NFL Draft 2015: Full Transcripts Of New England Patriots Draft Picks
By Cyrus Geller
Sep 21, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Demitri Knowles (80) is tackled by Marshall Thundering Herd defensive back Darryl Roberts (7) during the second half at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Q: What was the reaction when the Patriots drafted you?
DR: It’s just a true blessing. I was excited – excitement. My whole family and my whole support staff, everybody is just happy for me and excited for me. It’s just an honor to have an opportunity to play for the Patriots.
Q: Did you have an inclination that they might be a team to take you?
DR: Yeah, I did. I had a workout with the Patriots. I’m just honored. It’s just an honor to be able to play for the Patriots.
Q: What do you feel your strengths are as a cornerback?
DR: I’m a little versatile. I can play a little press, a little zone. First things first, I just want to make a name for myself on special teams.
Q: How much special teams did you play in college?
DR: All throughout my college career, I played special teams: punt, punt block and things like that. I played a good amount – four years’ worth.
Q: Did you start to get a little bit more notice after you put up big numbers at your pro day?
DR: Yeah, I did. After they saw how fast I could run and how athletic I am a lot of teams started gaining interest, so I got a lot [of attention].
Q: Was it disappointing to not get invited to the combine?
DR: No, it wasn’t really disappointing. I always tell myself to control what I can control. The pro day for me was my combine, so I felt like went out there and did the best I could do to show what I can do.
Q: Are you and Aaron Dobson friends?
DR: Yeah, actually me and ‘A.D.’ are pretty cool. He was a good receiver and a good friend of mine when he played at Marshall.
Q: Has he given you any advice or told you anything about the Patriots?
DR: He told me it’s a very good program and very smart program and you all have good coaches as anyone could see. He was just letting me know how the season would go and things like that.
Q: Is it encouraging seeing what a guy like Malcolm Butler was able to do here regardless of draft slot or not being drafted at all?
DR: It’s a blessing. All you can ask for is a chance and a shot to just go do what you love to do. I’m just honored that they even took a chance on me to come to New England and play.
Q: Did they ask you about playing special teams when they called you?
DR: No, they didn’t ask me anything of that nature. [They] just told me that they were going to pick me, so I just got ready for it.
Q: Have you ever been to the New England area?
DR: No sir, I haven’t. It will be my first time when I arrive.
Q: When you had your workout with the Patriots, did you have a chance to talk one-on-one with Bill Belichick?
DR: When I did my workout with the Patriots, I actually didn’t talk to Bill.
Q: Who did you speak to then?
DR: The defensive back coach, the safeties coach, [Brian Flores].
Q: Brian Flores?
DR: Yeah, I guess the safeties coach.
Q: Did you have any idea they liked you?
DR: I had a pretty good workout. They just told me I looked pretty good out there, so I knew [there] was some interest but I didn’t know how much.
Q: Is there any cornerback that you pattern your game after?
DR: No, I’ve got my own game. I just try to carry myself in a certain way and just go out there and take everything head on. I try to play as myself.
Q: Why do you think you flew under the radar a little bit?
DR: That’s a good question. I’m not sure.
Q: Does that motivate you at all?
DR: I always play with an edge. I’ve got a strong mind and I know what I want, so I don’t really let things get to me. Like I said earlier, I just control what I can control.
Q: Did you have a lot of teams that were interested?
DR: I had a good amount, but I’m just happy to be chosen by the New England Patriots. I’m happy to be a part of the organization now.
Q: Do you remember how many kicks you blocked in college?
DR: I think I blocked like two or three.
Q: The 39-inch vertical must have helped there, right?
DR: Yeah, it [did].
Q: What was your reaction to getting drafted by the Patriots?
XD: I was excited and blessed.
Q: Did you have any contact with the Patriots prior to the draft?
XD: I had a workout and a visit with the Patriots.
Q: How well do you know Dont’a Hightower?
XD: Hightower is a very good player. [Inaudible]
Q: Has he contacted you since you got drafted?
XD: I have no clue. He probably tried to, but my phone has been blowing up, so I really haven’t had a chance to see.
Q: How many texts do you have on there right now?
XD: I have a bunch. I haven’t even looked yet, honestly.
Q: What would you say your strengths are as a football player?
XD: Pass rushing.
Q: How do you think playing for Nick Saban has prepared you to come into this program and try to compete for a job here?
XD: I think they run the same style defense. Their coaching style is very similar. I think it’s prepared me well.
Q: Did you meet with the Patriots before the draft?
XD: Yes sir, I did.
Q: Was that here in New England or down at your pro day?
XD: Both.
Q: What do you think of the competition there will be on defense in training camp, with all the defensive players the Patriots have drafted this year?
XD: It’s just football. It’s a competition every day. I’ve just got to go in and make the best out of my opportunity.
Q: Do you think playing in a competitive environment like Alabama helps you coming into the NFL?
XD: Yes sir, I think it helps me a lot, especially with the competition I played with. I feel like it’s prepared me well for the NFL.
Q: How were you feeling late in the draft as the picks started to dwindle?
XD: I was a little frustrated.
Q: Do you have a favorite pass rush move?
XD: I think speed to power is my best move.
Q: When you visited with the Patriots did they talk to you at all about how you might fit into their defense?
XD: They just said I’ll be a defensive end or outside linebacker.
Q: Have you played any special teams in college?
XD: Yes sir, I did.
Q: On what units did you play?
XD: Punt, kickoff, kickoff return.
Q: How closely did you have to focus on that part of your game while in college? Do you take it pretty seriously? They take it pretty seriously here.
XD: Yes sir, I did. I took it very seriously.