The 2014 NFL Draft impacted many lives, teams and also the community. Having a community impact is something that the NFL has identified as a priority. They have done a great job of incorporating the NFL Draft into their community outreach by hosting an event the day before the draft. The event is called Play 60. It encourages kids to play for 60 minutes every day.
There were 30 of the top draft prospects at the event. Many draft analysts expect at least four cornerbacks to go in the first round. Jason Verrett, Kyle Fuller, Bradley Roby, Justin Gilbert are four likely candidates. Pro Player Insiders got the chance to talk with each of them about their NFL Play 60 experience.
Justin Gilbert is widely considered to be the top corner in this draft. There have been some questions about a lack of physicality in his game. He addressed it when we spoke to him. “A lot of teams don’t expect me to be there when they pick but if I am there when they do, they told me that they would consider me if I was there. I had 20 reps at the combine. We were taught to press most of the time is a technique where we were taught to shadow the receivers. I can see where they can get that but I can be physical. People that don’t know our scheme wouldn’t know that.”
Gilbert also talked about what it’s like to be able to create such a great memory for the kids at Play 60. “It’s all about seeing the smile on their faces. When I was young, I never got the chance to do any of this. To see them here smiling, having fun with all of the other draft picks is great.”
Jason Verrett is an undersized player but makes up for it with his aggressive style of play. Teams are very fond of his ability to have an impact from the nickle position. Verrett talked about what makes him one of the best. “It’s definitely been a good time, I feel like I worked hard for it to get where I am at now. Right now, the biggest day of my life is tomorrow. It’s uncontrollable right now but I am blessed to be in this situation. Where ever I land, I am just going to be ready to work. My versatility, being able to play on the inside, showing that I can improve and that I can play on the outside. If they need me in the slot in blitzing packages. All of those things. I am more versatile. I can do a lot more things and be a play maker out there.”
Kyle Fuller has the NFL bloodlines. He has two brothers in the NFL and they have helped him through this draft season. Fuller truly understands the importance of doing events like Play 60. He shared what it means to be able to impact a young person’s life. He even talked about how important it is to stay in school. “It’s a lot of fun coming out and doing the things that you did as a kid. Being a role model and somebody that the kids can look up to. Showing them that we got to this level by doing the same thing. Biggest message would be staying out of trouble. Stay focused on whatever it is that you want to do. It is so important at a young age. It starts now because you develop good study habits that you can carry on through high school and college.”
Bradley Roby is one of the guys who have never been to New York City before. He talked about how the scenery has been in New York and really likes it. We also got him to share some of the things that are unique about his game. “I have never been in New York before. It’s been great, all of these big buildings, it’s an experience that I have always dreamed of. Now I get to be here. It’s awesome. My meetings have gone well. A lot of teams like my game. I am interested to see where I fall. I feel like every visit that I have had has been great. I can fit well into any defensive scheme. I can excel at off, press man. It doesn’t matter what side of the field that I am on. I can play in every scheme.”
The 2014 NFL Draft class will feature four very good cornerbacks. It is safe to say that they have cornered the market. They will each have an instant impact on whatever teams draft them. Taking part in the NFL Play 60 event is a step towards being able to have an impact on the community as well.
