McCarthy: Draft 'About Trusting Your Board'
Coach Mike McCarthy is set to speak with reporters shortly -- the last person we'll have at the podium on draft weekend. I'll type as he speaks.
* How much do you think your defense approved through the draft? "I think our defense has improved from last year to this point for a number of different reasons." Scheme will lend versatility, players in offseason program improving, adding full draft class. "I feel very good about the improvement we've been able to make."
* Either of two offensive linemen can start at RT? Just met with Joe Philbin and James Campen, talking about OL rotation. Still guys coming through injuries. Wants to stop players from having to move all over. "We haven't made that decision as far as where the young guys will go, but" Allen Barbre could be in the mix along with Breno Giacomini. (That's interesting on Barbre. No mention of Tony Moll.)
* On rest of NFC North's draft, heavily offense: Don't pay much attention. Doing right thing for football team. 3-4 is as much about special teams as defense.
* Josh Sitton in right tackle mix? "Josh will play right guard."
* Focus on defense and line? "The draft was really all about trusting your board." Wasn't about offense and defense, even at No. 9, it was about value.
* Biggest dividend of Raji shoring up run defense? Won't say one player will fix everything. "I'll say one thing, we're going to play better run defense." 3-4 presents bigger challenge. Raji "will definitely contribute." Exceptional foot quickness for his body type. High recommended by Jeff Jagodzinski.
* Dream of Michael Crabtree: "Big Four, Big Five was mentioned a few times." Conversation between him and Thompson, that was a scenario talked about. When Cleveland traded out from No. 5, pretty confident they'd both be there. "I think Michael Crabtree is an outstanding prospect."
* What like about Quinn Johnson? Physicality jumps out. Remembers Thompson coming back from LSU, Johnson was someone he was excited about. "He's our type of player. He's a hard-nosed fullback. We think he also has special-teams value." Also can run. Couldn't pass up in fifth round.
* Johnson like a power runner? "Quinn Johnson has that ability to play power football" but No. 1 asset is in inside zone scheme. Run game won't look that different this year. Have made some adjustments to utilize player-specific skills.
* Thinks Raji and Matthews both can be three-down players.
* OK with end position in 3-4? "I think Ryan Pickett can go out and play end." Pickett has foot quickness and agility, but will talk to Pickett when he gets back from vacation. Johnny Jolly an excellent prospect, Montgomery could play it.
* Is Wynn an end or linebacker? Long-levered, has body type for end. Weight can get up.
* What target for rookies coming in this weekend? Gives chance to introduce young players to organization. Will take half day for football, other half for administrative with Rob Davis. Feels it's been productive to do rookies-only in initial camp.
* Anything looking for with undrafted free agents? Look at position needs. Scouts have spent about last 90 minutes working on it.
* As coaches, what get out of rookie minicamp? Coaching staff gets number of things -- opportunity to work with players, introduce to style and environment, get defensive and special-teams staffs on field for first time.
* What is Tony Moll's primary position? Has played many positions. Will probably play every position but center.
* Spend as much time watching new staff this weekend as new players? Probably more than last year.
* How excited to coach after changes? Looking forward to first game. "The lessons of 2008 need to be applied to our new direction." Important to carry forward things that didn't go right last year. Fun to watch young players move forward.