Patriots 2nd round pick, 34th overall, Patrick Chung (S) addresses the media during his conference call on Saturday, April 25, 2009.
Q:Are you surprised at all?
PC:Yeah. I'm just happy for the opportunity and I'm going to take advantage and do the best that I can.
Q:How much interest did the Patriots show in you throughout the draft process?
PC:They showed a lot of interest—a lot of teams did. I was shocked. I was shocked to get the call and I'm ready to go. I'm ready to go to work.
Q:What do you know about the Patriots franchise? You said there was a lot of interest shown, but before that, what did you know about the franchise and what were your thoughts about it?
PC:They are a great team. They develop great players and they win games. I'd love to be a part of that program and now I am, so I'm going to take full advantage.
Q:Can you explain the process you went through, after you showed interest in the draft last year and then went back for your senior season? Do you think that helped your draft stock this year?
PC:Yeah, I think it helped me. One, I graduated. That's a big thing nowadays for NFL teams. I graduated, got my degree. I got better mentally and physically, and I think it helped me a lot. Obviously, it did, and now it's time to go to work.
Q:Can you talk about your experiences with the Patriots leading up to today? What were your workouts and interviews like?
PC:The interviews were great. I loved the facilities when I was out there. I loved the coaches. I like to mood; it's about work. It's about business and getting down to business and making sure everything is right and I'm just happy to be here.
Q:How old were you when you moved from Jamaica?
PC:Nine or ten years old.
Q:Where were you when you got the call today?
PC:I was with my family.
Q:At a draft party?
PC:Oh no, no sir. It was just me and family just hanging out.
Q:Not to have you compare your ability with anyone in the NFL, but as far as the kind of game you play, are there any players in the NFL that you play like?
PC:I have my own [style]. There are a lot of guys that, if I had to choose—maybe Bob Sanders, [Brandon] Meriweather. At safety, it's all about versatility. That will get you a long way.
Q:What do you think your best attribute is, as far as playing in the NFL?
PC:Tackling. Tackling and leadership. I'm going to do whatever coach wants me to do and work my hardest to be the best player I can be.
Q:From what you know about the Patriots roster, are there any specific players you are looking forward to meeting?
PC:The team is full of great players. I'm just happy to be around all of these great players and be a part of a football program with good coaches, good players, and a good fan base. It's time to go.
Q:What was the most surprising thing about the pre-draft process for you?
PC:I would say the combine—the medical day. That was a long process, pulling on you, trying to find out if something is wrong with you…People said it was going to be bad, but I didn't know it was going to be like that. It was a hectic day, but nothing was wrong with me and I'm ready.
Q:What did you like about playing the rover position at Oregon?
PC:You do everything. You're like a strong safety, free safety, corner, linebacker, you blitz, cover slot, cover tight ends, cover a deep pass, cover deep middle, curl, slide. Rover is just pretty much everything. It's the most versatile position.
Q:Did that come up at all when you spoke to the Patriots, since they value versatility in their defensive backs?
PC:Yeah, I think so. How they play the safety is they have to do a lot of things. I think I'm very versatile and I'll do whatever coach wants me to. Whatever he asks, there's no question about it; I'll do it.
Q:You mentioned your leadership. Are you a vocal player? Are you a lead-by-example kind of guy? How would you describe it?
PC:I'm a vocal player. I lead by example on and off the field.
Q:How seriously do you take that type of responsibility?
PC:Very seriously. It's good to be looked up to. There are a lot of leaders there that I'm going to look up to. There are leaders there, so I'm just going to learn from the best and take advantage.
Q:How much do you admire Rodney Harrison and how closely have you studied his game?
PC:He is very physical. I love that in a guy. He's very intense, passionate about the game. He's a leader. He makes plays. I mean, what more can you ask for?
Q:We know what team you are a fan of now, but growing up, what team and players did you follow?
PC:The Patriots.
[laughter]
Q:I know you played rover. How did they use the safeties at Oregon? Was it free and strong or just left and right?
PC:It all depends on the coverage. It all depends on what type of formation they come out in. I could be deep. I could be left. I could be right. It all depends. Our defense is all adjustments, so it all depends on what kind of formation the offense comes out in.
Q:Did you kind of feel that throughout the draft process you had to dispel the myth that you were just an in-the-box safety?
PC:That's what some people say, but you have to be versatile to play at the next level and I believe I can do it all. All the coaches up there are going to maximize my ability, so I'm just ready to go.
