RAVENS ROOKIE CAMP TRANSCRIPTS: May 3
WR Miles Boykin
On the first rookie practice:"It was great. It's been a long time, especially for a lot of us, just putting on the helmet again, going out there, getting chemistry with the quarterback, really just going out there and just running around and playing football again. Once you get to this point, it's kind of, not a relief, I'd say, but you're just back to the basics of football. You're not getting tested on anything anymore. You just get to go out there and be who you were meant to be."
On what impression he hopes to leave during rookie camp:"That they made the right decision by drafting me. That's the only thing in my mind. They know what I'm capable of, and that's why they brought me here. I'm just here to show that every day."
On what about him he thinks can help the team right away:"Just my learning curve, getting out there. I'm fast, I'm big, I'm strong. Really, just learning the playbook and getting out there and getting chemistry."
On how to adjust to the change in speed from college to professional football:"I think it's just reps. It's the same thing going from high school to college. You step out there, and you're like, 'Whoa.' And then, you kind of ease into it, and you start playing and playing and playing, and eventually you're at that level. The only thing I'd say about the NFL is you have to learn a lot quicker than you did in college, which is normal, because you're going another step up, and this is the best of the best. Really, [it's about] just getting out there and taking as many reps as I can."
On the keys for him to have made a jump in production in his last season of college football:"Just my knowledge of the game. I progressed so much, just because of my receivers coach [Del Alexander] there and just talking about coverages, leverages that the defense is trying to use. Simple things like that go a mile and just slow everything down for you."
On how he envisions his role in the Ravens' offense:"I think first and foremost, the biggest thing for me is just going out there and being physical in the run game. Obviously, Lamar [Jackson] is going to run the ball a bit. We have good running backs, and being physical in the run game sets up everything else, from play-action pass, to easy release off the line in press coverage. So, I think my No. 1 goal is to go out there and be physical every time."
On if he was surprised by his performance at the Combine:"That was one of the reasons why I left [college early]. I was confident in my abilities. I knew what I was going to do at the Combine. To me, that was the least of my worries. I just wanted to get better at route-running, my knowledge of the game – those were the things that I really wanted to work on in this offseason coming out. I knew what I was going to do at the Combine. Everybody in the program knew what I was going to do at the Combine, so really it was just in terms of me getting better at football stuff."
On if it catching the ball comes naturally to him:"It's something that I work on every day. It's kind of funny that you say that, because in college, I had broken fingers my first two years there, so I was terrible at catching then. People are like, 'Wow, you got good at catching.' And I'm like, 'No, I just couldn't catch because I had broken fingers.' (laughter) Ever since my fingers healed up, I've been pretty steady with catching the ball, and it's something I've always worked on." (Reporter: "How did you break your fingers?") "Catching a football." (laughter)(Reporter: "Gloves on or off?") "One time it was off, one time they were on."
On how the offense in Baltimore compares to the offense he ran at Notre Dame:"There's a lot more variety – a lot more variety. A lot of it is based off of whatever team you're going to see that next week, so I understand they're going to put in an install every week just for the team that we're playing, and then the next week it's on to another one. So, I think it's really just about how quickly you can learn that, and just getting reps at those routes. Because one week, you might be asked to run a certain route. The next week, it's a different route. So really, [it's about] getting in-tune with running all of them and kind of just breaking it down from there."
On if he was drafted where he expected to be:"I was told I was going to go from second to third [round]. I really wasn't too caught up about it, because I knew I was going to get a chance to play in the National Football League. For me, it was a dream come true. I knew whatever team took me, I was going to get a chance to prove myself."
On how he sees the combination of himself and WR Marquise Brown working together:"I can't wait, honestly. Actually, me and Marquise were training for the Combine together in Florida, so we knew each other back out there. But I can't wait, to be honest. Obviously, watching his film, seeing what type of game-breaker he is, I think that we can definitely put some dynamic plays together between the two of us."
On how much he looks forward to going against a seasoned Ravens secondary:"It's definitely one of the best secondaries in the league. I can't wait, because it's only going to make me a better player. Win or lose, every time I step on that field, I know I'm going up against the best. More times than not, I'm not going to see a corner as good as them, that I see in practice every day. I'm just extremely excited and extremely humbled to be here and just get to work."
On who he models his game after:"Calvin Johnson."
On his relationship with WR Marquise Brown:"Yesterday was the first time I got to talk to him [since being drafted]. We tweeted each other and stuff like that, but yesterday, we were roommates in the hotel. When we first got there, we just kind of sat down and kind of just chilled and talked, and he's a cool guy. I think that's the biggest thing about the NFL that you miss. You get caught up about all of us playing football, but at the end of the day, we're just regular dudes – 22 years old, young guys who like to sit back and kick it, talk about regular stuff. It doesn't have to be football all the time. But yeah, I really like him as a person and his character." (Reporter: "Do you call him Hollywood?")"Yeah, I call him Hollywood." (laughter)
On if there is a sense that the rookies are part of something new and exciting in light of the Ravens rebuilding the offense:"Absolutely. When I was getting brought in, we realized we were brought in to help Lamar [Jackson], and that's awesome, because they picked us to be part of this offense. They hand-picked the people that they want to be part of this offense. Like I said, I'm extremely grateful just for that opportunity."
OLB Jaylon Ferguson
On the first day of rookie camp:"Great day. First day, I'm having fun as a Raven right now."
On what he knew about the Ravens before joining the team:"I know it's a defensive-minded team; they get after the ball. In past years, they weren't as good on defense as they were last year, but now the standard has been set, so now I'm trying to come in and keep the standard set as high as it's been in the past."
On the first practice today:"We get after it. It's the first day; it's all our first day being a Raven. Coaches didn't hold back, and they set the standard up high for us today. We all ran to the ball, we hustled, we moved around, we played fast, and we played physical today. Of course, we didn't have on pads, but we played physical, and we played smart with each other. I feel good going forward."
On drawing comparisons to former Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs after breaking his NCAA sacks record and now becoming a Raven:"It's flattering to be compared to the great Terrell Suggs, but at the same time, he left his legacy, he left his mark. That's some big shoes to fill, and I'm not really trying to step in his place, because he's been in Baltimore for way longer than I've been in Baltimore. I'm just coming in and getting my start on the field, doing whatever I can to help the team win."
On defensive coordinator Don Martindale saying that his pre-draft visit with Ferguson was one of the best he ever had, and what he remembers about the meeting:"It's pass rush – I can talk about pass rush all day. I can understand how he said it was good conversation; I'm getting excited now just thinking about it. Anything dealing with pass rushing or getting after the quarterback, I can talk about it all day."
On how long they spoke for:"We talked for a long time. He had to pull me out of the room, because once we got started, I was ready to get my cleats on, and I was just visiting."
On the story behind his nickname "Sack Daddy":"It's kind of funny when you're walking around and a bunch of grown men are like, 'Hey, there's Sack Daddy!' But for the most part, it's just from all the sacks. Coming in, it was after one of my sack games – I might have had three or four sacks – I came in the room, joking around with my teammates, and they're like, 'Oh, you're the 'Sack Daddy' now. You've got all the sacks. You're on top of everybody.' So, OK – just don't call me that in public, because I don't want that impression." (laughter)
On if he will answer to "Sack Daddy":"It depends on who calls me." (laughter)
DT Daylon Mack
On what led to the jump in his final year of college football:"Just the coaching change. When they showed up, they showed me film of how I was playing in high school. They just showed me they wanted me to get back to being that player. I changed my number to 34. It was part of the mentality change, and I ended up going back to being that player." (Reporter: "Did you wear 34 in high school?") "Yeah, I wore 34 in high school." (Reporter: "What number will you be wearing now?") "Ninety-four. [Defensive line] coach [Joe] Cullen told me the four was good for me. I told him I originally wanted No. 90, but he said, 'No, get that four in there.' And I was like, 'Yeah, that's a good idea.'" (laughter)
On why he wore No. 34 in high school:"They just gave it to me, and I played a little fullback, too. Maybe they thought I was like Earl Campbell. I don't know." (laughter)
On playing with the Ravens' interior linemen:"I'm excited. They're really good players, and I'm just excited to see it firsthand what it's like being a dominant defensive player in the NFL. So, I'm very excited to learn from them."
On the Ravens' reputation for success on the defensive line:"I'm really excited, really excited. I saw today, the way coach [Joe] Cullen was coaching, I feel like I could become a really successful football player learning from the things that he can teach me."
On who has the best nickname in the rookie class:"'Hollywood' is pretty … That's nice. I'd say I still have the best one, though: The Mack Truck." (Reporter: "Who gave you that name?") "It was my high school that gave it to me. They said they needed something to play on the speakers at the game when I made a TFL, so they started playing the Mack Truck horn, and it just kind of stuck, so I just stayed with it." (Reporter: "Do you have an actual truck?") "No, I actually drive a Malibu, a little car! (laughter) I'll probably get one when I get settled down up here, though."
On his contact with the Ravens prior to the draft and if he could see himself going to Baltimore:"Yeah, actually, [assistant defensive line/OLBs coach] Drew Wilkins coached me in the East-West game, and after the first practice, he was like, 'Hey, I called our people and said, 'That guy plays like a Raven! We're going to make him a Raven.' So, he called me on the phone after I talked to the GM and everybody, and he was like, 'Hey, I told you!' So I was like, 'Yeah, I guess you were right!' I kind of felt like I would end up here."
On the improvement in his pass-rush game his last season in college, and if he feels like he can compete in the pass rush after some defensive turnover:"I definitely hope so. I've been working a lot on my pass-rush game, and I think last year, it really showed, because of the way we changed the scheme. We wanted to be more vertical and get up the field. I think my numbers looked better because of that."
CB Iman Marshall
On his first NFL practice:"Man, it was a blessing, having the opportunity to go out there, put on that uniform, put on that 37, and just go out there and compete with the guys. I look at it as truly a blessing, having my opportunity to be in the NFL. It's a dream come true."
On if he looks at any corners to model his game after:"One of the dudes, when I look back when I was watching film, was Darrelle Revis, somebody who is a technically-sound individual, that understands the techniques and refining of your position, and somebody that wants to be in the right position, somebody that's studious of the game. I try to model my game after being somebody that is a student of the game, most importantly."
On being part of the Ravens' defense:"It's a blessing to be a part of this defense. Like you said, it's a great tradition, great history. It was the No. 1 defense last year, so being a part of that defense and having the opportunity to contribute in any way, in any facet, I'm just happy to be a part of it."
On the cornerback depth in Baltimore:"I look at it as an opportunity to learn and get better. I look at it as an opportunity to see those guys, see what they do and just learn, and when I get my opportunity, get my chance to do what I need to do. All I'm here for is just to contribute to help this team be successful and learn from those older guys. They've been in this system, they've been in this program, they know how to do everything right, so my whole job here is just to learn from the dudes, see what they do, see how they are professionals and just contribute and do it my way as well."
On if the Ravens' physical style is a good fit with his game:"Yes, of course, I like that. I like that very physical defense, something that plays to my strengths – being physical, being willing tacklers, stuff like that, especially on the back end. [I am] somebody who has a knack for the ball, really aggressive. Having that opportunity to play with those guys and be a part of this defense is really what a DB like me would love."
On if he expected to be drafted by the Ravens:"No, the crazy thing is, I didn't expect anything. It just came out of the blue. I was watching 'Avengers.' (laughter)I get the call from the coach, and I'm like, 'Wow.' It's a blessing to be part of this defense, be a part of this organization. It's truly an honor."(Reporter: "So you had not really spoken to the Ravens before?") "We spoke at the Senior Bowl and stuff like that, but I didn't take a visit, so it was just unexpected when I get the call. This is the best place to be. I'm happy to be here, and I'm excited to be a part of this team."
On if the importance of special teams has been impressed upon the rookies:"I feel like special teams is a key element of the game. It's a situational game, and that's a part of the game that has a situation every play, from a punt, kickoff, field positioning. Those are various situational parts of the game that are very important. Especially in this game, it's about controlling the yards, as many yards as you give up. So, I'm excited to be a part of that, and I'm going to contribute dearly to the special team game."
On if there will be a rivalry with UCLA products on the team:"I wouldn't say it's a rivalry. It's something that's having somebody that's been here, being familiar with the organization and being familiar with the locker room. Just having that opportunity to go against those guys, have somebody to talk to and ask them how to do things, is really an honor."
On what people call him:"Everybody calls me 'Biggie.'" (laughter) (Reporter: "Who first called you that?") "My aunt. My aunt gave me the name when I was a baby, so that's how I got my name. I guess it was a Biggie Smalls song. 'Hypnotize' came out, so that was where I got the name from a little bit." (laughter)
On who has the best nickname in the rookie class:"I have to say me. (laughter) I love my name, but there are some great names out there!"
On his impressions of WR Miles Boykin after playing against him in college:"Man, he's a tremendous athlete, tremendous player. I'm excited to be coming in with him. Like you said, I've faced him. I've seen what his ability is, and he's going to help contribute to the offense tremendously."
On if he finished the "Avengers" movie after he was drafted:"No, I left! (laughter)I had a party! It was a celebration after that."
QB Trace McSorley
On if he had a feeling the Ravens liked him after the local pro day:"Going into last week, I kind of had a feeling – just from conversations and how that day went – that this was one of the teams that I was looking at possibly being here. So, I'm super excited now that it worked out and being able to be here."
On what he has seen from New Orleans QB Taysom Hill and his game:"I've just kind of been watching him more from the outsider's stance, not really been studying it. But all the things that he can do for them, just providing a ton of support and a ton of value for them down in New Orleans, I think it's extremely valuable, and his role has kind of continued to grow from that. I've just been watching him more from the outside, honestly, from a fan's kind of perspective. But I think that's one of the things – he just provides a ton of value for them."
On what it was like to wait to be drafted on Day Three of the NFL Draft:"It was just a lot of waiting. Obviously, I didn't really know what was going to happen. I was hopeful that I was I going to end up getting picked, but as it started to get later, the thoughts kind of start creeping in the back of your head about what's going on and those kinds of things. It definitely was a huge sigh of relief when I saw the phone ring, got the call. It had been a long day of waiting. I had my grandparents, aunts and uncles there, so it was just kind of a long day of everyone in the house being pretty quiet and not really saying too much. Once that happened, everyone was cheering and celebrating. [It was] just a huge sigh of relief. Overall, I'm just extremely excited."
On the transition to the NFL, and if it feels weird to hear himself called a professional football player:"Yeah, a little bit. It feels kind of weird, but we just came in, we got right to work and got right into the playbook. I'm trying to learn as much as possible in the few short hours before we got on the field, and then get out there and execute. So, it's a full-time job now, but I'm definitely excited. One thing [quarterbacks] coach [James] Urban has said is, 'Throughout these couple days, leave a little bit of time to just sit back and actually appreciate that you're an NFL player. You're in an NFL building. You're wearing the Ravens' colors and Ravens' helmet. It's one of those things that not a lot of people get to experience, so try to enjoy it and just take it in for a minute and then get back to work.' I've just been trying to do that as much as possible."
On if he is excited that he can be factored into the offense in different ways:"Yeah, it definitely does excite me. One of the things that I want to do here is just provide value for anything that the coaching staff needs me to do or coach [John] Harbaugh asks me. Wherever I can fit in and help this team win games and be able to compete at the highest level, I think that's kind of my mentality and that's what I want to do. I'm definitely excited to try and see what else I can do out there and get on the field anywhere I can."
On if his game fits with the Ravens' offense:"I think it does fit my skillset and what I'm able to do. I think it's one of the things that I can definitely excel [at], but I'm just excited to be here."
On not having as much pressure on him as he did in college:"Right now, I'm just focused on learning the offense, taking it day by day and just keeping improving practice to practice. There is always going to be some sort of expectation. I guess it's not necessarily as much for me as it was in the past, but I still put a lot of pressure on myself to be able to come out and execute and perform at an extremely high level. So, it doesn't necessarily feel like there's less pressure, just because of the standard I try and hold myself to and where I want to be at. Just being able to come in and just focus on learning the offense and improving day by day and getting the team better, that's kind of where I'm at."
On if he looks forward to matching up with former Penn State teammates in the preseason game at Philadelphia:"It will be pretty cool to be able to play against those guys and see them, be on the opposite sideline. It'll be a little bit weird. I've gone against Shareef [Miller] a million times, so that's not going to be weird. But seeing Miles [Sanders], [Ryan] Bates and DeAndre [Thompkins] over on the other side, that'll be a little different."
On if he has had any interaction with QB Lamar Jackson:"No, I haven't had any interaction with him yet."
On if quarterbacks coach James Urban has laid out a path for him on the field:"No, not necessarily laid out a path, but [he is] pushing me to get better every single day and trying to push me to hold the offense to a high standard. I think that's one of the things that – just teaching the offense and learning it – I think that's really all we can kind of focus on, especially with these last couple days that I've been here, is trying to get as much of the installs down and getting the understanding of those, and then being able to go out on the field and execute it."
On if he gains motivation from pre-draft critiques: "There are always things out there, especially kind of with me. All the stuff about … People say certain things that … '[He's] not an elite passer.' All those kinds of things that people feel that they can sit back and watch. Everyone has their own opinion at the end of the day, so they're entitled to that. But, I'll agree to disagree on those things, and I'll just use that to fuel me. I think that's one of the things I've always had to deal with, especially me and how I play the game and how my career has kind of trended along. I just take it stride by stride. I always have those couple things that I know kind of fuel me and get me going."
On if it's nice being able to play close to home:"Definitely. Being only an hour-and-a-half away from my family in Ashburn [Va.] – not only my family, but I have a ton of friends, a lot of really close friends that still live there – so being able to be close is definitely a big blessing for me."
On coming back from injuries:"It's football. Things kind of happen. You get a little dinged up, bumps, bruises, whatever it is, so I was able to work through those. I took a little bit of time off. Really, I think the time before the bowl game really helped me just to get back to full strength before that. Then, I got right into the training and focused on staying healthy, and recovery was kind of a big part of all of that, keeping my body at the best it can be, especially when I was going and getting ready for the Combine and all of that kind of stuff. I feel great. Coming out here, I feel 100-percent, and I'm able to run around and cut and move, so I'm feeling good."
On leadership as a QB and building relationships with receivers:"I think it's definitely important. Really, from the quarterback position, leadership is a key thing. It doesn't matter if you're the starter or the third- or fourth-string guy. Leadership is always going to be a big thing, for whenever you do get in and get your opportunities, guys have to believe in you. I think building that rapport these next couple of days with some of these guys in here, I think, is big, and it's an opportunity for me and for Jalan [McClendon, a tryout quarterback] to be able to come in and really cement ourselves into that role."
