NFL Draft: Jake Locker, Julio Jones and More Talk Rookie Expectations, Going Pro
The impending NFL lockout continues to cast a cloud over the sports world, which is already bracing for a much tamer fall schedule.
But it has done little to dampen the spirits and the bravado of some of the top picks from the 2011 NFL draft.
The NFL Players Association recently brought 36 of the league's best rookies out to Los Angeles for its annual Rookie Premiere weekend. The festivities included a Premiere League Flag Football game at UCLA at which young guns, like Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and AJ Green, were merely spectators while celebrities and former players, most notably Terrell Davis and Roger Craig, took to the field for a bit of friendly flag fun.
I had a chance to catch up with some of the players—young and old—who were in attendance to get their thoughts on breaking into the NFL and their expectations for their rookie seasons.
Read on to find out what they had to say!
Terrell Davis on Tim Tebow
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Terrell Davis hasn't stepped out on an NFL field in pads since 2002, but that didn't stop the former NFL and Super Bowl MVP from giving us his thoughts on current Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.
What do you think of Tim Tebow as an NFL quarterback?
Tim Tebow, here we go! Tim Tebow. I don’t know, man. I don’t know. You know, I guess when Tim was coming out of college, I was one of the guys that took kind of a wait-and-see attitude about it. Part of his game I didn’t think would translate well to the league. But I must say, man, last year watching him during those three games, he proved that he can do it on this level, so if they give him a little bit more of an opportunity to play, I think he’s going to be fine, man. I think he’s going to be fine.
He brings a lot to the game, though. You know, you can’t coach what he brings, and when you’re a winner, you’re just a winner. You know, you can’t bottle that up and sell that. You can’t try to teach somebody how to be a champion. That guy, he’s won on the high school level, college level and it appears he’s going to be a winner on the pro level, so if you’re not on his bandwagon now, you better hop on before it takes off.
I’m hopping on! I’m on the wagon.
TD's Advice to the Rookies
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TD was also kind enough to share his thoughts on being an "old dude" surrounded by fresh young faces who have yet to see any NFL playing time.
What's it been like for you being around so many rookies, as a veteran of the game?
You know, what’s funny is that, you know, you kind of rewind things. You remember what it was like when I was that age, not knowing what the future holds. You’re excited about possibilities, but you don’t know exactly what…I mean, what’ve we got, about 40 rookies over there?
OK, the fact of the matter is, most of the rookies aren’t going to pan out. I mean, that’s just the way it is, and there are some of these guys who are going to be studs and some of these guys who, after maybe three or four years, won’t be around. But, everybody’s excited about the possibilities that can be, man.
I just try to tell these guys to take advantage of the moment, man. Take advantage of the moment. When you get to camp, don’t take it for granted. Don’t take it for granted. You have to act like you were drafted in the sixth round, like myself, or seventh round or were a free agent. You have a different chip on your shoulder rather than if you’re a first or second round draft pick. Most of those guys do have a lot of pressure on them too, so just take advantage of the situation.
Torrey Smith on Staying and Playing in the Beltway
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The rookies took their time making the rounds through the crowd, signing autographs and strutting around in their brand new team threads.
Ravens rookie Torrey Smith took a moment to talk about playing in Baltimore—a short distance from Colonial Beach, Virginia, where he grew up, and the University of Maryland, where he played his college ball—as well as his expectations for his rookie season.
What’s it like for you to be a part of the Baltimore Ravens, as someone who grew up in the Beltway and played college ball at Maryland?
It’s big. You know, that’s the place I wanted to play. For me, it’s kind of like a dream come true. A lot of people, you know, they grow up wanting to play football in their area that they grew up in and played college ball at, and I have the opportunity to do that and now I want to take full advantage of it and play in front of the people that I love the most and that matter the most to me.
Are you looking forward to playing with Joe Flacco, Ray Rice and the rest of the Ravens offense?
Yeah, yeah, definitely. I’ve talked to them, they’re great guys. Obviously, with the type of talent they have, for me to come in, learn with them and play with those guys and take the Ravens to the next level is something that I’m looking forward to.
What are your expectations for your rookie season?
Do whatever I have to do to help the Ravens win, whether it’s as a specialist, if they need me to return. That’s what they said they want me to do, so, you know, I just want to take on as much as I can.
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Von Miller on Raising Chickens
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Denver Broncos rookie Von Miller demonstrated the vast store of agricultural knowledge he acquired during his college days at Texas A&M when he gave his thoughts on a hobby of his—raising chickens!
I hear you raise chickens.
Yeah, I do. I went to a big agricultural school and you know, I kind of grew on me, and it’s part of my life now.
What do you feed the chickens?
I mean, whatever you put on the ground a chicken will eat, but you know, it’s all kinds of feeds and all kinds of grains that you give them. You know, there’s filler involved in the whole thing but you know, it’s good stuff to make them grow fast, you know?
What about accidentally feeding chicken to a chicken?
They’ll eat it. Whatever you put on the ground, if it stays there long enough, they’ll get it.
Do you have to leave it behind?
I don’t know. It’s always been football first. You know, it’s always been football first and everything else comes second, so I’ll probably focus more on my football career and whenever I can get time to do the other things, I will.
Von Miller on Being a Rookie
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Of course, Von had plenty to say about topics other than animal husbandry. The second-overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft also gave us his thoughts on his future teammates and what he wants to accomplish as a rookie.
Are you looking forward to taking on Tim Tebow in practice?
No, no, he’s on my team, so we’re all good. It’s the other 31 quarterbacks that have to worry about me and Elvis [Dumervil], but I’ve just been taking it one day at a time, trying to get it.
Have you been in contact with any of the other players?
Yeah, most of the rookies. You know, I’ve been there. We had a meeting with all the rookies who got drafted, you know, I was right there. I called them and congratulated everybody and, you know, welcomed them to Denver. I haven’t been there, but I’m a team guy, and I just wanted to get our class together and get the camaraderie going.
What are your expectations for your rookie season?
We just want to take it one day at a time, one play at a time, man. That’s what’s got it done for me, and I just want to take it one play at a time and get it done.
AJ Green on Being a Cincinnati Bengal
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Cincinnati Bengals rookie AJ Green was also in town, and he extended a few brief comments about finally making it to the NFL and the prospect of catching passes from fellow rookie Andy Dalton.
What’s it like being out here with one of your future teammates in Andy Dalton?
Yeah, it’s fun being out here with all the guys and getting to know everybody. It’s fun to have most of the rookie class here.
How does it feel to be on the precipice of playing the NFL after being touted as a future star for so long?
Man, it’s just a dream come true. I’m living my dream, and I’m blessed to have this opportunity.
Have you had a chance to build up any chemistry with Andy Dalton yet?
No, not yet, not yet. We’ll give it time.
Anybody you’re looking forward to facing in the NFL?
Oh man, there’s a lot of guys. I’m just trying to make my mark in the NFL. I’m back at square one again, so I’ve got to go back.
Is there anyone that you fear?
No, I don’t fear anybody. Everybody puts on pants just like I put on mine.
Are you excited to get to Cincinnati?
Yeah, I’m ready to get back to it.
Julio Jones on His Performance at the NFL Combine, AJ Green
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A.J. Green wasn't the only high-profile wide receiver to come out of the SEC this year.
Julio Jones stole a bit of Green's thunder with the 4.38 40-yard dash he ran at the 2011 NFL Combine—on a fractured foot, no less!
How’s your foot?
It’s great. I haven’t had the opportunity to run yet. I got cleared this week. I haven’t had a chance to run on it yet, though, but I’m looking forward to it.
Did you surprise yourself at all when you ran that 4.38 at the combine on a bad foot?
No. I knew I was fast, you know, but a lot of people didn’t know I was fast because I’m a big body, and I haven’t had that many opportunities to run away from people.
Is there any rivalry between you and AJ Green as talented receivers coming out of the SEC?
Nah, man. It’s all about competing, and as long as we push each other, you know, we’ll make great money. You know, just keep going, keep pushing, man. There’s no hard feelings. If one year one of us plays better than the next, you know, we’ll just keep working.
Julio Jones on Being a Rookie, Joining the Atlanta Falcons
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Julio also had plenty to say about his plans for his rookie season and how he fits in with the defending NFC South champion Atlanta Falcons.
What are your expectations for your rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons?
I mean, just go in and contribute the best way I can, you know. If I have to play slot or if I have to play outside or whatever, you know, I want to be that missing piece of the puzzle.
Have you been in contact at all with Matt Ryan and Roddy White?
I have. I met in person with those guys. You know, we called a little team meeting for the offensive guys, the quarterbacks and the receivers got there and tossed the ball around.
Jones on Being a Falcons Rookie (continued)
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How does it feel to have a team trade away so many picks to get you?
Oh man, it’s a great feeling. They believe that much in you to give that much away, you know. I guess they feel that I’m the missing piece to the puzzle.
How does it feel to have the opportunity to make an impact on a playoff team?
It feels great because, you know, those guys are used to success. You know, they know what it takes to be successful, and I was fortunate enough to come from a program that was successful, so just going into that and keeping the same mindset I always had to go in there, work hard and try to contribute.
What do you bring to the Atlanta Falcons?
Well, I mean, they already have talent, you know, but I’m going to be another big receiver, you know. They can put me anywhere; I’m very versatile. Give Roddy some more one-on-ones rather than teams doubling him.
Larry Fitzgerald on the Arizona Cardinals, Patrick Peterson
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Larry Fitzgerald was also in attendance at the event in Los Angeles. As a veteran, Fitzgerald was peppered with questions about the NFL lockout, but he also shared some words about the Arizona Cardinals and how he thought they did in this April's draft.
What are your expectations for the Cardinals this season?
Playoffs. That’s the same expectation every year for us. You know, we want to win our division and be in the mix of things.
What’s it going to take to get the Cardinals back to the playoffs after last season’s drop-off?
You know, I think with the draft, we addressed a lot of different needs and then through free agency, when we get around to it, we’ll also make some moves. We’re going to have some guys come in and help us, and I know we’re going to be in a competitive division. The division was won last year at 7-9—by no stretch of the imagination is that good—and so we know that we’re right in the thick of it.
Looking forward to schooling Patrick Peterson in practice?
No, I’m just going to try to make him better. I know he’s going to try to make me better, and you know, we just wanted to make sure that we’re at our best when we go out there and compete on Sundays.
Are you happy about the new guys coming in?
Yeah, I think we got some nice draft picks. I’m excited about them, and I just hope they can all come in and help us immediately, so we can be a better ball club next year.
Jake Locker on Playing Pro Football and Tennessee Titans
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Among the more puzzling moves of this year's NFL draft was the decision by the Tennessee Titans to take Washington quarterback Jake Locker with the eighth overall pick.
As such, I asked Locker about going so high in the draft and whether he was surprised by his early selection, among other things.
How do you feel about the crop of rookies joining you in Tennessee?
We got a good pick in the second round, a couple guys from here that I’m teammates with now, looking forward to getting to meeting and spending some time with.
What are your expectations for your rookie season amidst a new regime in Nashville?
Same expectations I had before. Just go in and make the most of your opportunities.
Were you surprised that you ended up going so high in the draft?
No, I’m not. It didn’t surprise me. I’m happy where I went and, like I said, I’m thankful for the opportunity.
What do you bring to the Titans?
I bring a good work ethic. I’m a guy that’s got strong character and loves the game of football.
Was there ever any doubt as which sport you’d play professionally, between football and baseball?
No, I’ve always loved playing football, and football’s always been my favorite, so it was an easy decision for me.
Locker on the Titans (continued)
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Have you had a chance to work out with any of your Titans teammates?
I’m going to go out there in a couple weeks and spend some time with those guys.
Are you looking forward to playing with Chris Johnson?
Yeah, I mean, he’s a stud. It’s going to be awesome to be able to hand off the ball to a guy like that.
How long do you think it’ll take you to familiarize yourself with a new system in Tennessee?
That’s the thing, it’s a lot of the same stuff. It’s just spoken differently, and so, you know, it’s just spending time with it, reading it over and over, saying it over and over, and you become more comfortable with it, and you know the schemes and the system, you’ve just got to become comfortable with the terminology, and that’s where the time comes in.
What do you have to say to those people who doubt your ability to be an effective pro-style quarterback?
I don’t doubt the ability that I have and what I’m able to do, so that’s all I care about.
Daniel Thomas on Making It to the NFL, Being a Rookie for the Dolphins
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When it comes to recognizable rookies, Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas isn't exactly a household name, but he has plenty of ability, as a bruising, every-down back, to be a difference maker right away for the Miami Dolphins.
Do you think you’ll be playing any quarterback out of the Wildcat for the Dolphins, given your past quarterbacking experience?
The coaches, they mentioned something about it, so I think it’s definitely a possibility.
Did you get a chance to talk to them after you were drafted?
Well, I talked to them after the draft, but I didn’t get to go to the facility after the draft to get my playbook or anything.
Would you look forward to Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams coming back as free agents?
Yeah, I would, just so I can learn from them, but it really doesn’t matter. It would help to have them there though.
How does it feel to finally be in the NFL after the long journey from JC to Kansas State and now getting drafted by the Dolphins?
It feels real good, man, because it’s been a long, long road, a long path and everything, so, you know, just to get your name called and think about all the tough times you went through, it feels really good.
Daniel Thomas on His Rookie Season
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What are your expectations for your rookie season in Miami?
My expectation is to play a lot. You know, make an impact, whether it’s at running back or special teams, so that’s my main focus.
What does Daniel Thomas bring to the Dolphins?
The ability to carry the ball, be an every-down back, you know, catch the ball out of the backfield, doing all the stuff like that.
Do you enjoy playing running back more than quarterback?
Yeah, of course, but I kind of miss playing quarterback. You know, quarterbacks get love, so I kind of miss that.
You looking forward to throwing any long passes to fellow rookie Edmund Gates with the Dolphins?
Yeah, he can run, I know that, so we should be able to do something like that, man.
Who’s faster between you two?
He’s got it. No question.
You’ve got a little more power though, eh?
Yeah, I’ve got a little more power.
Are you looking forward to living down in Miami, on South Beach?
I am, man. I am. I actually live in Boca [Raton] so it’s kind of close from there. Rahim Moore and I live together. You know Rahim Moore, right?
Yeah, of course.
Me and him live together, so I’ve kind of got the Miami style going.
Would you say the comparison of you to a single-cut, upright runner like Arian Foster is pretty accurate?
Yeah, I think so, because he’s a bigger back as well. We’re about the same size, and he runs similar and everything, so I’d say that’s a pretty good comparison.
Warren Moon on Cam Newton
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After the game, I caught up with Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, who also happened to be the coach of the winning flag football team (the Throwbacks) to get his thoughts on a variety of topics, including Carolina Panthers rookie Cam Newton.
What do you see in Cam Newton as a potential future NFL star?
I see tremendous potential just because of his physical abilities and his intelligence level that people aren’t really aware of and also his competitiveness and toughness. Those four components right there are going to make him a very, very good player in this league as long as he continues to do those same things.
Do you think he’ll be a good fit in Carolina?
I really do. I think because Carolina can run the football well, they’ll do a lot of play action pass because of that, which is right down his alley. Whether it’s play action and throwing the deep strikes down the field or play action getting him outside on the edge and maybe having him a run-pass option he’s going to do a lot of early, and he’s going to do those things really well.
Warren Moon on the Rest of the Rookie QBs
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Warren Moon certainly didn't shy away when we asked him about the rest of the rookie quarterbacks headed to the NFL this coming season.
Are there any other young quarterbacks that have caught your eye?
Yeah, no question that Jake Locker is a guy that I’ve watched for the last five years at the University of Washington because that’s where I went to school, and he got drafted by my old team, which is the Houston Oilers, now the Tennessee Titans, so he’s a guy that I think has a tremendous amount of potential too.
He’s a great athlete, a great person who works very, very hard. Now, it’s just a matter of him being on a team where he gets some better talent around him than he had in college. I think you’re going to really see him shine.
What are your thoughts on this year’s quarterback draft class?
You know, I thought it was a solid class. I didn’t think there was a John Elway in this draft or there wasn’t a Troy Aikman or one of those guys who were first overall picks, but there were a lot of good quarterbacks in this draft and a lot of teams at the top of the draft that needed quarterbacks, so that’s why you saw Christian Ponder, somebody like that, go up that high because if you’re a quarterback and you have a team that’s in a quarterback-driven league, which it is right now, you’ve got to get your quarterback, so that’s why I think so many guys went in the first 12 picks.
You had four quarterbacks go with the first 12 picks, even though it wasn’t a strong, strong class, but these teams had to have quarterbacks.
Moon on the Best Quarterbacks in the NFL
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Before Moon took off, he spoke to us about who he sees as the best quarterbacks in the NFL today and who he thinks could join that select group sooner than you think.
Who do you see nowadays as the top quarterbacks in the league?
Well, no question [Tom] Brady and [Peyton] Manning are still right up there. You can’t count those two guys out, but, you know, Aaron Rodgers has really taken a step the last year, and then Drew Brees is still right there, so those four guys are probably the cream of the crop right now in the National Football League, but there’s a lot of good quarterbacks in the league right now, but those four guys, I’d have to say, are at the top.
And Philip Rivers is another guy I like a lot. He hasn’t won the big one yet, but he keeps his team competitive and his numbers are as good as anybody’s over the last four or five years.
Are there any guys that you see as being on the precipice of joining that group?
Man, I’d have to think about that one. You know, Michael Vick is a different type of quarterback. I don’t think he’ll ever be that type of quarterback who will really have those big numbers like that, but he’ll do it in a combination of ways—with his legs and also with his arm.
You know, Eli Manning’s got a chance because of the talent level that he has around him. I really like Josh Freeman in Tampa Bay; I think he’s got a tremendous amount of potential as well, so a lot of good young quarterbacks in the league as you go up and down.
You know, Matt Ryan’s another one, but again, I don’t think he’ll ever get the big numbers just because of their offense. They’re more of a conservative style of offense, but there’s a lot of good young quarterbacks in the league.
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