizona Cardinals from 2005 to 2009 before signing with New York…Brother, William, played football at Illinois State.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
CHRIS CARTER – Fresno State…Brother, David, played defensive tackle at UCLA (2006-2010) and is also a 2011 NFL Draft prospect.
DONTAY MOCH – Nevada…Half-brother, Mekell Wesley, played wide receiver for San Diego State (2005-09).
MICHAEL MOHAMED – California…Cousins, Marty and Kyle, are both currently linebackers at Cal Poly.
MICHAEL MORGAN – Southern California...Brother, Steve, was a defensive tackle at UCLA from 1999 to 2002.
J.T. THOMAS – West Virginia…Father, J.T., Sr., was a linebacker under former head coach Don Nehlen at West Virginia from 1994-95.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
ROCK CARMICHAEL – Virginia Tech…Cousin, DERRICK HAMILTON, was a third-round selection of the San Francisco 49ers in 2004. Hamilton, a former Clemson wide receiver (2001-03), spent three years with the 49ers (2004-06) and one season with Tampa Bay (2007). Hamilton ranks second in Clemson history with 167 catches, fifth with 2,312 receiving yards and is tied for fourth with 16 touchdown grabs.
CURTIS MARSH – Utah…Father, CURTIS, SR., played wide receiver at Utah and for three seasons in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-96) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1997).
PATRICK PETERSON – Louisiana State…Several cousins are active NFL players: Oakland Raiders cornerback WALTER MC FADDEN, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback BRYANT MC FADDEN, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver SINORICE MOSS and Washington Redskins wide receiver SANTANA MOSS…Brother, Avery Johnson, is a wide receiver at Blanche Ely High School who committed to Louisiana State as a member of the incoming 2012 class.
AARON WILLIAMS – Texas…Uncle, KEN TAYLOR, played defensive back at Oregon State (1981-84) and was a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX team…Father, Anthony, played linebacker at San Francisco State… Another Uncle, Eric Townsend, rank track at North Carolina State (1979-1982).
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
PRINCE AMUKAMARA – Nebraska...Mother, Christie, was a sprinter for the Nigerian track team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles…Sister, Princess, ran track at Glendale Community College…Another sister, Precious, is a member of the Grand Canyon University track and field squad…Another sister, Promise, is currently a senior in high school and has committed to play for Arizona State’s women’s basketball team.
AHMAD BLACK – Florida…Cousin, Art Evans, plays cornerback at Tennessee.
CHYKIE BROWN – Texas…Sister, Dominique, played basketball at Huston-Tillotson.
JALIL BROWN – Colorado… Cousin, Kenny, played football at UTEP (1990-92), where he led the team in rushing with 454 yards on 77 carries in 1991.
BRANDON HARRIS – Miami (FL)… Brother, Tim, Jr., was a four-time All-America 800-meter sprinter on the Hurricanes’ track and field team (2005-08)…Father, Tim, Sr., compiled a 57-7 overall record as the head coach at Booker T. Washington High School (2003-07) and was named the USA TODAY National Coach of the Year in 2007. He served as Miami’s Football Operations Coordinator and Asst. to the Head Coach (2008-10) before returning to Booker T. Washington as head coach in 2011.
JERMALE HINES – Ohio State...Uncle, Joseph, played football at Penn State (1981-83) and was a member of the Nittany Lions’ 1982 national championship team.
DAVON HOUSE – New Mexico…Older brother, Tyreace, was drafted as an outfielder in the 49th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Atlanta Braves. After attending College of the Canyons, Tyreace was again drafted in the sixth round (No. 184 overall) of the 2008 MLB Draft by A’s and is currently with Oakland’s single-A affiliate (Burlington).
JOHNNY PATRICK – Louisville…Cousin, Dee, played football at Marshall before transferring to Bethune-Cookman.
JIMMY SMITH – Colorado…Four of his brothers have played college football: Ryan Smalls (Millikin), Terrance Smalls (Illinois and later Tulsa), Paul Smith (New Mexico) and Anthony Smalls (Idaho State).
SPECIALISTS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
REID FORREST – Oregon…Father, James, played tight end at Washington State from 1969-1972 and one season in the CFL for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders.
JOSH JASPER – Louisiana State…Grandfather, Bill, was a three-year letter-winner at center for Tennessee from 1949-1951.
QUARTERBACKS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
CAM NEWTON – Auburn…Father, CECIL, SR., spent time in training camp with the Dallas Cowboys (1984) and Buffalo Bills (1985)…Brother, CECIL, JR., was an All-Ohio Valley center at Tennessee State (2005-08) and was signed as a free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the 2009 NFL Draft.
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
JAKE LOCKER – Washington…Father, Scott, and uncles, Mike, John and Patrick, all played football at Western Washington University, where Patrick still holds the career rushing record (4,049 yards)...Patrick, the Player of the Century at Western Washington, was introduced by Jake during his induction into the Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame in 2008…Cousin, Casey, is currently a safety on the Washington State football team.
GREG MC ELROY – Alabama…Father, Greg, Sr., played football at the University of Hawaii.
SCOTT TOLZIEN – Wisconsin…Older brother, Michael, played football at Air Force...Younger brother, Mark, is a junior quarterback for Holy Cross...Uncle, Mike Korf, played football at Tulane (1971-76).
RUNNING BACKS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
HENRY HYNOSKI – Pittsburgh…Father, HENRY, SR., was a star fullback at Temple (1972-74) and spent one season with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the sixth round of the 1975 NFL Draft...Sister, Mary Frances, played basketball at Lehigh University (2001-05)...Uncle, Chester, played baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1930s...Two cousins, Fred (Cincinnati, 1960-62) and Walter (Penn, 1952-54), also played college football.
MARK INGRAM – Alabama…Father, MARK, SR., played wide receiver at Michigan State before being drafted in the first round by the New York Giants (No. 28 overall) in 1987. He played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Giants, including the Super Bowl XXV championship team, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.
JACQUIZZ RODGERS – Oregon State…Uncle, MICHAEL LEWIS, is a 10-year NFL veteran who currently plays safety for the St. Louis Rams…Older brother, JAMES, was a teammate at Oregon State and is also a 2011 NFL Draft prospect at wide receiver.
SHANE VEREEN – California…Father, HENRY, played wide receiver for UNLV before being selected in the ninth round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers…Mother, Venita, also played tennis for the Rebels.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
CHARLES CLAY – Tulsa…Father, Charles, played football at Arkansas (1975-78).
DA’ REL SCOTT – Maryland…Has two older brothers, Lee Scott, Jr., who played football as a defensive back at La Salle, and James, who ran track at Saint Joseph’s.
WIDE RECEIVERS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
JONATHAN BALDWIN – Pittsburgh…Cousin, CHARLES FISHER, played defensive back at West Virginia (1995-98) before spending two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals (1999-2000)…Father, Jeffrey, was a defensive lineman at the University of Pittsburgh (1981-84).
RANDALL COBB – Kentucky…Cousin, SHANNON MITCHELL, played tight end at Georgia and with the San Diego Chargers (1994-97)…Cousin, BILLY WILLIAMS, played wide receiver at Tennessee and with the St. Louis Rams (1995-96).
EDMUND GATES – Abilene Christian…Cousin, BERNARD SCOTT, was selected in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Bengals and has rushed for 620 yards over the past two seasons for Cincinnati. Scott was an All-American running back at Abilene Christian and holds several school rushing records.
NILES PAUL – Nebraska…Uncle, AHMAN GREEN, who also played at Nebraska (1995-97), rushed for 9,205 yards and 60 touchdowns in his 12-year NFL career as a running back with the Seattle Seahawks (1998-99), Green Bay Packers (2000-06, 2009) and Houston Texans (2007-08).
JAMES RODGERS – Oregon State…Uncle, MICHAEL LEWIS, is a 10-year NFL veteran who currently plays safety for the St. Louis Rams…Younger brother, JACQUIZZ, was a teammate at Oregon State and is also a 2011 NFL Draft prospect at running back.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
COURTNEY SMITH – South Alabama…Uncle, Wayne, lettered three years in football at Tulane from 1961-63…Cousin, Carldell “Squeaky” Johnson, was a standout basketball player at Alabama-Birmingham.
TIGHT ENDS
FAMILY MEMBER WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
LEE SMITH – Marshall…Father, DARYLE, was an offensive lineman at Tennessee (1983-86) before signing a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys (1987-88). Daryle also played with the Cleveland Browns (1989) and Philadelphia Eagles (1990-92). He finished his professional career in the CFL, spending time with the Toronto Argonauts (1993), Sacramento Gold Miners (1994), San Antonio Texans (1995) and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1996).
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
JORDAN CAMERON – Southern California…Brother, Colby, is currently a quarterback at Louisiana Tech…Sister, Brynn, was a guard on Southern California’s women’s basketball team from 2005-2009.
VIRGIL GREEN – Nevada…Younger brother, Jeremiah, recently transferred to Nevada and plays linebacker for the Wolf Pack.
ROBERT HOUSLER – Florida Atlantic…Father, Robert, played college football at UTEP (1984-88).
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
MIKE POUNCEY – Florida…Twin brother, MAURKICE, was a teammate and fellow offensive lineman at Lakeland High School (FL) and Florida. Maurkice was selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie center with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010.
STEFEN WISNIEWSKI – Penn State...Father, LEO, lettered in football at Penn State from 1979-1981. He played four years with the Colts after being chosen in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft…Uncle, STEVE, was a two-time first-team All-America guard during his outstanding Penn State career (1985-88) and was selected All-Pro eight times during his 13-year career with the Raiders. Steve was recently named an assistant coach on Oakland’s staff.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
MARCUS CANNON – TCU…Uncle, Allen, played football at Vanderbilt (1981-82).
ANTHONY CASTONZO – Boston College…Father, Bill, Sr., played football at the University of Illinois…Brother, Bill, Jr., played football at Drake.
JASON KELCE – Cincinnati…Younger brother, Travis, was a teammate at Cincinnati (2008-present) as a reserve tight end…Uncle, Don Blalock, played defensive tackle for Purdue (1976-77)…Grandfather, Don Blalock, played football at Ohio University.
JOHN MOFFITT – Wisconsin…Father, Dave, and uncle, Steven, both played college basketball at New Haven from 1973-76…Another uncle, Jim, played football at Temple.
KRIS O’DOWD – Southern California…Grandfather, Jack, lettered in football at the University of Arizona from 1930-32.
NATE SOLDER – Colorado...Older brother, John, played outside linebacker for Stanford.
CHRIS STEWART – Notre Dame…Brother, George, was the starting center for the Texas Southern University basketball team.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
CAM HEYWARD – Ohio State…Father, CRAIG “IRONHEAD” HEYWARD, rushed for 4,301 yards and 30 touchdowns in his 11-year NFL career with the New Orleans Saints (1988-1992), Chicago Bears (1993), Atlanta Falcons (1994-96), St. Louis Rams (1997) and Indianapolis Colts (1998).
CAMERON JORDAN – California…Father, STEVE, played college football at Brown University, then for 13 seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings (1982-1994), where he was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. He amassed 498 receptions for 6,307 receiving yards and 28 touchdown catches.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
SAM ACHO – Texas…Brother, Emmanuel, currently plays linebacker at Texas (2008-present) and was a teammate of Sam’s…Mother, Christie, ran track at University College Hospital in Nigeria.
DAVID CARTER – UCLA…Brother, Chris, played linebacker at Fresno State and is also a 2011 NFL Draft prospect at linebacker.
DA’ QUAN BOWERS – Clemson…Cousin, Chris Franklin, played linebacker at Clemson (1993-94).
RICKY ELMORE – Arizona…Twin brother, Cory, is a student at Arizona and was a lineman on the Wildcats’ football team before retiring due to a medical condition.
RYAN KERRIGAN – Purdue…Father, Brendan, played football at Ball State…Brother, Kyle, was a member of the DePauw swim team.
STEPHEN PAEA – Oregon…Twin brother, Will, plays football at Foothill Community College, where their younger brother, Pora, also competes on the defensive line.
LINEBACKERS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
ROSS HOMAN – Ohio State…Cousin, BOBBY HOYING, played quarterback at Ohio State and was later drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He spent his six-year pro career in Philadelphia (1996-98) and Oakland (1999-2001)…Another cousin, Tom Hoying, also played quarterback and tight end at Ohio State…Younger brother, Adam, was a teammate at Ohio State (2009-10), competing at running back.
GREG LLOYD – Connecticut…Father, GREG, was selected in the sixth round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent 10 seasons at linebacker in Pittsburgh (1988-1997), playing in five Pro Bowls, before spending one final season with the Carolina Panthers in 1998.
CASEY MATTHEWS – Oregon…Older brother, CLAY, was a first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by Green Bay. Matthews was voted to the Pro Bowl at outside linebacker for the Packers and was an integral part of Green Bay’s Super Bowl XLV championship team…Father, CLAY, JR., played 19 seasons as a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns (1978-1993) and Atlanta Falcons (1994-96)…Grandfather, CLAY, SR., played four seasons (1950, 53-55) as a linebacker and offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers…Uncle, BRUCE, is a Hall of Fame offensive lineman that played 19 seasons (1983-2001) for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans…Cousin, KEVIN, currently plays center for the Tennessee Titans… Eldest brother, Kyle, was a safety for USC’s 2003 national championship team…Another cousin, Jake, is the starting right tackle at Texas A&M.
BRIAN ROLLE – Ohio State…Cousin, ANTREL, is a starting safety for the New York Giants. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Rolle played with the Arizona Cardinals from 2005 to 2009 before signing with New York…Brother, William, played football at Illinois State.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
CHRIS CARTER – Fresno State…Brother, David, played defensive tackle at UCLA (2006-2010) and is also a 2011 NFL Draft prospect.
DONTAY MOCH – Nevada…Half-brother, Mekell Wesley, played wide receiver for San Diego State (2005-09).
MICHAEL MOHAMED – California…Cousins, Marty and Kyle, are both currently linebackers at Cal Poly.
MICHAEL MORGAN – Southern California...Brother, Steve, was a defensive tackle at UCLA from 1999 to 2002.
J.T. THOMAS – West Virginia…Father, J.T., Sr., was a linebacker under former head coach Don Nehlen at West Virginia from 1994-95.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH NFL EXPERIENCE…
ROCK CARMICHAEL – Virginia Tech…Cousin, DERRICK HAMILTON, was a third-round selection of the San Francisco 49ers in 2004. Hamilton, a former Clemson wide receiver (2001-03), spent three years with the 49ers (2004-06) and one season with Tampa Bay (2007). Hamilton ranks second in Clemson history with 167 catches, fifth with 2,312 receiving yards and is tied for fourth with 16 touchdown grabs.
CURTIS MARSH – Utah…Father, CURTIS, SR., played wide receiver at Utah and for three seasons in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-96) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1997).
PATRICK PETERSON – Louisiana State…Several cousins are active NFL players: Oakland Raiders cornerback WALTER MC FADDEN, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback BRYANT MC FADDEN, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver SINORICE MOSS and Washington Redskins wide receiver SANTANA MOSS…Brother, Avery Johnson, is a wide receiver at Blanche Ely High School who committed to Louisiana State as a member of the incoming 2012 class.
AARON WILLIAMS – Texas…Uncle, KEN TAYLOR, played defensive back at Oregon State (1981-84) and was a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX team…Father, Anthony, played linebacker at San Francisco State… Another Uncle, Eric Townsend, rank track at North Carolina State (1979-1982).
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
PRINCE AMUKAMARA – Nebraska...Mother, Christie, was a sprinter for the Nigerian track team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles…Sister, Princess, ran track at Glendale Community College…Another sister, Precious, is a member of the Grand Canyon University track and field squad…Another sister, Promise, is currently a senior in high school and has committed to play for Arizona State’s women’s basketball team.
AHMAD BLACK – Florida…Cousin, Art Evans, plays cornerback at Tennessee.
CHYKIE BROWN – Texas…Sister, Dominique, played basketball at Huston-Tillotson.
JALIL BROWN – Colorado… Cousin, Kenny, played football at UTEP (1990-92), where he led the team in rushing with 454 yards on 77 carries in 1991.
BRANDON HARRIS – Miami (FL)… Brother, Tim, Jr., was a four-time All-America 800-meter sprinter on the Hurricanes’ track and field team (2005-08)…Father, Tim, Sr., compiled a 57-7 overall record as the head coach at Booker T. Washington High School (2003-07) and was named the USA TODAY National Coach of the Year in 2007. He served as Miami’s Football Operations Coordinator and Asst. to the Head Coach (2008-10) before returning to Booker T. Washington as head coach in 2011.
JERMALE HINES – Ohio State...Uncle, Joseph, played football at Penn State (1981-83) and was a member of the Nittany Lions’ 1982 national championship team.
DAVON HOUSE – New Mexico…Older brother, Tyreace, was drafted as an outfielder in the 49th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Atlanta Braves. After attending College of the Canyons, Tyreace was again drafted in the sixth round (No. 184 overall) of the 2008 MLB Draft by A’s and is currently with Oakland’s single-A affiliate (Burlington).
JOHNNY PATRICK – Louisville…Cousin, Dee, played football at Marshall before transferring to Bethune-Cookman.
JIMMY SMITH – Colorado…Four of his brothers have played college football: Ryan Smalls (Millikin), Terrance Smalls (Illinois and later Tulsa), Paul Smith (New Mexico) and Anthony Smalls (Idaho State).
SPECIALISTS
FAMILY MEMBERS WITH COLLEGIATE OR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE…
REID FORREST – Oregon…Father, James, played tight end at Washington State from 1969-1972 and one season in the CFL for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders.
JOSH JASPER – Louisiana State…Grandfather, Bill, was a three-year letter-winner at center for Tennessee from 1949-1951.
PRIMETIME ON FRIDAY APRIL 29
The National Football League announced that 32 legendary NFL alumni, one representing each team, will announce live on Friday every selection of the second round. This will mark the first time in NFL Draft history every selection in a round has been announced by former players.
The NFL alumni scheduled to be on-hand at Radio City Music Hall to make the announcements from the podium includes:
* Arizona Cardinals, Aeneas Williams (CB)
* Atlanta Falcons, Jessie Tuggle (LB)
* Baltimore Ravens, Peter Boulware (LB)
* Buffalo Bills, Andre Reed (WR)
* Carolina Panthers, Brad Hoover (FB)
* Chicago Bears, Richard Dent (DE)
* Cincinnati Bengals, Anthony Muñoz (OT)
* Cleveland Browns, Paul Warfield (WR)
* Dallas Cowboys , Charles Haley (DE)
* Denver Broncos, Shannon Sharpe (TE)
* Detroit Lions, Barry Sanders (RB)
* Green Bay Packers, Jim Taylor (FB)
* Houston Texans, Aaron Glenn (CB)
* Indianapolis Colts, Jeff Herrod (LB)
* Jacksonville Jaguars, Donovin Darius (S)
* Kansas City Chiefs, Willie Lanier (LB)
* Miami Dolphins, Sam Madison (CB)
* Minnesota Vikings, Chris Doleman (DE)
* New England Patriots, Andre Tippett (LB)
* New Orleans Saints, Willie Roaf (OT)
* New York Giants, Joe Morris (RB)
* New York Jets, Marty Lyons (DT)
* Oakland Raiders, Willie Brown (DB)
* Philadelphia Eagles, Troy Vincent (DB)
* Pittsburgh Steelers, Franco Harris (RB)
* St. Louis Rams, Marshall Faulk (RB)
* San Diego Chargers, Natrone Means (RB)
* San Francisco 49ers, Dwight Clark (WR)
* Seattle Seahawks, Cortez Kennedy (DT)
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers, John Lynch (S)
* Tennessee Titans, Jevon Kearse (DE)
* Washington Redskins, Doug Williams (QB)
The Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets do not have Second Round picks. Their player representatives will announce their Third Round picks.
The 2011 NFL Draft will continue the three-day format introduced in 2010, with the first three rounds broadcast in primetime at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday, April 28 and 6:00 pm ET on Friday, April 29, and concluding with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 30 at 12:00 pm ET. The NFL Draft will be broadcast on NFL Network and ESPN/ESPN2. Fans also may watch the live NFL Network stream on NFL Mobile.
The National Football League announced that 32 legendary NFL alumni, one representing each team, will announce live on Friday every selection of the second round. This will mark the first time in NFL Draft history every selection in a round has been announced by former players.
The NFL alumni scheduled to be on-hand at Radio City Music Hall to make the announcements from the podium includes:
* Arizona Cardinals, Aeneas Williams (CB)
* Atlanta Falcons, Jessie Tuggle (LB)
* Baltimore Ravens, Peter Boulware (LB)
* Buffalo Bills, Andre Reed (WR)
* Carolina Panthers, Brad Hoover (FB)
* Chicago Bears, Richard Dent (DE)
* Cincinnati Bengals, Anthony Muñoz (OT)
* Cleveland Browns, Paul Warfield (WR)
* Dallas Cowboys , Charles Haley (DE)
* Denver Broncos, Shannon Sharpe (TE)
* Detroit Lions, Barry Sanders (RB)
* Green Bay Packers, Jim Taylor (FB)
* Houston Texans, Aaron Glenn (CB)
* Indianapolis Colts, Jeff Herrod (LB)
* Jacksonville Jaguars, Donovin Darius (S)
* Kansas City Chiefs, Willie Lanier (LB)
* Miami Dolphins, Sam Madison (CB)
* Minnesota Vikings, Chris Doleman (DE)
* New England Patriots, Andre Tippett (LB)
* New Orleans Saints, Willie Roaf (OT)
* New York Giants, Joe Morris (RB)
* New York Jets, Marty Lyons (DT)
* Oakland Raiders, Willie Brown (DB)
* Philadelphia Eagles, Troy Vincent (DB)
* Pittsburgh Steelers, Franco Harris (RB)
* St. Louis Rams, Marshall Faulk (RB)
* San Diego Chargers, Natrone Means (RB)
* San Francisco 49ers, Dwight Clark (WR)
* Seattle Seahawks, Cortez Kennedy (DT)
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers, John Lynch (S)
* Tennessee Titans, Jevon Kearse (DE)
* Washington Redskins, Doug Williams (QB)
The Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets do not have Second Round picks. Their player representatives will announce their Third Round picks.
The 2011 NFL Draft will continue the three-day format introduced in 2010, with the first three rounds broadcast in primetime at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday, April 28 and 6:00 pm ET on Friday, April 29, and concluding with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 30 at 12:00 pm ET. The NFL Draft will be broadcast on NFL Network and ESPN/ESPN2. Fans also may watch the live NFL Network stream on NFL Mobile.
Despite the lockout, it will be business as usual at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday night for the NFL draft.
Sure, there will be some awkward moments with the Players Association hosting events in New York. And commissioner Roger Goodell is sure to get booed when he takes the podium — perhaps every time he does — but otherwise it will be the same.
Lots of glitz. Lots of gab from the talking heads. And Jets fans being Jets fans, though probably a lot happier than at drafts past.
It will be a shame, however, if neither the NFL, nor ESPN, nor NFL Network will take time out to do what is right during the draft’s 75th anniversary — pay tribute to the man responsible for it (along with the drafts for every sport), Bert Bell, the former Eagles owner and NFL commissioner from 1946-59.
The idea came to Bell when he went to the University of Minnesota in 1933 to sign Gophers fullback and linebacker Stanley Kostka. Before the draft, that’s how it was done. Team officials would descend upon college campuses to negotiate with the top talent. Imagine if that went on these days (more on that below).
Kostka ended up signing with the NFL’s Brooklyn Dodgers.
“I made up my mind that this league would never survive unless we had some system whereby each team had an even chance to bid for talent against each other,’’ Bell told the Associated Press.
Until that point, the league was dominated by four teams: Bears, Packers, Giants, and Redskins. “They were the only teams that drew any fans or made any type of money,’’ said Upton Bell, Bert’s son and a former general manager of the Patriots.
Two years later, as described in Bell’s biography, “On Any Given Sunday: A Life of Bert Bell,’’ he made his pitch at the league meeting in Pittsburgh.
“I’ve always had a theory that pro football is like a chain,’’ Bell told the other owners, according to the book. “The league is no stronger than its weakest link and I’ve been a weak link for so long that I should know. Every year, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Four teams control the championships . . . Because they are successful, they keep attracting the best college players in the open market, which makes them more successful.’’
George Halas of the Bears and Tim Mara of the Giants initially balked at the suggestion but eventually came around.
The first NFL draft was held Feb. 8-9, 1936, at the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia, owned by Bell’s father.
“Franchise owners crowded into Bert Bell’s hotel room, shucked their jackets, and cleared sitting room on beds and bureaus,’’ wrote Robert Lipsyte in the New York Times. “Bottles circulated, solemn oaths of league solidarity were taken, and the college stars were distributed.’
University of Chicago halfback Jay Berwanger was the first pick of Bell’s Eagles after he became the first winner of the Heisman Trophy. But Berwanger refused to play for the Eagles and his rights were traded to the Bears for needed cash and players.
“Certainly, I’m proud because to me he’s really the forerunner that saved all of sports because everybody adopted [the draft] afterwards,’’ Upton Bell said. “I can remember commissioners of other sports calling him over a period of time saying, ‘Tell me how you do it, how it works.’ But on the other hand, and I see two of the greatest self-promoting groups around — ESPN and the NFL — and you would never know Bert Bell existed. I have never seen or heard a word about him.’’
But those who helped found the NFL have. When Halas testified in an antitrust hearing in Washington, D.C. in 1976 — some 18 years after Bell died of a heart attack during an Eagles game at Franklin Field — he sung the praises of Bell’s invention of the draft and its effects on the league.
“The National Football League college draft has been the backbone of the sport and is the primary reason it has developed to the game it is today,’’ Halas said.
It is with great irony that the 75th anniversary of the draft is happening during a lockout and while an antitrust suit is pending against the league.
Bell was the first commissioner to recognize the NFLPA and institute a pension plan — at the risk of being fired.
More than 50 years later, the NFLPA and lead counsel Jeffrey Kessler are asking the courts to abolish the draft and every other mechanism (free agency) that prevents a free capitalist market for player services.
“An NFL world in which there is no collective bargaining agreement and every player is for himself and every team is for themselves is a world without a draft; a world without free agency rules; there is no salary cap and no salary floor; player benefits are negotiated or not depending on what the team and the player decide to do,’’ said NFL executive vice president Eric Grubman. “It’s a world where the rules related to drug testing, roster size, when you practice — you can’t have those if you go to the final conclusion suggested by [the NFLPA attorneys]. That’s the objective of the litigation in the Brady case. In that world, the underlying competitive model of the NFL falls apart.’’
While Kessler seems to be serious about his want of a free-market system, it’s likely just a ploy to gain leverage at the conclusion of the court case.
But if not, a lot of team personnel would be back in Bell’s shoes at the University of Minnesota if there was no CBA.
“You go back to a system pre-1936 where the NFL is recruiting on college campuses,’’ Grubman said. “Every team is going to be after Cam Newton. I’m not sure that college football is ready for the NFL to begin recruiting its players.’’
Teams could get underclassmen to leave early. Or even target players out of high school. That’s a system Bell fought against — because it was in the best interest of the league, which is now at a crossroads.
Somebody probably should mention that this week.
“The draft is Bert’s monument and . . . the key to the continuous success of the NFL,’’ New York Times columnist Arthur Daley wrote shortly before Bell’s death. “That’s why none should ever forget the far-seeing man responsible for it.’’
Especially not now.
“I don’t think he’d like it,’’ Upton Bell said of the current labor woes. “I think he would find it disturbing. Understanding that times have changed and the money involved, I don’t think he would ever be for the lockout of the players and I don’t think he would have let it get to this point.’’ (source Boston Globe)
Sure, there will be some awkward moments with the Players Association hosting events in New York. And commissioner Roger Goodell is sure to get booed when he takes the podium — perhaps every time he does — but otherwise it will be the same.
Lots of glitz. Lots of gab from the talking heads. And Jets fans being Jets fans, though probably a lot happier than at drafts past.
It will be a shame, however, if neither the NFL, nor ESPN, nor NFL Network will take time out to do what is right during the draft’s 75th anniversary — pay tribute to the man responsible for it (along with the drafts for every sport), Bert Bell, the former Eagles owner and NFL commissioner from 1946-59.
The idea came to Bell when he went to the University of Minnesota in 1933 to sign Gophers fullback and linebacker Stanley Kostka. Before the draft, that’s how it was done. Team officials would descend upon college campuses to negotiate with the top talent. Imagine if that went on these days (more on that below).
Kostka ended up signing with the NFL’s Brooklyn Dodgers.
“I made up my mind that this league would never survive unless we had some system whereby each team had an even chance to bid for talent against each other,’’ Bell told the Associated Press.
Until that point, the league was dominated by four teams: Bears, Packers, Giants, and Redskins. “They were the only teams that drew any fans or made any type of money,’’ said Upton Bell, Bert’s son and a former general manager of the Patriots.
Two years later, as described in Bell’s biography, “On Any Given Sunday: A Life of Bert Bell,’’ he made his pitch at the league meeting in Pittsburgh.
“I’ve always had a theory that pro football is like a chain,’’ Bell told the other owners, according to the book. “The league is no stronger than its weakest link and I’ve been a weak link for so long that I should know. Every year, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Four teams control the championships . . . Because they are successful, they keep attracting the best college players in the open market, which makes them more successful.’’
George Halas of the Bears and Tim Mara of the Giants initially balked at the suggestion but eventually came around.
The first NFL draft was held Feb. 8-9, 1936, at the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia, owned by Bell’s father.
“Franchise owners crowded into Bert Bell’s hotel room, shucked their jackets, and cleared sitting room on beds and bureaus,’’ wrote Robert Lipsyte in the New York Times. “Bottles circulated, solemn oaths of league solidarity were taken, and the college stars were distributed.’
University of Chicago halfback Jay Berwanger was the first pick of Bell’s Eagles after he became the first winner of the Heisman Trophy. But Berwanger refused to play for the Eagles and his rights were traded to the Bears for needed cash and players.
“Certainly, I’m proud because to me he’s really the forerunner that saved all of sports because everybody adopted [the draft] afterwards,’’ Upton Bell said. “I can remember commissioners of other sports calling him over a period of time saying, ‘Tell me how you do it, how it works.’ But on the other hand, and I see two of the greatest self-promoting groups around — ESPN and the NFL — and you would never know Bert Bell existed. I have never seen or heard a word about him.’’
But those who helped found the NFL have. When Halas testified in an antitrust hearing in Washington, D.C. in 1976 — some 18 years after Bell died of a heart attack during an Eagles game at Franklin Field — he sung the praises of Bell’s invention of the draft and its effects on the league.
“The National Football League college draft has been the backbone of the sport and is the primary reason it has developed to the game it is today,’’ Halas said.
It is with great irony that the 75th anniversary of the draft is happening during a lockout and while an antitrust suit is pending against the league.
Bell was the first commissioner to recognize the NFLPA and institute a pension plan — at the risk of being fired.
More than 50 years later, the NFLPA and lead counsel Jeffrey Kessler are asking the courts to abolish the draft and every other mechanism (free agency) that prevents a free capitalist market for player services.
“An NFL world in which there is no collective bargaining agreement and every player is for himself and every team is for themselves is a world without a draft; a world without free agency rules; there is no salary cap and no salary floor; player benefits are negotiated or not depending on what the team and the player decide to do,’’ said NFL executive vice president Eric Grubman. “It’s a world where the rules related to drug testing, roster size, when you practice — you can’t have those if you go to the final conclusion suggested by [the NFLPA attorneys]. That’s the objective of the litigation in the Brady case. In that world, the underlying competitive model of the NFL falls apart.’’
While Kessler seems to be serious about his want of a free-market system, it’s likely just a ploy to gain leverage at the conclusion of the court case.
But if not, a lot of team personnel would be back in Bell’s shoes at the University of Minnesota if there was no CBA.
“You go back to a system pre-1936 where the NFL is recruiting on college campuses,’’ Grubman said. “Every team is going to be after Cam Newton. I’m not sure that college football is ready for the NFL to begin recruiting its players.’’
Teams could get underclassmen to leave early. Or even target players out of high school. That’s a system Bell fought against — because it was in the best interest of the league, which is now at a crossroads.
Somebody probably should mention that this week.
“The draft is Bert’s monument and . . . the key to the continuous success of the NFL,’’ New York Times columnist Arthur Daley wrote shortly before Bell’s death. “That’s why none should ever forget the far-seeing man responsible for it.’’
Especially not now.
“I don’t think he’d like it,’’ Upton Bell said of the current labor woes. “I think he would find it disturbing. Understanding that times have changed and the money involved, I don’t think he would ever be for the lockout of the players and I don’t think he would have let it get to this point.’’ (source Boston Globe)
Gov. Mark Dayton, the state's most important booster for a subsidized Vikings stadium, said Monday that the team should pay a larger share of the cost than they have publicly pledged.
Both the recently introduced stadium bill and team officials say the Vikings would pay one-third of the cost, along with one-third from the state and another third from a local government partner yet to be named.
Team officials declined to comment on the numbers Monday, while a stadium bill sponsor said it's widely assumed the Vikings would have to put up more cash.
When asked on Minnesota Public Radio's "Midmorning" program what the team's share should be, Dayton said it should be higher than a third.
"I think somewhere between a third and a half, probably closer to between 40 and 50 percent ... because I think that's an appropriate share," he said.
Pressed by host Kerri Miller to explain why the team shouldn't pay even more, Dayton said that wasn't realistic. He said that most sports stadiums are financed by public-private partnerships and that the Vikings' lease at the Metrodome is up at the end of this season.
"That's my assumption and belief, that if we don't build a new stadium, that within the next couple of years they'll either move the team or sell the team to somebody who would move it elsewhere, and we'll lose the team," Dayton said.
Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, the lead Senate sponsor of the stadium bill, said that Dayton's statement "doesn't change a thing."
Stadium bill backers, she said, have always maintained that the team needs to come up with more than a third of the cost.
"The Vikings are going to have to commit to more than what they have been saying previously," she said. "We appreciate him jump-starting the conversation."
Lester Bagley, the Vikings' vice president of public affairs and stadium development, declined to comment specifically on Dayton's remarks. "We're glad the governor continues to be engaged in trying to resolve the stadium issue this year and we look forward to sitting down and working through the elements of an agreement," he said.
Team owner Zygi Wilf, when visiting the State Capitol two weeks ago, said only that the Vikings were committed to a "substantial private investment."
Roof factor
The cost of a new stadium is estimated at $700 million to $900 million, depending on whether it has a roof.
The team says that the Dome is fiscally obsolete and that it won't renew its lease there after this coming season without a new stadium deal.
The stadium bill requires the team to pay at least $1 for every $2 of state and local money. It lists various funding sources for the state's share, including a sports memorabilia tax, a surcharge on the income of pro football players, a sales tax on luxury boxes and the sale of stadium naming rights.
Ted Mondale, chairman of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission and Dayton's point man on stadium matters, said the numbers are going to be fluid until details are fleshed out and a local partner emerges. But he said the public wants to know that the Wilf family will be paying their fair share.
"The Vikings' public position has been, 'We'll pay a third of an open-air stadium,' which doesn't really work. I think the governor's saying their number needs to be significant," Mondale said.
Dayton and many legislators have said they oppose a stadium without a roof, which would add at least $200 million to construction costs, because that would limit the building's use outside of football season. The governor suggested Monday that a roofed stadium might be built for $700 million to $750 million.
Dayton addressed the stadium issue toward the end of the hourlong interview, most of which dealt with the problems of erasing the state's forecasted $5 billion budget deficit.
He said he disagreed with sports economists who say the economic impact of a sports stadium is negligible. As many as 8,000 people could be employed for three years building the stadium, he said. Then the stadium would be used full-time for the Vikings and other events, he added.
Callers weigh in
Told by some callers that it would be wrong to use taxpayer money to help millionaires build a stadium at a time when state programs are being cut, Dayton said that public money would be used only for bonds that would be paid off by stadium users and visitors going to hotels and restaurants. He said another funding source could be a car rental tax, which isn't listed in the bill.
"I don't believe the taxpayers are part of the financing scheme that I've proposed," he said.
Of three potential stadium sites, Dayton commented only on the Arden Hills location promoted by Ramsey County; the others are the Dome site and an area near Target Field, also in Minneapolis.
The governor said he understood that the proposal for Arden Hills included an open-air stadium, which would be cheaper, but it would require $300 million to improve local freeways to accommodate stadium traffic.
Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett said that Dayton was wrong on both counts. He said they would prefer a roofed stadium, and that the cost of improving Interstates 694 and 35W would be $160 million, with another $80 million for infrastructure on the site itself.
"No new roads would be built if the stadium goes to Minneapolis," Bennett said. "With our stadium, people would get a benefit, not only those who live here but the people who travel through" to vacations up north. And unlike the Minneapolis sites, Arden Hills would have plenty of room for tailgating, he said.
Dayton said he remained hopeful about a deal this year, but said that legislators would have to initiate it. Rosen said they remain convinced the legislators can strike a stadium deal.
"There's a lot of movement behind the scenes to get it through the political process," she said. A final stadium deal, she said, "is going to change dramatically from what it is now." This article was written by Kevin Duchschere and appeared in The Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Both the recently introduced stadium bill and team officials say the Vikings would pay one-third of the cost, along with one-third from the state and another third from a local government partner yet to be named.
Team officials declined to comment on the numbers Monday, while a stadium bill sponsor said it's widely assumed the Vikings would have to put up more cash.
When asked on Minnesota Public Radio's "Midmorning" program what the team's share should be, Dayton said it should be higher than a third.
"I think somewhere between a third and a half, probably closer to between 40 and 50 percent ... because I think that's an appropriate share," he said.
Pressed by host Kerri Miller to explain why the team shouldn't pay even more, Dayton said that wasn't realistic. He said that most sports stadiums are financed by public-private partnerships and that the Vikings' lease at the Metrodome is up at the end of this season.
"That's my assumption and belief, that if we don't build a new stadium, that within the next couple of years they'll either move the team or sell the team to somebody who would move it elsewhere, and we'll lose the team," Dayton said.
Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, the lead Senate sponsor of the stadium bill, said that Dayton's statement "doesn't change a thing."
Stadium bill backers, she said, have always maintained that the team needs to come up with more than a third of the cost.
"The Vikings are going to have to commit to more than what they have been saying previously," she said. "We appreciate him jump-starting the conversation."
Lester Bagley, the Vikings' vice president of public affairs and stadium development, declined to comment specifically on Dayton's remarks. "We're glad the governor continues to be engaged in trying to resolve the stadium issue this year and we look forward to sitting down and working through the elements of an agreement," he said.
Team owner Zygi Wilf, when visiting the State Capitol two weeks ago, said only that the Vikings were committed to a "substantial private investment."
Roof factor
The cost of a new stadium is estimated at $700 million to $900 million, depending on whether it has a roof.
The team says that the Dome is fiscally obsolete and that it won't renew its lease there after this coming season without a new stadium deal.
The stadium bill requires the team to pay at least $1 for every $2 of state and local money. It lists various funding sources for the state's share, including a sports memorabilia tax, a surcharge on the income of pro football players, a sales tax on luxury boxes and the sale of stadium naming rights.
Ted Mondale, chairman of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission and Dayton's point man on stadium matters, said the numbers are going to be fluid until details are fleshed out and a local partner emerges. But he said the public wants to know that the Wilf family will be paying their fair share.
"The Vikings' public position has been, 'We'll pay a third of an open-air stadium,' which doesn't really work. I think the governor's saying their number needs to be significant," Mondale said.
Dayton and many legislators have said they oppose a stadium without a roof, which would add at least $200 million to construction costs, because that would limit the building's use outside of football season. The governor suggested Monday that a roofed stadium might be built for $700 million to $750 million.
Dayton addressed the stadium issue toward the end of the hourlong interview, most of which dealt with the problems of erasing the state's forecasted $5 billion budget deficit.
He said he disagreed with sports economists who say the economic impact of a sports stadium is negligible. As many as 8,000 people could be employed for three years building the stadium, he said. Then the stadium would be used full-time for the Vikings and other events, he added.
Callers weigh in
Told by some callers that it would be wrong to use taxpayer money to help millionaires build a stadium at a time when state programs are being cut, Dayton said that public money would be used only for bonds that would be paid off by stadium users and visitors going to hotels and restaurants. He said another funding source could be a car rental tax, which isn't listed in the bill.
"I don't believe the taxpayers are part of the financing scheme that I've proposed," he said.
Of three potential stadium sites, Dayton commented only on the Arden Hills location promoted by Ramsey County; the others are the Dome site and an area near Target Field, also in Minneapolis.
The governor said he understood that the proposal for Arden Hills included an open-air stadium, which would be cheaper, but it would require $300 million to improve local freeways to accommodate stadium traffic.
Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett said that Dayton was wrong on both counts. He said they would prefer a roofed stadium, and that the cost of improving Interstates 694 and 35W would be $160 million, with another $80 million for infrastructure on the site itself.
"No new roads would be built if the stadium goes to Minneapolis," Bennett said. "With our stadium, people would get a benefit, not only those who live here but the people who travel through" to vacations up north. And unlike the Minneapolis sites, Arden Hills would have plenty of room for tailgating, he said.
Dayton said he remained hopeful about a deal this year, but said that legislators would have to initiate it. Rosen said they remain convinced the legislators can strike a stadium deal.
"There's a lot of movement behind the scenes to get it through the political process," she said. A final stadium deal, she said, "is going to change dramatically from what it is now." This article was written by Kevin Duchschere and appeared in The Minneapolis Star Tribune.