NFL Draft: Week 1 player Q&A recap

Louisville Cardinals safety Calvin Pryor (25). Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

This week we kicked off a NFL Draft Q&A series, hearing from Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, South Carolina defensive lineman Kelcy Quarles, Louisville safety Calvin Pryor, and Pitt wideout Devin Street.

Each player took the time to answer our questions and share their thoughts on their game, the draft process, and how they’d feel playing for the Green Bay Packers.

If you missed these player interviews, here is a quick recap, but if you’d like to read more about what these players had to say we encourage you to click on the player link and read their entire Q&A.

Michael Sam Q&A

Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Sam was not only named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, but his breakout senior campaign also gained him national recognition as one of the top pass rushers in the country.

Sam plays with a high motor and is relentless in getting after the quarterback. He may project as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, but this is a position he said he has no problem with learning.

Sam is a small-town kid who plays with real passion and has a great work ethic. He is also willing to do whatever it takes to succeed at the next level.

South Carolina Gamecocks defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles (99) tackles LSU Tigers running back Kenny Hilliard (27). Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Kelcy Quarles Q&A

Quarles was a dominant interior pass rusher at South Carolina who can also hold his ground against the run. The underclassman is determined to be even faster, stronger, and more athletic going into the NFL.

He tries to model his game after greats like Reggie White and Warren Sapp and wants to terrorize quarterbacks with his blend of power and speed as an interior rusher.

Quarles also loves to fish, and would feel truly honored to play for an organization like the Green Bay Packers.

Calvin Pryor Q&A

Louisville Cardinals safety Calvin Pryor (25). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Pryor is considered by many to be one of the top safeties in this year’s draft class and is a potential first rounder. Some even believe he could be a legitimate option for Green Bay with the 21st overall pick.

Pryor is a physical safety that takes pride in making plays on the field. He feels his versatility is his strength at the position. He can drop in coverage or play near the line of scrimmage.

He’s also a very intelligent, high-character guy that loves playing football and would love the opportunity to play in Green Bay’s secondary.

Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Devin Street (15). Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Devin Street Q&A

Street may be an underrated receiver prospect in this year’s draft, but the young man from Pitt believes he can succeed at the next level and maybe even start as a rookie. Street is a receiver that possesses both size and speed, who can also run the entire route tree.

He’s already made his mark on Pitt’s record books, and he looks forward to building his legacy in the NFL. He told us he would love to work with guys like Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, catch passes from Aaron Rodgers, and feels he could learn a lot in Coach McCarthy’s system.

Street is a hard worker ready to prove himself at the next level, but he’s also a compassionate guy who likes to give back when he can.

To learn more about these players or watch them on film read their entire interviews by clicking on their player links.

Next week, we will hear from four more talented draft prospects the Packers could consider in May — Clemson offensive lineman Brandon Thomas, UConn linebacker Yawin Smallwood, Notre Dame defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt, and Colorado State tight end Crockett Gillmore.