Randy Gregory had to wait a lot longer than most people thought he would to hear his name called in Chicago. While Gregory was considered a first round talent by many NFL scouts, his name was not called during the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. On the second day of the draft the 2nd team All-American had another long wait.
Finally, the Cowboys were on the clock with the 60th pick late in round two. With the Cowboys looking to bolster their defense in this year’s draft, America’s team addressed their concerns in the secondary first by selecting University of Connecticut corner and combine sensation Byron Jones with their first round pick.
The Cowboys, now in the market for a pass rusher, would arguably get the steal of the draft thus far. Gregory presents a tremendous set of skills that could make him a premier pass rusher in the NFL. However, trouble off the field has plagued him since his playing days at Nebraska. In March, he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine. Gregory had also tested positive for marijuana twice in his career at Nebraska. On top of his issues with drugs, Gregory struggles with a mild form anxiety.
When asked if he struggles with depression or bipolar disorder Gregory was quick to deny that there was anything seriously wrong. It’s “Not anything like that” he said, “I think I have the same kind of anxiety that a lot of guys in my position have. After talking with the (Cowboys) staff, I think they were comfortable enough to be able to support me in that way. This is something that I’ve been working on for a while…”
However, Gregory doesn’t think his off the field issues should worry Jerry Jones and company. During a conference call, the former husker addressed why he is confident the Cowboys won’t have to worry about his off-field behavior. “Because I know where my mindset is at. I know I made a mistake” Gregory explained. “I know there is only so much I can say – talk is cheap sometimes. I really want to show these guys what I can do and I am really serious about what I say… I really feel like they believe in me. I can’t wait to show them… I just can’t wait to get out on that field and get out in the real world and show them what I can do.”
Gregory also made a new friend at the draft in Chicago who could help in his development with the Cowboys; Michael Irvin. The hall of fame receiver had some eye opening advice for the young defensive end during the time they shared together. When asked what Irvin said to him, Gregory explained “Basically that I need to stop the crap that I’m doing – plain and simple… It was eye opening, because I really didn’t expect that… When he called me out and said that it kinda surprised me, but I’m glad he did it. I will definitely be looking for more advice from him.”
If there’s an environment that knows how to handle an athlete like Randy Gregory, it’s the Dallas Cowboys. A lot of people also had similar concerns regarding character with current Cowboys star Dez Bryant when he was drafted by Dallas in 2010. Dallas and Jerry Jones were able to develop a program to help Bryant stay out of trouble and turn him into one of the best receivers in the NFL.
When asked if a support system is something he asked for, Gregory recognized that he needs to improve. “It was something I mentioned and something I felt like I needed.” “Like I said, it kind of worked out because they felt the same way about it. I’m glad I’m finally here, I’m glad I finally got picked and it’s a great spot for me.”
With Gregory battling anxiety, there are several concerns with how he will perform in the spotlight that comes with playing for the Cowboys. Gregory addressed these concerns saying “I am [ready]. I think I’ve handled myself the correct way since everything has happened in the past and I am going to continue to do that… I’m ready for any challenge. I’m ready for any question and anything that asked my way, I’m ready for it and I’m ready to take it in stride.”
Gregory is coming into his rookie season with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder after being picked later than expected. In an interview with Yahoo Sports after being passed on in round one of the draft, the new Cowboy explained “The franchise that drafts me won’t have to worry about me off the field, but the teams that didn’t select me WILL have to worry about me on the field.” Amidst all of the off the field issues, it sounds like Randy Gregory is humble, hungry and ready to make an immediate impact with the Dallas Cowboys.
