Can you talk about the development of Rome Odunze so far?
Rome Odunze, he’s been everything we hoped for and more. Drafting him in the first round, we saw something special in him, and he’s lived up to that potential every step of the way. From the moment he stepped into preseason and training camp, it was clear — this kid’s got the drive, the work ethic, and the talent.
His development so far? It’s been impressive. He’s not just resting on his natural abilities; he’s putting in the work, day in and day out, pushing himself to be better. That’s exactly what you want to see in a young player. He’s absorbing the playbook, fine-tuning his routes, and really getting in sync with our system.
The sky’s the limit for Rome. With his attitude and ability, he’s got a bright future ahead. We’re excited to watch him grow and develop into the kind of player we envisioned when we called his name on draft day. He’s a testament to what hard work and talent can achieve when they come together.
Over your career, what makes a team better at not turning the ball over as the season goes along? What kind of things you need to emphasize? How much of it is coaching? How much of it is a mental part? Physical part?
Reducing turnovers and playing lights-out defense — that’s a winning formula in this league. Over my career, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to emphasize ball security. It’s a combination of coaching, mental focus, and physical training.
From a coaching standpoint, it’s about instilling disciplined decision-making, whether it’s a QB reading defenses correctly or a running back understanding when to fight for extra yards and when to secure the ball. Drilling these decisions in practice is key.
Mentally, players need to stay sharp and focused under pressure. That’s where the mental part comes in — staying calm, maintaining awareness, and making smart choices in the heat of the moment.
Physically, it’s about reinforcing the fundamentals — how to carry the ball, protect it against hits, and avoid risky throws or catches. It’s muscle memory, built through repetition.
The defensive side is equally important. We’re looking to be aggressive, opportunistic, and relentless. It’s about creating a mindset where every player sees themselves as responsible for getting the ball back. This approach is going to be a big part of our identity moving forward, and you’ll see it reflected in how we play every down.
How quickly can you tell if a young player is a football player if he thinks about it because it seems like at the Combine they’re all saying the right thing and it’s the job. How quickly does it take?
You hit the nail on the head. You really can’t tell if a young player has what it takes until they’re in the thick of it, in the fire. Sure, at the Combine, they all say the right things, look the part, do the drills, but that’s just a fraction of what it takes to be a football player at the professional level.
It’s when they’re out there in the preseason, facing real game situations, that’s when you start to see who’s got it. How do they react to pressure? Can they adapt to the speed of the game, the physicality? Do they have the mental toughness to bounce back from a mistake? It’s these moments that really show a player’s true colors.
Preseason isn’t just about getting in shape or nailing down the playbook. It’s a proving ground. Some guys, they step up and you can see it right away — the way they move, the decisions they make under pressure. Others might take a bit longer to find their stride. That’s the beauty of this game. It’s not just about physical ability; it’s about how you apply it when the game’s on the line.
