New Orleans Saints CB Johnny Patrick Interview: 'It's Just a Little Adversity'

Johnny Patrick is a converted wide receiver who starred at cornerback for the University of Louisville from 2007-10. He was drafted in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints with the 88th pick.

He earned first team All-Big East his senior year at Louisville and was on to a strong showing in his rookie training camp until an injury slowed him. He ended the year strongly, though, by appearing in the last seven games of the year and posting five tackles in a late November win against Atlanta. He will be competing with Patrick Robinson for a starting cornerback spot this fall.

Here is my interview with Johnny Patrick:

Jason Bernos: Hey Johnny, Jason Bernos here from BleacherReport.com. Thanks for taking some time out for this interview.

Johnny Patrick: No Problem.

JB: Alright, let's jump right in. You went from being a star WR coming out of high school and ended up being an All-Big East CB. How was the transition [from WR to CB] and how do you think being a former WR helps you at your current position?

Patrick: The transition I felt was smooth for me because I considered myself an athlete, and, being a former WR, it helps a lot because I know what a WR is thinking by his release.

JB: How was your draft experience last year? Had you ever been to NOLA [New Orleans, Louisiana] before being drafted by the Saints?

Patrick: Draft experience was spent in Daytona Beach, FL, that's where I'm from, and no I [had] never been to New Orleans...[I] just heard Mardi Gras was crazy.

JB: I hear you on that man. It's always a blast. Since coming to New Orleans, what do you think sets Who Dat Nation apart from other fan bases?

Patrick: The fans love this team here. The [Super] dome is always packed and rocking. It's the best crowd in the world. Fans seem to always be behind us even after a loss.

JB: Can you imagine a "home" Super Bowl in NOLA with everything that has been going on. Saints players haven't really voiced their opinion on ex-coach Gregg Williams and the Bountygate situation. Would you like to give your reaction to it? What has been the reaction between players?

Patrick: I mean we are just going to take it one game at a time. Stay humbled and focused on being the best team we can be. It's just a little adversity... that we will overcome.

JB: After not missing your last 27 games at U of L, How frustrating was it having your season shortened by injury after such a strong preseason showing?

Patrick:  It was very frustrating because I felt like I was doing well in camp and learning from the older guys and getting better, but everything happens for a reason and God has a plan for me. I worked hard to get back on the field with help from trainers and came back two weeks earlier than what I was supposed to. I was hungry to play. And I end up getting a chance to compete the last seven weeks of the season, and I saw some action on defense as well as special teams.

JB: Speaking of missing games, how do you think the loss of Coach Payton for a year is going to affect the team? And do you think Joe Vitt was the right choice [for interim coach]?

Patrick: Coach Payton is one of the best coaches I ever played for, but like he would say 'this is a player driven league'... And we know exactly how to work because he has taught us how. And Joe Vitt is a great fit. I have also learned a lot from him and listening to him speak.

JB: After your first week of meetings with new coach Steve Spagnuolo, what are the differences you see between him and Williams? Scheme, speak..etc.

Patrick: They're both aggressive schemes, but I'm not about to compare the two [and] talk on how different they are. Steve Spagnuolo is our coach now and since we started back being in the building he is a great man and a[n] even better teacher. 

JB: With the lack of depth on the team at CB, you and Patrick Robinson will be competing for the spot opposite Jabari Greer, How are you and Patrick's relationship and what are you doing to get a leg up on the competition?

Patrick: Me and P. Rob are really cool. I have a lot of respect for him and his ability to play this game. We are both competitive people.

JB: I know you love interacting with fans on Twitter, so I have this last question here from @KTowery: Most important lesson that you learned in Year 1, and What area or you working to improve on in Year 2?

Patrick: I've learned togas the right food for the vets [Ha Ha]. And I'm working on improving attacking the football in the air better then I have.

JB: Well thanks for the time man, Anything you'd like to leave Who Dat Nation with?

Patrick: Just leave them with a Who Dat, and [that] the team is working hard.