NFL Draft: Week two player Q&A recap
By Dan Dahlke
Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive end
Stephon Tuitt(7). Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
This week we featured the second installment of our NFL Draft Q&A series by hearing from Clemson’s Brandon Thomas, UConn’s Yawin Smallwood, Notre Dame’s Stephon Tuitt, and Colorado State’s Crockett Gillmore.
Each player shared their thoughts with us on their strengths and weaknesses as an NFL prospect, what led them to this point in their lives, and how they believe they would fit with 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. Also, check out our week one recap here.
Brandon Thomas Q&A
Clemson Tigers offensive tackle Shaq Anthony (76) and offensive linesman Brandon Thomas (63) celebrate beating the Auburn Tigers. Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Spor
Thomas is a South Carolina native who was dominant at left tackle for the Clemson Tigers. Thomas is a versatile offensive lineman who can also play guard and is more than willing to move to center if need be.
Thomas takes pride in protecting his quarterback, and said he’d love the opportunity to play in Green Bay’s offense and learn from guys like Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang.
Thomas said he plays football not because he’s good at it, but because he’s passionate about it. Thomas is a true competitor who would also like to set a good example off the field with his work in the community.
Connecticut Huskies linebacker Yawin Smallwood (33). Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Yawin Smallwood Q&A
Smallwood was a tackling machine as a linebacker in UConn’s defense. He decided to forego his senior season and enter the NFL Draft early to immerse himself in football and make his mark on the league.
Smallwood is a guy who’s willing to do anything his coaches ask of him and looks forward to learning on a whole new level in the NFL. Smallwood said he’d love to play in Green Bay and be part of the Packers rich history, and that he’d like to win the Super Bowl in his rookie season.
Smallwood also said he’d love to play next to guys like Clay Matthews and A.J. Hawk, and believes if the Packers drafted him, they could have one of the best linebacking groups in the league.
Stephon Tuitt Q&A
Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt (7). Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Tuitt is a passionate young defensive lineman ready to take the league by storm. He’s not only a potential first-rounder, but also one of the top 3-4 defensive linemen in the draft.
Tuitt is a rare combination of size, athleticism, and a non-stop motor that makes him a ferocious pass rusher as a defensive lineman. Tuitt also takes pride in his relentless work ethic and passion he brings to the field.
Tuitt feels he’s a natural leader and would be a great fit in the Packers 3-4 defense. He also would love to be part of a team with a great fan base like the Packers, and from his time at Notre Dame, he knows a little bit about playing for an iconic team with a rich football history.
Colorado State Rams tight end Crockett Gillmore (10). Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Crockett Gillmore Q&A
Gillmore is a small town Texas native who grew up in a place that lives and breathes football. Between his dad being a Bears fan and his grandparents rooting for the Packers, Gillmore is well aware of the deeply-rooted NFC North rivalry.
Gillmore is a tight end prospect with excellent size and toughness, and he’s a guy that could be a real weapon in the passing game despite being underused as a receiver in Colorado State’s offense.
As a former defensive end, Gillmore takes pride in playing physical at the tight end position and isn’t afraid to play smash-mouth football. Gillmore said it would be a dream come true to play for the Packers and believes he’d fit well in Green Bay.
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 – Duke defensive back Ross Cockrell, Rutgers wide receiver Brandon Coleman, Iowa linebacker Christian Kirksey, and South Carolina defensive back Victor Hampton.
Week One Player Q&As