ON FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK ALEX BARRON, OT, FLORIDA STATE

“I think that this is another major step in solidifying our offensive line.  We have such terrific premier people on offense, I think to have a look-a-like, body wise to Orlando Pace, with a 37 inch reach, he just a phenomenal athlete.  He is quick on both sides to let him and to let him settle in on the right side in the right-handed stance, is what we want to do.  This is a terrific opportunity for us to have a guy who could play here for quite some time and really give us some stability on that offensive line.  As you guys are well aware throughout the years here, for the past six years, we have had a number of right tackles, and it has affected our ability to be consistent at times on offense.  This will hopefully establish some type of consistency and develop potentially from a measurable standpoint.

With Rex Tucker added to the offensive line, I feel very good about the potential of this group.  When you start looking at who is in there now, the offensive line is a group worth getting excited about.  Again, this was necessary to take the steps towards being the tough offense that we want to be
this year.”

ON BARRON’S ATHLETICISM:
“He is off the charts in that aspect.  I think he ran a 4.9 40(yard dash), for a guy 6’7 and 325 pounds, and 37 inch reach in this league, to pass block is off the charts.   I don’t know of anybody with that type of reach.  That is significant in terms of pass blocking.  It frustrates the rushers with the shorter arms and it can’t be easy.   In the technique aspect of it, he is a ways away.  We understand that, it is going to be a very quick transition for him.  He has a lot to learn about the ins and outs of offensive line foot shuffling and intensity.  Certainly he has the potential of a terrific linemen in this league, and that is what we are banking on.”

ON BARRON POSSIBLY NOT BEING AVAILABLE:
“We were sweating it out. We really had about four guys sitting there that we felt were of value.  But we really felt like we would want to get an offensive lineman on the first day, particularly for that right side.  This is something that we have always gotten by with during the last six years.   It was very important that we did get someone of Alex’s caliber, so it was a real good move.   As we got close to the selection, we were very relieved because they have been taping things together over the years on the offensive line, just trying to get by.  We had other issues, as far as personnel on this football team.  Not only do I feel that we have a very solid first unit, we have some very substantial players in that second line, that are potentially starters, and that is something that we have not had here before.”

ON BARRON BEING A NATURAL RIGHT TACKLE:
“Actually he is a terrific left tackle, he has that athleticism to do that.  He is as close to Orlando Pace without being Orlando Pace in terms of that type of natural athleticism.   He has that natural ability to stick his foot in the ground, be off balance, and still bring it up on that defensive end and finish the play to block him.  The technique stuff is where he really needs to learn and grow, but everything else is there.  After meeting with him, we got him in here as one of our twenty visits, and he is certainly willing.  We really did bank a great deal on that interview with him when he was here. We all got excited about him and felt that he would be a very good fit for this football team.”

ON BARRON’S WORK ETHIC AND PLAYING EVERY DOWN:
“It is hard to know about anybody’s work ethic until you get them here.  I think you do know a little bit about his work ethic by his personality and the intensity and that passion that he has for playing this game.  That all came out when I was talking to him. I don’t think that is an issue there.”