NASIR ADDERLEY ROUND TWO TELECONFERENCE
Friday, April 26, 2019 | Hoag Performance Center | Costa Mesa, Calif.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS SECOND-ROUND SELECTION SAFETY NASIR ADDERLEY
On his emotions after being drafted:
"I just can't believe it, man. It's a dream come true. I wouldn't have wanted this to go any other way. All I was telling people after my visit was, 'I would love to play for the Chargers.'"
On his history with the Chargers:
"No, they didn't [work me out] at my pro day. I didn't work out. I had a hamstring injury, but I'm feeling healthy now. I'll be good for rookie minicamp."
On his excitement to be drafted by the Chargers:
"Man, it's just a perfect fit. I really enjoyed my meetings with the coaching staff. I'm part of a winning team. They went 12-4 last year and were on the brink of a Super Bowl. My hope right now, I'm just ready to work. I want to contribute to bring a Super Bowl they deserve."
On playing alongside S Derwin James Jr.:
"Man, it's incredible. We can be one of the best safety duos in the league. I can promise you that."
On if he has met James before:
"I actually talked to him on the phone during the agent process and stuff like that. He's a really cool dude. I'm just really grateful to be in this position. The whole defensive backs room, I'm just very excited to learn from those guys."
On playing in the Chargers' defensive system:
"It's a dream. I watched [Ravens S] Earl Thomas [III] all of my life and that's the guy I tried to mold my game after. I feel like it's a perfect fit. Like I said, I wouldn't want it to go any other way."
On where he was when he received the call that he was drafted:
"Yeah, so I'm actually out with my family right now at a Dave & Busters."
On his cousin Pro Football Hall of Fame DB Herb Adderley:
"I didn't get to talk to him yet. I'm going to talk to him probably when we get off the phone right now."
On how Herb Adderley helped him with the draft process:
"He's helped me tremendously, even just going from high school to college. Just being a positive role model for me. I don't know where I would be without him. His support just has meant the world to me."
On what he adds to this defense:
"I think I add physicality. I'm going to be a leader. I bring competitiveness. My work ethic — that's something I take pride in. I'm going to come in right away and I'm going to show the team that they can count on me."
On if he considers himself a natural free safety:
"Absolutely. That's something Herb says. I played corner my freshman and sophomore year, but we truly felt like this was my best position. Once I moved to free safety, everything really started clicking for me."
On his excitement to meet new teammates and coaches:
"Man, I'm coming out there tomorrow and I'm super excited. Like I said, it's a dream come true and I'm extremely blessed."
On playing against QB Philip Rivers in practice:
"He's a future Hall of Fame quarterback and I'm just so excited. I'm going to be playing against one of the best, so I just can't wait."
On if he's aware of former Chargers LB Shawne Merriman's legacy and announcement of his selection:
"He was a great player. I remember him back when [Hall of Fame RB LaDainian] LT [Tomlinson] was playing, too. Just seeing how hyped Shawne Merriman was, it was truly an honor. I'm just extremely blessed."
On being the highest Delaware draft pick since Joe Flacco in 2008:
"It's a blessing. We had talent coming to Delaware year after year and it's a great university. I'm just extremely grateful that I got to go there. My recruiting process didn't necessarily go how I anticipated it to go, but Delaware's a perfect fit for me. I wouldn't change a thing."
On motivation of playing against players from larger collegiate programs in the NFL:
"I know everyone has questions about that. I know everyone wanted to see that and I feel like I proved that in the Senior Bowl. I'm just confident in my ability. I'm confident in the work I put in. I know I could have gone to an FBS school if I did what I had to do academically, but like I said, I'm confident in my ability. I'm going to work. I know if I do all the little things and do what I'm supposed to do, I'm going to be just fine and be a great player in this league."
