Here's the transcript of Brian Orakpo's conference call with the Washington media types.
On how excited he is to be a Washington Redskin:
"I am very excited. The Washington Redskins are a great, great program. I am just so excited to get down there and get started."
On why he believes the Washington Redskins are a perfect fit for him:
"I just felt it. When I met with all the other teams, the Washington Redskins had the best vibes. The coaching staff, the owner, the team, everything is just so great. I told them I would be very excited to have the opportunity to play for them."
On how surprised he was to still be on the board at No. 13:
"To be honest with you, I wasn't even thinking about it too much. I'm just kind of different. I really wasn't worried about how I went. I just wanted to have the opportunity to be drafted and finally know where I go."
On if there was another team he thought would take him besides the Washington Redskins:
"I thought of a lot of teams that would be a possibility, but you never know. I just had my head on straight and was optimistic throughout the whole process."
On how confident he is that he can help the defense right away:
"First, it comes with a lot of hard work and that is what I know I am going to have to do and bring to the table. Earn that respect from my teammates and come in and learn that I'm ready to work. So, I'm pretty confident. I have high expectations for myself each and every time I step out onto the field, so we'll see when I get down there."
On how excited he is to play with Albert Haynesworth:
"I am ecstatic. Having one of the best defensive tackles in the game right now will make my job a lot easier, I'll tell you that much. That is what you need, that force up the middle, so it will be great."
On holding up against the run:
"It is a huge accomplishment to the NFC East. They have great running backs and a great running program, so you have to stop the run. I am ready to learn from great coaches and Coach [John] Palermo and ready to get after it and stop the run when we need to and then pin your ears back and go."
On what he thinks he does well as a pass rusher:
"Just that fire and intensity that I bring as far as getting after the quarterback, doing whatever it takes. I don't really have a favorite move or anything. I just go, try to do the best I can and putting pressure."
On if his knee injuries are a concern moving forward:
"Not at all. When I got over these knee injuries, it was just an unfortunate situation. What I do best is I try my best to get back and be 100 percent and don't even worry about it. I am 100 percent right now. I am healthy. I am ready to go at the start of the season."
On his first impression of the Redskins organization:
"I think it is an organization with great tradition, great pride in the game of football. I am just so ecstatic about being a part of this program. Like I said, even before any of the picks, Washington would be a perfect pick for me if I'm still around. My wish came true and here I am, ready to get started."
On where he thinks he will have to improve the most this season:
"Obviously, everybody is not perfect. One thing I know is don't think pass too much. I have to be able to stop the run obviously with the position that we are in. That is something that I know I have to work on. I know I can, just don't pull the trigger trying to get after the quarterback too much. I have to settle down and play the run first."
On if he thinks he will play linebacker in packages:
"Exactly. It is all about the packages that I can bring to the table. Like I said, I talked with Coach Kirk Olivadotti, the linebacker coach, he really likes me, sees me as a SAM backer first and second and then it's time to get after it, third and long or whatever the situation is. Get down in the stance and rush the pass and do what I do best. That's the thing about me, I bring a lot of versatility to the table."
On if he has talked to any of his new teammates yet:
"I haven't talked to any of my teammates. I've just been on the media circuit right now. Hopefully I'll get through and turn my phone on and get started."
On if he knows anybody on the team already:
"Obviously Derrick Dockery, former Longhorn, is down there. They signed Mike Williams who is from Texas. I know a couple guys and I am just ready to get to know some more guys and make some good friendships with my teammates."
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