HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "Good to see everybody. [I] appreciate everybody being here. [It was a] good second day to the OTAs. [We] had a lot of fun out here. [We were] inside, obviously. It's kind of a rainy day out there. What do they say? 'May showers bring June Flowers?' Is that how it works? Oh, it's supposed to be 'May Flowers' and 'April showers.' OK, so we're just a little behind, but we had a lot of fun, and guys are working hard. [I] like where we're at, and looking forward to seeing where we're going. What questions do you have?"
John, I know this is all voluntary, but you had a pretty strong attendance out there. How does that help, having everyone here this early in the offseason? (Jamison Hensley) "It's great. Coaches, we want to coach. We want players to be here. We talked about it today. We all know what we're here for, and we have a mission that we're trying to accomplish. To see the guys out there working as hard as they are and as hard as they have been means a lot. I love the way these guys work. I think they've been very intentional about every aspect of what we've done, [in] every phase one, phase two and now phase three. They've been very intentional about the big picture in each phase. They've also been intentional about each play, each drill, each lift, trying to do everything they can to be as good as they can be."
Along those lines, obviously QB Lamar Jackson is one of the players who is her*e. Just the importance of him getting the process started this early; what does that speak to, for him to be here at this point?* (*Brian Wacker)* "It's the same for all the players, and obviously, Lamar [Jackson] is our quarterback. He's our guy, and I've said it many times; I think he's the best. He's the best in football, so he works hard at it. It means a lot to him. He's been studying it. He's been training. You can tell the kind of shape he's in right now. You can see by the way, through the ball. You guys all saw it today. He was on point with the offense. He's ready. He's ready to get going and had a heck of a day today and will just keep building on it for tomorrow, but I think what you saw today with him is probably indicative of everybody, and they all get to that point in their way, but they're all there, and they're all working, and that's what we'd like to see."
John, with ILB Trenton Simpson, what did you tell him he needed to work on during the offseason? (Mike Preston) "[Trenton Simpson] is a young player for sure, so there's not any one thing I think [that] any one player needs to work on, but for Trenton, it's going to be just processing the game at the position. That's a function of study, for sure, but just also reps and confidence and learning the defense, understanding what the offense is trying to do. Then, when you get out there, processing the game, reacting, and I guess putting that physical ability – which is so prolific – putting it to good use."
John, you guys added WR DeAndre Hopkins to the offense this year. What have you seen from him and what have you seen bringing some of these veteran guys like OBJ in the past; what are you looking for from a guy like him? (Cordell Woodland) "DeAndre [Hopkins] for us ... First of all, I think he's a heck of a football player. Obviously, you saw him today. He's a gifted guy. He's a talented guy. He's going to be a big-body, contested-catch receiver for us, certainly. He's moving great. Plus, he brings all that experience. He's been in big games before. He's made plays in the big games. He knows how to make plays. There's not going to be any situation that's going to be too big for him, but I just thought he and Lamar [Jackson] looked really good today out there together. It was nice to see."
You signed QB Cooper Rush. What did you see from him and how do you see him within the quarterback room? (David Andrade) "[Cooper Rush] looked good. He's been out here. He's been learning the offense. He is picking it up from scratch. For him, it's all new, all the terminology and everything, and he's been working really, really hard at it. I think he's pretty much on his way to getting it down. [He's] processing all the pre-snap stuff well, which is hard in a new offense, and then he just gets the ball out really quick. [In] the passing game, that ball, he makes decisions, [and] boom, the ball's out. He's a quick decision maker. It's what he's always been, and we see it out here."
Seeing S Malaki Starks out there with the veterans today, how do you think he did? (Alex Glaze) "I think [Malaki Starks] is doing a good job. I don't think he's really flashed yet, because he's just trying to be in the right spot right now and make the right call. The safeties have a lot of communication, but I haven't seen him make a mistake yet with the communication. He looks really good as an athlete, and with Ar'Darius [Washington]'s situation, it's a lot on his plate right now, so he's going to have to step up, but it's why we drafted him in the first round."
With RB Keaton Mitchell another year removed from his knee injury, it looks like he's got his burst out there. What did you see from him? (Ryan Mink) "Yes, I saw that. I saw the burst. [Keaton Mitchell] ran the little double-move rail route, made a beautiful catch over his shoulder. It looked like he had the speed and then just the ability to adjust and track and just not have any ... Last year, probably, you could tell he was thinking through the knee [injury] a little bit it seemed like. I haven't seen any of that so far this spring, so it's good to see."
Now that the schedule is out, do you have a better idea of where the team is doing joint practices this summer? (Jeff Zrebiec) "Yes, we're looking at the [Indianapolis] Colts and the [Washington] Commanders, probably, for the joint practices. We just have to get the details worked out, but those are the ones we're trying to set up right now." (Reporter: "Would it be one day with the Colts?") "One day apiece. One day with the Colts. One day with the Commanders."
The last time we spoke, K Justin Tucker was on this team. I know some time has passed, but from your perspective, that roster move, were you involved in that decision, and what was that decision-making progress like? (Morgan Adsit) "It was a complex decision-making process, and I'm a part of it [with executive vice president and general manager] Eric [DeCosta], [president] Sashi [Brown], [executive vice president] Ozzie [Newsome, and owner] Steve [Bisciotti] is a big part of those kinds of decisions. You're talking about arguably the best kicker in the history of the game, and like we said, it's multi-layered. It's complicated, but in the end, it all comes back to what you have to do to get ready for your team to play the first game, and I think if you step back and take a look at all the issues and all the ramifications, you can understand that we've got to get our football team ready, and we've got to have a kicker ready to go. That was the move that we decided to make, so in that sense, it's a football decision. Now, we have to spend all of our focus and our time to get these kickers ready, and we've got a competition going on and get those guys ready to go make kicks, so that's all I'm thinking about. From my perspective, it's like, 'We have to have a kicker out there making kicks,' and what's the best way to get that done?"
We didn't see K Tyler Loop kick any kicks today. Was that just the plan? (Childs Walker) "Yes, Tyler [Loop] kicked yesterday, so they're kicking every other day. So, you'll see Tyler kick tomorrow."
When you said it was a football-related decision, I guess there were a lot of people not clear on it, because the guy hasn't kicked in a while, so how could it be a football decision when the last time he kicked was January? (Jerry Coleman) "That's a good question. I just think it's ... Like I just said, it's a multi-layer decision. If it was just a black and white simple thing, then it would be easy to understand, but I think anybody can look at the whole thing in perspective and say, 'OK, we've got to have a kicker ready to go,' and there's a whole lot of moving parts of that deal. It is just the reality of it, and you're faced with that, so as an organization, we made a statement about it. I thought it was really accurate. [General manager & executive vice president Eric DeCosta] did a good job with that and thought it through, and that's where we're at."
Are you surprised the NFL hasn't announced anything? (Jerry Coleman) "I don't even think about that. I don't even know. We're just trying to get the guys ready for practice and have a good practice."
Is NT John Jenkins still going to be a Raven, or did that fall through? (Jeff Zrebiec) "We have to have a roster spot. So, we're just waiting for the roster spot for Michael Pierce to [become available] post June 1, then we'll get John in here next week."
John, OLB Adisa Isaac and CB T.J. Tampa Jr. both missed part of the spring and summer practices last year. What are you looking to see out of them with a full healthy offseason? (Nikhil Mehta) "I'm looking for those guys to step up and be big factors in our team. I expect both those guys to not just compete for playing time, but possibly even compete to be starters. That would be the goal. That's what they want, and they should be in the mix for that."
With TE Isaiah Likely, we've seen him flash many times. What would you like to see from him as he progresses? (Jamison Hensley) "I want to see [Isaiah Likely] be an All-Pro. That'd be my goal for him, and he's capable of it."
John, it's been so much time that you have had with K Justin Tucker. You know him as a player. You had that confidence in him. How do you feel about this process now, redoing that all over again with a different player? (Cordell Woodland) "I don't really have a feeling about it. I just want to make sure we get it right and work hard at it."
Is there any kind of risk knowing that you guys have Super Bowl aspirations and having a kicker that could be very young? Is there a risk involved to having a young kicker with a championship-caliber team? (Jamison Hensley*)* "There's a lot of risks in life. There's a risk [when] you get in your car; you'll be driving home in this rain. I want you to be very careful. It's going to be risky out there on that road."
Wide receivers on this team have been great run blockers over the last few years, like WR Tylan Wallace. With a player like WR DeAndre Hopkins who's been a great run blocker in the past, but has kind of declined a little bit as his career has gone on, how much do you want him to be a leader in that regard? (Ken McKusick) "Well, I saw [DeAndre Hopkins] out here today. [He] got one, and he came back with a big smile on his face. We threw something over there on the left sideline, and he locked ... I think it was T.J. Tampa [Jr.]. I think he maybe got him locked up in a block, took a little pride in it, so I would expect that to continue to be a big part of his game."
What are the next steps for OLB Odafe Oweh? (Jonas Shaffer) "I'm just really happy with Odafe [Oweh] right now, in terms of what he's done in the last three months. You saw him out there, right? How does he look to you? He looks good. He's put on 12 or 15 pounds of muscle. He's worked really hard. He's just very determined to be really great. Again, my goal for him is to be [an] All-Pro. Go be the best, be the best in the business, and that's tough, because there's a lot of good players playing his position, but that's the way he sees himself, and let's go for it."
Do you see OLB Odafe Oweh being more of a power guy? (Jonas Shaffer) "Yes, I can see him being – if you want to call it that – a more direct rusher. Yes, use his power [and] use [the] bull [rush] a little bit more, sure."
We haven't had a chance to ask you about S Ar'Darius Washington yet? (Noah Trister) "Ar'Darius [Washington] had the torn Achilles. It was a clean tear, if you want to call it that, so it's one of those ones that heals ... It's the more quick-healing version, so Ar'Darius tells me he'll be back in November. He's always been a quick healer. I'm looking at November/December in my mind, so yes, we're counting on him being back. It's speculation, but nobody's going to work harder. He got back from the foot last time really quick, so yes. He's become a really good player, I must say, a great player. He's really become a great player. Nobody deserves opportunity and success more than Ar'Darius Washington, and nobody's going to fight harder for it. So yes, I'm counting on him getting back."
We didn't see CB Chidobe Awuzie out there. (Brian Wacker) "Yes, [Chidobe] Awuzie was sick. [Daniel] Faalele is working on just some physical things. He'll be out there soon. [He's] working super hard, very determined, wants to be out there, so he'll be out there soon."
TE MARK ANDREWS
On how he felt being back and working with QB Lamar Jackson: "It feels great. [Lamar Jackson] was throwing the ball extremely well today, and there were a bunch of guys flying around. Our guys are working and putting in that work, and I'm excited for it."
On having a large number of players show up for OTAs: "I just think they're focused. They're focused on getting better, and it's a bunch of guys that have incredible character and want to do the right things, want to get better and want to be the best team possible. And when you're putting a team together, that's what it's about."
On how last season ended and what was going through his mind at that time: "It's tough. This is my life. I put a lot of work into this and everything I do is kind of focused on that. Everything I think about is focused on that, and so it wasn't the way that I had planned it, but that's all part of the story. I've been using it [as motivation], and I've had an incredible offseason, and I'm excited just to show what I can continue to do and continue to prove myself and step up in big moments. And that's the thing about sports is that it doesn't always fall your way. It doesn't always go your way, but it's how you bounce back."
On how he dealt with the way last season ended: "Really just surrounded myself with good people, not look at the outside noise and look myself in the mirror obviously, and just know the type of player that I am, know the type of work that I put in, and, as a professional, it's all about being able to move past it, but storing that in the memory bank and understanding that this is not the end. This is something that I'm going to work with, I'm going to get better and improve and move on."
On his focus during the offseason: "Like I said, it's been a great offseason for me. I've been working extremely hard, and I've kind of adapted some different things of health and wealth and all that good stuff, and I've learned from guys like Derrick [Henry] and stuff like that, just trying to be the best pro that I can be to set myself up to be the best player that I can be."
On if he expected to be back with the Ravens: "For me, I think I've always talked about [how] it's always just [about] putting in the work, and [however] the cards are played, they're played. But I focus on myself and this team and let all the other stuff deal however it's going to be dealt with, but I'm extremely excited to be here. This is an incredible organization. I'm very thankful to be here for my eighth year, and yes, it's awesome to be here."
On if he would like to have a potential new deal figured out: "Again, it's not for me to deal with that. I thought [executive vice president & general manager] Eric [DeCosta] had a great way of saying [that] he's in the business of keeping great players. And, for me, I think I'm a great player. I think I've been able to do it at the highest level [with] the best of the best for a long time, and I'm not slowing down."
On how he tries to grow and improve during the offseason: "Just incorporating different things. As you go year-by-year, you finally start to realize the things that matter, and again, I've taken things from Derrick [Henry] and different guys that have helped me improve. I feel like I'm in incredible shape, I'm moving great, and I am just being hungry like I always am. Again, it's about taking what you've learned from the year before and learning from your mistakes, memory banking that and getting better as a person and as a player, growing in my faith and all that good stuff. So, that's what it's been about for me."
On who he turned to after the season finished to help process everything: "A lot of people, I've got a great support staff. I have a beautiful girlfriend who has been with me through some downs and some ups from everything, and being able to go to her has been awesome. My family are just my 'ride-or-dies,' and so, just being able to surround myself [with them]. I've got a bunch of nieces and nephews and all that good stuff and just being able to go there and see them, that put on my face immediately. But I've got a great support staff, and I'm thankful. I'm blessed. I continue to follow Jesus and continue my faith in God, and I know things are going to work out. You just continue to put the work in, and good things happen."
On the addition of WR DeAndre Hopkins: "[DeAndre Hopkins] looks great. He looks really, really good. He's been making some big plays, and I think he's going to be great for our offense, just being versatile, having a guy that catches the ball extremely well, runs really fluid routes and knows the game well. And he looks like, when he's out here, he's flying around. He's looked really good."
On if the end of last season influenced his perception of the Ravens' fanbase: "For me, I've never been big on looking at outside noise. For as much bad as there is, those are people that are just in the room twiddling their fingers, but there's a lot of good people out there, a lot of great people that have shown support, and I'm thankful for that."
On incorporating some tips from RB Derrick Henry into his routine: "No, you're going to have to ask him [Derrick Henry]. I just see it and I try to incorporate it because he's a man of many tools and talents, and so, there's a lot. There's a lot that goes into it and trying to be the best that you can be, and he is, man. He's [one of], if not, the best running back of all time, and if you can learn from a guy like that that takes a beating year after year and continues to get better, good things happen."
On what has to happen for the Ravens to play their best in January: "Like I said before, it's learning from mistakes, and the beautiful thing is everybody that's here – we have a lot of guys that are coming back from last year and the year before, and obviously the in the years past – so we've been able to learn a lot. Obviously, I wish we didn't have to go through that again last year, but we've added a lot of guys, too. A lot of guys that are flying around, and this team is incredibly stacked with incredible players. We have a lot of healthy competition going all around, which makes us better and drives us to be better, and this is going to be a dangerous team. I think that if we keep our head down, keep working, stay humble [and] follow God, we're going to see what happens. We don't play in January right now. We start right now and just focus on getting better every day."
On going into another season with QB Lamar Jackson and having another shot at the Super Bowl together: "There's no one more hungry than Lamar [Jackson] to winning, ultimately, that end goal. And so just being around him, it's infectious. Just how driven he's, how focused he is on the end goal, so [we're] just feeding on that. He's our leader. He does so many things [that are] incredible, but the biggest thing about him is the type of teammate that he is. He's awesome."
On what offensive coordinator Todd Monken has added to their group: "Yes. 'Monk' [Todd Monken] is a creative mind. He's always pushing us to be better, to run up to the line fast and all the little details that matter within a game. And it makes a difference because when you're on your details, when you're focused on the little things, those are the things that matter. And I think that him continuing to push us, his creative mind, he's calling the plays. He's on the point at all times. He loves what he does and he's very focused. He's hard on himself, but he's incredible at calling plays and helping us get better."
On having the same contract length as his fellow tight ends: "No. I think that, again, the type of guys that they bring in here – we have great dudes, and especially in the tight end room, it's a cohesive group. I think that at the end of the day, we're all putting our best foot forward, working 100%, trying to be the best player that we can be and [however] everything plays out, it plays out. But, I'm extremely blessed to be in that tight end room with all the guys that we have, and I couldn't be more thankful for those guys, because every day, we continue to push each other and get better. And it's been really fun."
On what he's seen from TE Isaiah Likely: "Yes. I feel like I keep saying this, but it's the type of guy that they bring in here. [Isaiah Likely] continues to work, continues to get better. I feel like year after year he's found another mode, another stride, and he moves incredibly well. Again, he's a guy that comes in here, and he's a great teammate. He's an incredible teammate, gets around all the guys and has fun, but man, he's a baller."
TE ISAIAH LIKELY
Opening Statement: "If you didn't know, now you know: I've got a softball event at Ripken Stadium. We're going to have offense and defense for bragging rights. Sponsored by yours truly for the Special Olympics [Maryland] and the Ravens Foundation. Hope to see you all there. It's going to be a lot of fun. You're going to see a little more talking than you do in OTAs going into training camp."
On when the event will be held: "This weekend [on Sunday]."
On how he chose Special Olympics Maryland as his charity recipient: "So, I just asked my marketing team [about] who really wants to tie in trying to give back to Baltimore. I do my own camp in Massachusetts, but I felt like Baltimore took a [chance] on me four years ago, I always wanted to give back, but just didn't know how. They told me Special Olympics was ready to do it, and I was like, 'Let's do it right here in Baltimore.'"
On who he thinks the best softball player on the team is: "Other than me? Some guys said they've never even hit with a baseball bat, but [long snapper] Nick Moore is going to be out there. So, if you're going to be in center field, I would duck. They say he's probably the best one out there, other than me, of course."
On if he's swung a bat before: "Of course. I'm not the best hitter. I used to pitch and play center field, but I went to the [batting] cages. I went to the cages a little bit."
On how his batting cage session went: "I'm going to go back in a couple days. I'm going to go back."
On saying he could hit four home runs off of QB Lamar Jackson: "Oh, yes. I mean, I had seen some tweets saying that 'L' [Lamar Jackson] is going to be out there pitching. And I was like, 'Dang, I guess it's time to tweet that out and get the juices flowing.' Definitely would hit four home runs off of 'L' though, for sure."
On how practice went today: "It was awesome today. 'L' [Lamar Jackson] was finally out here. We finally had 'QB1' out there. The juices were flowing. Everybody's really back inside. I was made it was raining outside a little bit. I loved being outside, but I was finally back running around with everybody. I finally got to see everybody running around. It's always good to have everybody back."
On if having QB Lamar Jackson back out at practices changes the feel of practice: "For sure. I feel like everybody's always joyful to get back to football, but once you see [number] eight [Lamar Jackson] running around, having fun, lighting up smiles around everybody, that's just a different level of joy that everybody on the field really goes up to in finally having one of your leaders and really your 'top dog' out there showing that he's ready to get back to work."
On how he looks at himself and the other tight ends going into the last years of their contract: "I tell everybody: I love the Ravens. I love the city, the feel. You all brought me in and made me feel like I was part of the family from my rookie year til now. Obviously, everybody's dream is to get extended, but I just keep one foot in front of the other and try to stay in the moment, stay where my feet are, and, really, just play and have fun, and let the plays happen. And then whatever happens, I let God take care of that."
On how glad he is to still have TE Mark Andrews as a Raven: "Man, I have to tell everybody, that's [my] big brother. I'm glad everybody's speculation has died down, and I finally have to give him [Mark Andrews] a hug when he came in because we're finally back at it, finally back on the turf together. That's [my] big bro. He's been teaching me since I got here, since I stepped foot [into] being a Raven. From the run game, the pass game, how to watch film, how to take care of my body and really just [cherish] every moment in the league. So, I'm glad to have him back, glad I [number] 89 with me all the time."
On how he communicated with TE Mark Andrews after the end of last season: "I said, 'Don't let one play really let you forget that you're 'All-Pro Mark' [Andrews]. Everybody knows the fantastic plays Mark has been making before I even got here. So, I just shot him a text and obviously said, 'Don't let one moment dwell on what you've [already] accomplished and what you're striving for in the future.' And with him being him, obviously he's going really just take it all in, let the moment happen and just be a pro. That's how I feel like I look up to Mark in those situations because he's a 'pro's pro.' A this point now, he's already moved past it. He's ready for next year. I feel like you all are really going to really smile when you see [number] 89 out there."
On his expectations going into this year: "I tell everybody that I'm just trying to be that chess piece. I feel like in the offense, whether I'm out wide, in-line, in the backfield, anywhere, really just understanding [my job] and making plays where the plays really aren't there to be made. Just always trying to go the distance. Whether I catch a pass, whether I'm blocking down the field, always trying to make an explosive play happen while I'm on the field."
On how much he expects the scramble drill situations with QB Lamar Jackson and how much he thrives in those moments: "Man, I love those types of moments, because in my mind, it's either my ball or nobody's when the quarterback trusts you to put yourself in the position to make those types of spectacular plays. With 'L' [Lamar Jackson], the plays is never dead until the whistle blows, so really just being able to either throw my hand [up] or run across the field wherever, just having him be able to trust me [and] throw the ball wherever I am and understand that [I'm] going to always make [him] right, that's just a blessing, having that type of trust from your quarterback and really just knowing that he trusts me to the point, because we do it in practice so much, where he knows that I'm such a competitor when the ball's in the air that I'm always going to try to make the play."
On one thing he'd like to bring to his game this year: "I'd say really just honing in on everything to my game to really just be the best version of myself. Going into Year Four where now it's ... I've watched myself grow up to this point, but now, it's just watching film on the little things I've been doing years prior – the good, the bad, the in between – and really just amping up and really just understand that whatever I've done to this point hasn't brought us the ultimate goal. Everybody, obviously, has something to work on, but just me being me, I'm always going to just watch myself and [focus on] those little details."
On why he feels like the team is heavily attending these OTA practices: "I feel like everybody got the memo after the last game of [last] year. When you don't reach your ultimate goal, which is to win and hold that trophy and smile with everybody, everybody's always hungry [to] get back to the next season and really get done. Knowing the team we have, the chemistry we have and the leaders that we have, everybody's always itching to come back, play football and really just get the job done."
On what's impressed him about WR DeAndre Hopkins: "Just seeing 'D-Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins], obviously ... I think he's in Year 13 now. I think that's what he said. Just watching how he practices as a pro, since I've seen him, he's always smiling out here, always having fun. I didn't know that he was going to be as funny as he is. Now that he's grown accustomed to really the Ravens, he's going to see how funny we actually are. But seeing him, how he practices, watching him catch the ball, watching him going out there and block ... He was blocking the rep during 'Skelly.' We caught the ball. He's out there blocking there in 'Skelly,' so that just always shows that he ready to get after it, he's ready to be on the football field, and you need that from a leader in that aspect in the receiver room."
On the role WR DeAndre Hopkins will take on as a playmaker: "I feel like [DeAndre Hopkins] is just going to be him. We have a bunch of playmakers on the field at all times where everybody can go distance, so I feel like when the plays are there to be made, whether the ball is in his hands, whether he's blocking down the field, whether it's those crucial situations on third down, whenever [or] in the red zone, he's going to be there to make those plays."
On how interpersonal bonds makes an impact on the field and makes it easier for communication: "For sure, because at the end of the day, this is a little kid's game that we're playing, and I feel like every time we're out here on the field, if somebody's not laughing, somebody's dwelling on something they've done the past, I feel like there's somebody on the field that's always going to make them laugh or try to remind them that [they shouldn't] dwell on it. We're out here ... Finally, you're playing the game that you wanted since you were a little kid, so having vets having that same mantra come in, run around, have fun, have that type of aura, it just shows the rookies that, 'You're new, obviously, but this is a fun sport. This is where you want to be. This is where you've been trying to get your whole life, so just enjoy it, be where your feet are and have fun.'"
OLB ODAFE OWEH
On his focus during the offseason: "I would probably say gaining weight. On top of that, staying explosive with the weight [and] adding more moves. And then just getting my mind right for the type of year I want to have."
On the amount of weight he gained and the process of adding that weight: "I was 245 last year, I'm 265 now. So around 20 [or] 15 pounds."
On where he thinks the added weight will help him improve: "[In stopping] the run. And then obviously, the top of my rush, not being able to be pushed off the point, digging out the rip. And then obviously [with] power as well."
On if his weight will change his style as a pass rusher: "I wouldn't say change, maybe sharpen it. Obviously, I'm kind of a power-savvy, too, with my rush, so I could build off that more. And then, like I said, when I try to dip and bring the rip up, I'll be more solid and stout in that."
On deciding to add weight: "After we lost, to be honest. We didn't have the outing, at least I didn't have the outing I wanted, so I thought a lot of that had to do with my weight and being able to be stout in certain positions. So, as soon as the season was done, I went to Miami, started eating, lifting and then gaining weight, basically."
On his favorite meal during the process: "It actually wasn't good food. It was a lot of nasty meal prep. Dry chicken, brussels sprouts, asparagus. But it did the job."
On what he expects in Year Two from OLB Adisa Isaac: "Yes, he's ready to go. His get off is crazy, [his] hands [are] strong. It's a shame that he had the hamstring issues last year, because he was already ready to go then. I'm looking forward to seeing a big season for him."
On OLB Mike Green: "He's the truth. He's pretty seasoned, quick [and] twitchy. He picks up things fast. He's learning a lot of positions right now and still playing fast as well. He's going to have a good season as well."
On how his impending contract extension affects his outlook on the season: "Obviously, I'm just trying to be the best player for the team. I would be crazy to say that's not something a little bit in the back of my mind, but every year, I try to get better, try to be better than I was last year. So to be honest, that's really what I'm focused on. I know if I do that, it's going to take care of itself."
On the amount of players attending voluntary OTAs: "We're tired of finishing in spots where we shouldn't have finished. We're just trying to capitalize. You can tell by guys like Lamar [Jackson], 'D-Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins], 'D-Hen' [Derrick Henry], 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman], 'Ro' [Roquan Smith], 'K-Ham' [Kyle Hamilton], 'Beeks' [Nnamdi Madubuike], guys that don't, like you said, don't have to be here, but we're here. We're putting in the work, building the foundation, and it's a testament to what the goal is in the future. And I feel like we've got the team. We've had the team the past few years, to be honest. It's just, I feel like, experience and the attitude, now, is going to get us over the hump."
On how he feels his added weight has helped with his explosiveness: "It's OTAs, so I haven't really gotten to test it yet. I've had some situations where I kind of tried to push somebody, and they're kind of flying off too. It's helping, I think it's going to be good for me this year."
On if his current size is the biggest he has ever been: "Yes, in my life, to be honest."
On if people have previously advised him to gain muscle: "Yes, they told me that. I was always trying to keep my speed, but my speed hasn't diminished. That was always something that was looming in my mind. But I guess it's the way you train to keep the muscle. And then obviously, when you're building muscles, be able to make sure you can be mobile with it. But yes, I'm straight."
On if he has a target number for sacks for this season: "Yes, just more than last year. I feel like they took away like, three sacks away from me. On account of the other ones that I missed, just more than 11. Just try to be more than that. I've got a number in my head though, but I'll keep that to myself."
On if he knows the number of sacks he'd like to get: "No, I have it. I'm just not going to tell you yet."
On if he feels like he's becoming more of a leader on the team: "Yes. I feel like each year, I'm having to also get better. But also, there are new guys coming into my room, but then we always add a little vet and stuff like that. I've been able to learn from 'KV' [Kyle Van Noy], other guys I've had in the past. This year is a really young room, so it's kind of forcing me to be in that [leadership] position. But at the same time, I know there are aspects of my game that I've got to get better at so I can be a leader for them, too. It's kind of a weird dynamic I'm in right now, but I'm taking those strides."
