Pro Player Insiders caught up with three of the top draft picks on the red carpet at the NFLPA Rookie Debut in New York City. Here are some of their top comments.
Stephen Hill: Selected 43rd overall by the New York Jets.
On being drafted: “It’s still unreal, I mean, I still can’t feel it.”
Hill will surely be a quick contributor to the Jets offense. After losing Braylon Edwards and Plaxico Burress over the last 2 years, the only real playmaking receiver left on the team was Santonio Holmes. Hill’s lightning fast speed gives him the option to both be a slot receiver or deep ball threat, and as to where he’ll play, his answer was: “Both, wherever the coach wants me to play, that’s where I’ll be.”
Hill should fit nicely and hopefully give Sanchez/Tebow another threat for them to throw to.
Michael Floyd: Selected 13th overall by the Arizona Cardinals.
On being drafted: “One time in your life you ever get to be here. I’m excited, I’m thankful that I’m here.”
Fitzgerald & Floyd – a quarterback’s dream. Floyd should be an outside receiver and said, “I’m an outside guy but I can play both positions, I’m comfortable in both situations.” Floyd is going to make Larry Fitzgerald even more of a threat than he already was, which is a scare thought for DB’s around the league. Teams can’t only worry about Fitz anymore cause if they do, Floyd can burn them as well. This was a fantastic pick for Arizona and should make their offense even more explosive than it already is.
Matt Kalil: Selected 4th overall by the Minnesota Vikings.
On being drafted: “You dream about this as a kid and you know it’s finally come true.”
Matt Kalil’s job on the field is simple – protect Christian Ponder. Kalil was considered the best non-QB in the draft and there’s a reason for that. He can block the best of the best and give his quarterback more time to throw and his running backs a huge hole to run through. If Kalil is as good as advertised, then Adrian Peterson’s comeback from injury should be an easier one and Christian Ponder should spend less time running out of the pocket and more time making accurate throws. Matt Kalil will be the anchor of the Vikings offensive line for many years to come.
