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Published on 04/28/2011 at Thu Apr 28 19:43.
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Von Miller – Denver Broncos draft quotes

Posted Thu Apr 28th by

Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, right, holds up a jersey with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he was selected as the second overall pick by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the NFL football draft at Radio City Music Hall Thursday, April 28, 2011, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, right, holds up a jersey with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he was selected as the second overall pick by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the NFL football draft at Radio City Music Hall Thursday, April 28, 2011, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Von Miller was selected by the Denver Broncos 2nd overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. Listen to to the newest Broncos linebacker’s draft press conference call here and check out the quotes below —

On getting emotional when getting a call from the Broncos

“I talked to (General Manager Brian) Xanders. I was watching my phone, and my phone wasn’t ringing. I looked over to my dad’s phone, and they had called my dad. I saw a 303 (area code) number, and I knew immediately who it was. I just had flashbacks to all the hard work that I’ve been putting in ever since little league football, all the people who told me, ‘No,’ and every time that everybody said I couldn’t do it. I just had that flashback. I was just extremely anxious for my opportunity to go up to the league and prove myself.”

On hearing news he would go to Denver

“I had not really been paying attention to any of that. It was always a surprise to me. You hear stuff. I got all the stuff from my agent, and he told me a lot of stuff. He told me the night before that Denver was going to pick me, but in the draft you know everybody lies. I was just extremely excited to get this opportunity.”

On DE Elvis Dumervil

“I know a lot about Elvis Dumervil. When I was in high school, it was people saying that it was Elvis Dumervil who opened it up for smaller guys to come off the edge. I know a lot about Elvis Dumervil. I’m excited that he’s back, injury free, and I’m just glad to be a teammate.”

On playing in a 4-3 instead of a 3-4

“I think I’m going to adjust pretty well. At the end of the day, when the ball is snapped, it’s all about shedding blocks and making tackles. When I get there I’m going to be extremely excited, extremely anxious to go play football.”

On meeting with the Broncos multiple times

“I had a workout with the Broncos. I had lunch and dinner. They had a meeting out there at the facility, Dove (Valley). I’m just extremely excited to get there.”

On covering running backs and tight ends

“I’ve always covered running backs and tight ends, and I’ve always dropped back into coverage. It was just my role on the Texas A&M team to get after the quarterback, where they needed me most, so on third downs I was always in a rush. If you put on the film, I think I was playing quite a bit, and I can drop back in coverage and cover a slot receiver, cover the No. 1 receiver and get on those running backs.”

On playing as a down lineman

“I’m extremely comfortable. I’m just anxious to prove myself. I can show you better than I can tell you.”

On being in New York with Commissioner Roger Goodell

“It was great to be here (in New York). I’ve never had anything against Roger Goodell. I just want to make sure football continues to get played. When I walked across the stage, I was meeting the commissioner, and that was it. The whole reason why I got into this whole thing was not because of notoriety or for publicity. I got into this thing to represent the guys who came before me and broke their backs. I just wanted to make sure football continues to get played.”

On playing for Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman

“It was an extreme blessing. My teammates and everybody at Texas A&M, we all had the upper hand having a guy with his expertise and his point of view about how to make it to the NFL and how to be a pro. We ran our team like a pro team, and it was great.”

On playing against Colorado OL Nate Solder at the Senior Bowl

“Nate Solder, he’s an extremely talented guy. Whenever I go up against any guy, I’m going to try my best to get to the quarterback, and I’m going to try my best to get from point A to point B so I’m not really worried about the tackle. I can’t even look (laughs).”

All quotes courtesy the Denver Broncos.

  • crazykid

    I. Cant. Believe. It.

    Am I glad we passed on Darius? Yes

    Did I think drafting players from the wrong scheme would leave with McDaniels? HELL YEA!!!!

  • Danno

    The bad news is we won't win a game next year…The good news is we get Andrew Luck in next year's draft. Just kidding…Let's see what we can do picking up free agents and with our two picks in the second round.

  • anthony33

    Let's see… it is a pretty much a universal opinion that you build a great team in the trenches. We need and DT in the worst way, the best DT in the draft (a three year starter) is at your finger tips, so what do you do??? Draft a 3-4 linebacker to play in a 4-3 system.

    Brilliant, just fricking brilliant. Nothing against Miller, seems like a stud and a good guy, but WTF are they thinking.

  • TheTroglodyte

    Miller has played in the 4-3 too and in fact his most productive sack year came out of it. It's less about what you call the scheme and more about how you utilize the player. This is the deepest draft in terms of DT in over a decade so there will be some good options left in the 2nd round (hopefully Paea).

  • dbroncs24/7

    Thank God someone said this, he has played in both and actually excelled more in the 4-3. People need to stop following the press like cattle and get the facts on their own. Plus in the nickel he can put his hand in the dirt. Marvin Austin at 36!!!

  • MrEast

    Texas A&M ain't the NFL. Fact is that Miller looks weighs just as much as Jarvis Moss does. It will be interesting to see if he can make himself work as a 4-3 player.

    Even though I mocked it I'm still shocked that the front office would spend all offseason creating QB controversy and spouting off that they need a “cant-miss-player” just to grab a project.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    That wasn't McDaniels' MO at all. He would draft players specifically for scheme. He avoided, traded, or cut players who didn't fit his playbook perfectly.

    I've always supported the opposite — coaches who pick best player available and mold their playbooks to the players' strengths.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    I'd be shocked if Miller isn't productive in Year One, no matter which team drafted him. He's as can't-miss as any other prospect this year.

  • Doom92

    Can I get an Amen!

    I think the kid is a class kind of guy but not what I think the Broncos needed. They totally screwed this up in my opinion. They could have went Dareus and then Akeem Ayers in the second and been a head in my estimation. Then you have the DT that is as much a cant miss as any we have seen in the later years and still had a project at OLB.

    Now I hope what I kind of hate and that is to trade out of there, maybe get a 4th or another 3. The only pick at this point I would like would be Da'Quan. I know he has some issues with his knee but its not near the reach at this point and he will and can play for a number of years, your just not prolly going to get 9-10 years out of him. So what, if we got 5-6 stud years then some back up role it would be way worth the pick.

    Just my .02 worth :-).

  • TheTroglodyte

    Moss and Miller are two COMPLETELY different players. They aren't even close AND Miller will be playing LB AND if he is utilized correctly he will be lining up ALL over the place which will cause major disruption.

    Considering our new DC (Allen) is coming from the Williams mold, I expect the Broncos to run the most aggressive 4-3 defense in football. It should be a lot of fun to watch!

  • Doom92

    I think part of what made him successful as a LB last year was playing outside where he was a primary pass rusher, which is his strong suit for sure, in the 3-4. In the 4-3 as a OLB he will NOT be primarily rushing the QB, which is NOT his strong suit. Yes he played in the 4-3 before that but was a DE, not a LB. “IF” we blitz all the time then maybe.

    But as I have already stated I hope I'm all the way wrong now that its done, I just still don't get it…

    Once again… Just my .02 worth ;-)…

  • Doom92

    Wow… I just went to look for the high light video from this last year I had watched a number of times that totally showed Von get boxed and pushed out repeatedly and its been removed… Kinda odd!

  • roshon2411

    People need to relax. I remember two years ago everyone wanted Tyson Jackson and how's he been? Draft is a crapshoot.

    I would have rather seen Denver pull a deal similar to what the Browns did but sure there weren't too many offers.

    At # 2 i think Von Miller was the smart and best pick. Peterson would have been a nice player to have but #2 is to high for a CB.

    As for the second, I hope they trade down a few spots and pick up some extra picks, if not I hope they take the best player on the defensive side…not the best DT available.

    1) Da'Quan Bowers(If Denver's Drs believe he can play)
    2) Aaron Williams
    3) Brooks Reed
    4) Stephen Paea

    Either of those guys, I'd be happy with. But all I know is loving this draft, this team, with McDumbass!

  • CJ

    I remember when people said ray lewis was no good cuz he was undersized…. oh what a bust he was.

  • Kelly the Traveling Magi

    Trust the Triumvirate people. Elway, Fox, and Numbnuts got to meet with each player personally and they were high-fiving over this guy (as if Carolina was going to even consider picking him) Imagine Doom, plus Ayers, plus this guy VON MILLER (crossbow and all..LOL) coming at the passer on passing/blitzing downs….WOW! Our sack total just skyrocketed passed last years! And I hope Ayers gets in there more than the other two just to show he was really first round 4-3 DE material!

  • BroncoMan24

    I agree. I don't mind Austin either, but Bowers at 36 would make me happy. Like you said I know he has problems with his knee, but figure he is going to be pissed off and wanting to prove everyone wrong assuming he is really healthy.

  • BroncoMan24

    One thing that Fox know is LBs. I think he knows what he is doing. I know that X and Elway are making a lot of the decisions, but I am sure he had quite a bit of input on this pick. I would of preferred Peterson or Dareus, but I am not unhappy with Miller. Go Broncos!!!

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    I am very happy with the Von Miller pick. He's a great player and a good guy. I wouldn't call him a project, he's going to restore the Broncos linebacking corps. Heck the last linebacker Denver picked up in the draft was Williams in 2004 (unless you count Spencer Larsen, which you shouldn't).

  • TheTroglodyte

    Moss was considered an “Athletic Freak” with “Unlimited Upside” but also an “Extreme Project”. Miller is not quite the freak athlete Moss is/was BUT is not considered a project either as his technique is VERY solid.

    I'm not going to sit here and claim him the greatest pick of all time but he is a very solid pick and a proven winner that can get it done in multiple fascists including pass coverage.

    Personally I wanted Peterson but I honestly believe if the game plan is schemed around Miller, he has the most upside of any D player in the draft and at the very worst will be a solid addition considering his skill level, work ethic and athletic ability.

    The bottom line is, this kid is in no way size shape or form going to be a bust and what we needed more than anything was a solid contributor from day 1. We just got that!

  • Doom92

    I agree that he wont be a bust but I do question him being as big of a difference that I think Dareus would be, thats all. And I also agree that he will work hard and try to make a big difference, but to a degree they all do that. I think Moss tried very hard for him, it just was never good enough. Being a number one pick he will be given more opportunity (just as Moss was given many more chances) than most so I hope he takes full advantage and pulls it off in a big way.

    Just my .02 worth ;-)

  • TheTroglodyte

    Fair enough. At least we are in agreement that worst case scenario he isn't a bust. If nothing else, that is an important first step for the new regime.

    I still say Miller is a perennial pro-bowler. I only question if the Broncos will run the right scheme around him to make sure it is with the Broncos his fame is claimed.

  • Doom92

    “I only question if the Broncos will run the right scheme around him to make sure it is with the Broncos his fame is claimed.”

    Absolutely!!!

    Nope not a bust like Moss. I'm thinking more in line with Robert Ayers. Not a bust but has not lived up to his 1st round billing either. Of course I'm not convinced he has been played to his ability either (see above quote).

    I suppose that due to the seriously bad picks we've endured over the las 10 years I want badly to see a guy live up to the billing. I guess why I followed this draft year closer than any in a long time. So I guess I wanted the seemingly more safe pick, Dareus. None of our last 4 1st rounders have proven anything to date and I think at best one will. Two I don't think will at all, but for sure just my opinion on those.

    Just my .02 worth ;-)

  • MrEast

    I'm not really seeing all that much of a difference.

  • MrEast

    Patrick Peterson was the can't-miss-prospect. Von Miller is great, he is a freak of nature, but he still has some questions about fitting into the 4-3.

  • MrEast

    I wasn't saying there were the same player. I'm commenting on that the fact that he's undersized. Elvis and James Harrison are 260 which is basically the bare minimum. I'm not saying Miller will not fit the system, I'm just not rushing out to buy his jersey.

    Also, if I buy his jersey he will bust, get traded before the season starts, or somehow be lost to free agency.

  • anthony33

    I hope you are right. I've heard the comparisons to Matthews and the late Derrick Thomas, if that's the case then great move.

    They still need to address DT, hopefully Paea will still be there when they pick next. As of now they have nothing in the middle.

    Have a feeling they are going to trade one of their second rounders for more picks.

  • anthony33

    The thing that worries me cave man is again, like Ayers and Moss, we draft a player that no one is sure where they will use him. If he becomes a rover then he better be a freak of nature because there are very few that can do that.

    Again, I sincerely hope you are right. We need this pick to be right in order to set this entire franchise back on track. The good news… if it is the wrong pick we will be drafting Andrew Luck next year one pick earlier.

  • anthony33

    Let's just hope he has the nasty bone in him. The one thing Moss was missing.

    Again, the comparisons seems to be Matthews and D Thomas on the high side and Moss-Ayers on the down side.

    I'd take Clay Matthews over anyone on yesterday's draft board in a heart beat. Let's hope for the high side.

  • roshon2411

    Don't worry East, you'll see the difference come August when Madden 2012 is released.

  • robtink242

    the Von-Doom tandem will shortly be joined with either Da'Quan Bowers, Drake Nevis, or Marvin Austin in the second round. I love with those guys are doing in the draft.

  • MrEast

    Will they add CBA negotiating to the game?

  • Nisse

    hey, about the mreast jersey curse, do u mind buying a tebow jersey? please? :D

  • Aggie01

    I am not a Bronco fan, but did go to Texas A&M and saw Miller play. He is perhaps the furthest thing from a project as someone pointed out. Miller is a very polished player who can rush the passer and drop into coverage. Yes, he did rush the passer a lot in college, but he was able to do both. His speed is unbelievable for his position and won't have any problems covering RB's or TE's. He is also a very high character guy who won't be only playing for his next contract. The guy really loves football more than getting rich off of the game and has said previously that if he could have stayed at A&M for another year, he would gladly do it. Good luck to you all and congratulations on getting a great player.

  • AggieGuy06

    I'm not a Broncos fan either, but I may have just become one. As an A&M alum, I have watched Von his whole career and the Broncos are getting a phenomenal, once in a generation player. He is unbelievably athletic, the consummate team player, and an extremely hard worker who isn't even remotely focused on money. He has played in both the 4-3 and the 3-4 as a LB. THAT'S RIGHT, he DIDN'T play DE his junior year, but was a hybrid Sam LB that rushed the passer from a DE position. He did the same in the 3-4 except he played OLB instead of Sam LB. He dropped into coverage about 40-50% of the time last season and was VERY effective in erasing the TE or slot WR. In regards to him being “undersized,” he has been working out constantly since the Cotton Bowl and on draft day clocked in at 252 lbs. He is working his tail off to add muscle and weight so he can better play in the 4-3, so don't worry about whether he will be productive or not. You just drafted the defensive rookie of the year and a perennial Pro-Bowler, so smile and be happy Denver! Thanks, and Gig'em!

  • UhWut

    You're an idiot. Von Miller is 250lbs, first.
    2nd James Harrison is 6'0 242lbs.
    3-4 LBs are bigger than 4-3 LBs, 3rd.
    So you FAILED on every point you tried to make. please stfu and gtfo

  • UhWut

    And if you'd like to spout other garbage out. Go look at any LB in the NFL that runs int he 4-3 and you will see that most are 230-240… Cato June used to be 215lbs.
    Kieth Bullock = 230lbs
    Clay Matthews = came into the league at 240lbs (Miller is 247-250)
    Demarcus Ware = came into the league around 250lbs (now he's 262)
    Terrell Suggs = came into the league 250lbs (now 260)

    people that take other peoples talking points and just regurgitate them w/o knowing anything annoy the hell out of me.

  • Fightin Texas Aggie

    All of you tick me off! You got the best player in this draft. You are blessed and he will make you all look stupid! Idiots…Did y'all vote for Obama too?

  • WarEagle

    Leave it to the Aggies to come in and polish their turd…..

  • Fightin Texas Aggie

    You don't deserve a guy like Von…But this is also coming from an Auburn guy…Have fun giving back your MNC trophy d-bag…Cam Newton will be in jail before long too…Von will prove all of you wrong. Polish this…

  • Choppin' D's and Takin Names

    you guys need to make sure your d icks don't get chopped in your sleep.

  • GitToDaChoppa

    Chef Von! Chopping D's!!!! Watch your comments, Von has no sympathy for the ignorant and your D will be tossed in the pot before you realize it's gone.

  • roshon2411

    Probably not, but you also won't see Denver's best players on the cover of Madden in another teams uniform.

  • Jamesg

    I don't think this guy Von was worth the second pick in the draft. I mean he played for Texas A&M who has done nothing in the past ten years but back into a Cotton Bowl in a down year in the Big 12…..and then got gang raped by LSU. The Aggies have been irrelevant for years. Any average NFL player would stand out on this team so I am thinking Von's play is overrated. I would have much rather preferred Marcell Dareus…a proven winner and more solid pick. Only time will tell but I'm thinking we will have overpayed for mediocre talent.

  • GitToDaChoppa

    Chef Von! Chopping D's!!!! Watch your comments, Von has no sympathy for the ignorant and your D will be tossed in the pot before you realize it's gone.

  • roshon2411

    Probably not, but you also won't see Denver's best players on the cover of Madden in another teams uniform.

  • Jamesg

    I don't think this guy Von was worth the second pick in the draft. I mean he played for Texas A&M who has done nothing in the past ten years but back into a Cotton Bowl in a down year in the Big 12…..and then got gang raped by LSU. The Aggies have been irrelevant for years. Any average NFL player would stand out on this team so I am thinking Von's play is overrated. I would have much rather preferred Marcell Dareus…a proven winner and more solid pick. Only time will tell but I'm thinking we will have overpayed for mediocre talent.