DETROIT LIONS SELECT DB TRACY WALKER WITH THEIR THIRD-ROUND PICK (82ND OVERALL) OF THE 2018 NFL DRAFT
The Detroit Lions selected DB Tracy Walker with their third-round pick (82nd overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
LIONS DB TRACY WALKER VIA CONFERENCE CALL
On his relation to Lions CB Darius Slay: “We’re second cousins. My mom is related to his dad.”
On how much he was expecting to be drafted tonight and the surprise in landing with Detroit: “It definitely was a surprise for me. I didn’t expect it. I just put my best forward effort throughout the whole process. I control what I can control. I didn’t control who picked me and who showed the most interest in me. When Detroit picked me it definitely was a blessing for me. I’m definitely honored that they picked me and they won’t regret it.”
On if he leaned on Slay during the draft process: “He definitely gave me a few words of advice. He definitely pushed me in the right path to help guide me through this process. But pretty much I definitely just leaned on my agent and my former coach. They helped me. They gave me a great idea of what I was walking myself into from the get-go. So, I didn’t walk in to being blindsided.”
On where he expected to be drafted: “Honestly, I expected to be fifth round, to be honest with you. I’m definitely blessed. I’m the type of person, I’m very conservative and I expect the worst. I was blessed to be drafted in the third round. I always expect the worst.”
On what he thinks made him stand out to the Lions: “To be honest with you, I guess they just loved the person that I am and they felt like I can definitely bring a lot of things on the field, as well as off the field. I’m pretty sure my personality, I have a great personality. I love being around people. I love encouraging players and I always have the urge to get better. I believe that’s what set me apart. I can’t really say. They chose me and I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”
On if he would beat Slay in basketball: “Oh, yeah, without a doubt. I’m the best basketball player to come out of Brunswick High in my eyes.”
Take a closer look at the #Lions third-round selection, safety Tracy Walker » https://t.co/VkmhgrqX5y pic.twitter.com/Vw2Uzfckaq
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 28, 2018
On if he and Slay have ever played on the same team: “We never played because when I came straight into high school, he had just graduated. So, we never played together, but I feel like it’s definitely going to be a great opportunity for us. We’re going to definitely have great teammate chemistry because of the bond we have. Like I said, it’s a blessing. I can’t wait to get out there and make things happen and showcase my talent.”
On if he has any ideas on where the Lions plan to use him on the field: “Wherever they want me to play. I ain’t going to argue with them. They tell me where they want me to play and I’m going to get down there and I’m going to play it. I’m not about to argue. I just want the opportunity to play football again. I’m blessed to be in the position that I am. I give all glory to God for putting me in the position. So, I’m going to do what I got to do to make it happen.”
On if he believes his coverage skills are ready for the NFL: “Of course, I feel like I can compete with the best of them. That’s without a doubt. I feel like if I wasn’t able to compete and cover guys, then I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in. So, I definitely feel like I have the talent and the capabilities to be a great NFL star.”
On why he thinks he was voted third-team all-conference: “Again, I don’t control that. I can’t sit there and contest what people think of me. The way the Sun Belt voted me, that doesn’t determine how great of a player I am. The NFL coaches saw something. For example, the Detroit Lions saw something in me that those coaches didn’t see. So, I don’t control what they have to say about me. All I can do is control what I control and that’s me going out there and playing every down and giving my all. That’s all I can do.”
On his initial reaction to being able to play for Lions Head Coach Matt Patricia: “It’s a blessing. I can’t wait to get down there. He’s such a great defensive-scheme guy. He’s a great man, you know, when I sat there and talked to him when I visited. It was a blessing and an honor to meet him. I can’t wait to get under his scheme and get under his coaching and be coached for the best possible ability possible.”
On what his best story of Slay is: “The best Darius story I would have to definitely say is when he came home and he had his little, first basketball tournament and we were at the gym. We basically were just having a good time, joking around and he was talking about how he’s the best basketball player. And I told him that my team is going to win the basketball tournament and we ended up winning the basketball tournament.”