Safety Sean Taylor spoke with Redskins.com shortly after the Redskins drafted him with the fifth overall pick:
Q: Congratulations on your big day, Sean. What’s your initial reaction to being drafted by the Redskins?
A: "It’s an exciting moment. I can’t wait to get started and try to compete. It’s unbelievable, really."
Q: Describe a little bit of the scene where you are?
A: "We’re having a little get-together with family and friends. This is a big step for me, coming into the NFL--it’s a great challenge and we’re just celebrating it. Being a part of the NFL is great."
Q: What were the last few moments like before it was finally announced that the Redskins had selected you?
A: "I had Cleveland calling me when the Giants were up with the fourth pick. After I talked to the Browns, I talked to the Washington Redskins and they let me know they were going to pick me. So I thought I might go to Cleveland, but at the last minute, everything changed."
Q: What are your thoughts on playing for a Hall of Fame Coach in Joe Gibbs?
A: "It’s a great honor. He’s a legendary coach. When I was up there, he let me know that was all in the past and I told him I didn’t want to rest on my laurels, either. I think he’s a great coach."
Q: When you came to visit Redskins Park, did you get a good feel for the organization and the team?
A: "Yes I did. When I visited there, I got a good feel for the organization--I thought it was one that fit me perfectly. A lot of things stood out to me, especially a lot of the players who were in there working out."
Q: So what is it about the University of Miami program that results in so many players doing well at the NFL level?
A: "I think it’s the work ethic and how hard we want to play well and shoot for the best. That whole attitude comes from the university. I think we just carry that over into the NFL and we carry the tradition. We produce great talent and great players."
Q: Clinton Portis, a former teammate of yours at Miami, was lobbying on your behalf. What do you think about that?
A: "It just shows how good Miami players can be when we’re around each other. We’ll make good teammates. Clinton and I have a great relationship. It’s all about that family relationship. I know he was pulling for me--and I was pulling for me to go to Washington--so that we could be teammates. And it worked out."
Q: I know Miami has produced a lot of great safeties like Bennie Blades and Ed Reed. Is there a particular NFL safety you’ve tried to model yourself after?
A: "I think I’ve taken a little bit from everybody. I watched Ronnie Lott, I watched Jack Tatum, I watched Rod Woodson and I watched Ed Reed play here at Miami. So I watched a little bit of everybody. I just tried to add to what I had. I’ve watched a lot of film of those guys. I’m always looking for ways to get ahead of my opponent so that I can be the best I can be."
Q: Gregg Williams, the Redskins’ assistant head coach-defense, has plans for a very aggressive defense with a lot of blitzing. How soon do you think you’ll be able to pick up the defense here?
A: "I think I’ll be able to pick up the defensive scheme pretty fast. I want to do whatever it takes, so if blitzing is what I have to do, then that’s what I’ll do. I’m going to make plays on the ball and I’m going to make tackles no matter where I am on the field."
