The Bucs – and PewterReport.com – had former Washington pass rusher Joe Tryon high on their board due to his athleticism, upside and mental make up. His confidence bled through the screen on the post-draft interview Zoom call as Tryon even compared himself to two-time Pro Bowler Chandler Jones.
Below is the full transcript from the call with Tryon and the local media who spoke to the Huskies standout minutes after his name was called in Cleveland as the overall No. 32 pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
On his perceived interest from the Bucs “I knew that the Buccaneers were interested in me. I interviewed with them several times throughout the process, got to meet their GM, their head coach. I knew that they were definitely interested. They made it verbal. They told me, ‘If you’re there at 32, we’re going to hopefully take you.’ Like I said, it just happened and I ended up in the perfect spot for me. I can’t wait to be a Buc.”
On if he thought about how opting out could cause him to be drafted later
“I knew that not playing would affect me not getting picked high but I’m not worried about getting picked high. I’m worried about finding the right place and I did in Tampa Bay and I’m just ready to get back to real football.”
On how much he can learn from Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett
“I’m going to be a sponge. Those dudes are some really big-time players, they’ve been doing it, playing at a high level for the past decade so I can’t wait to soak all that in and just learn from them. It’s a big-time opportunity.”
Washington edge rusher Joe Tryon – Photo by: USA Today
On what it means to be drafted on his birthday
“It’s really crazy because I’ve got my 22nd birthday today and I’m also getting drafted so I can’t really ask for anything better than that. I’m really blessed and I can’t wait to get started.”
On how he’s celebrating his birthday and draft selection by the Bucs
“Becoming a Buc, that’s one. That’s the first step to becoming a pro. I can’t wait. I’m going to enjoy the time with my family and then head down to Tampa Bay and get started.”
On comparing himself to an NFL pass rusher
“I would definitely say Chandler Jones, he’s one of them. I really enjoy his game, a long-lever dude. But I’ve got some dude’s that I can learn from. Jason Pierre-Paul, a long dude, athletic dude. So I can’t wait to be a sponge and just really soak it all in.”
On how he got better while opting out in 2020
“My strengths are getting after the quarterback and I don’t have to come off the field. I can play the run on first and second down and then get after the quarterback on third down. My versatility, my scheme, it doesn’t really matter. I fit any scheme. Drop me in coverage or anything. I’m an all-around player and I’ve been doing all the things that I’ve been doing since I opted out. I’ve been working out, getting my body right, eating right and just getting ahead of the game. I definitely took the time while I opted out and took advantage of it so I’m ready to get going now.”
On his communication with his former teammates and current Bucs Benning Potoa’e and Vita Vea
“Benning just sent me a text to come on over so I’m about to head over to his crib and get started. I can’t wait.”
On potentially wearing No. 9 with the Bucs
“It’s a possibility. It’s a possibility, definitely.”
On how he’s coming along with developing his pass rush moves and plans
“I’ve been doing a lot of work with my position coaches out in California since I opted out. I wasn’t just working out and lifting weights, I was definitely doing football-related activities. I really got to train with some dudes who are in the NFL. I got to train with Cliff Avril, he taught me a lot of things. I got to pick his brain and he was a great pass rusher in the NFL, so just developing my whole pass rush repertoire has been a plan and I just can’t wait to get back out on the field and show that.”
On any specific moves that he’s been working on
Washington edge rusher Joe Tryon
“Stab club, just anything with a stab utilizing my length so I can’t wait to get on the practice field with the vets and soak it all in.”
On the greatest adversity he’s had to overcome in his life
“I definitely have to say that death of my uncle. He was a huge father role for me, a role model. I lost him going into high school and it was tough but I bounced back. It made me value family a lot more, it brought my family closer together. I wouldn’t be here without my family so I would definitely say that it was that moment but I’m grateful for my family and I really have love for them.”
On his uncle’s name and how he lost him
“His name was Eric and he died in a dirt bike accident when I was going into high school.”
On if he’s looking forward to getting to go against Bucs QB Tom Brady every day
“Most definitely. Just being around greatness really motivates me so I just can’t wait to get in that locker room and, like I said, soak it all in, get started. We’ve got games to win and I’m just looking to help the part.”
Mark Cook currently is the director of editorial content and Bucs beat writer and has written for PewterReport.com since 2011. Cook has followed the Buccaneers since 1977 when he first began watching football with his Dad and is fond of the 1979 Bucs team that came within 10 points of going to a Super Bowl. His favorite Bucs game is still the 1979 divisional playoff win 24-17 over the Eagles. In his spare time Cook enjoys playing guitar, fishing, the beach and family time.Cook is a native of Pinecrest in Eastern Hillsborough County and has written for numerous publications including the Tampa Tribune, In the Field and Ya'll Magazine. Cook can be reached at mark@pewterreport.com
While I think he was a bit of a reach, based on the Talking heads, that’s why I’m not a GM This is the 1st round grade on the Patrick Mahones pick in 2017 10. Patrick Mahomes, QB Texas Tech — Kansas City Chiefs (from Buffalo) Grade: C- Analysis: Calling Mahomes a project is a major understatement. He’s nowhere near ready to play in the NFL. And, honestly, he may never be. Between his inconsistent accuracy due to poor mechanics, his tendency to bail from clean pockets and his lack of field vision, he’s going to leave as many big… Read more »
It really is comical to look back at that analysis. Truly does magnify how unpredictable the draft is. Even more comical was Brady’s scouting report heading into the 2000 draft:
–Poor build
–Skinny
–Lacks great physical stature and strength
–Lacks mobility and ability to avoid the rush
–Lacks a really strong arm
–Can’t drive the ball downfield
–Does not throw a really tight spiral
–System-type player who can get exposed if forced to ad lib
–Gets knocked down easily
Tryon isn’t that big of a raw experiment as people are led to believe by mass media in general. Tryon played in an NFL styled defense and in multiple fronts. Tryon also has some sort of plan to attack upfield and uses strategy in employing different pass rushing techniques.
I am going to say it right now…Tryon is going to surprise a lot of NFCS opponents if he is guarded one on one with a TE or RB. Tryon is too agile, strong and great length for a TE or RB to try to negate him.
Welcome to Tampa, Joe! Love your attitude and approach, can’t wait to see you on the field soon.
While I think he was a bit of a reach, based on the Talking heads, that’s why I’m not a GM This is the 1st round grade on the Patrick Mahones pick in 2017 10. Patrick Mahomes, QB Texas Tech — Kansas City Chiefs (from Buffalo) Grade: C- Analysis: Calling Mahomes a project is a major understatement. He’s nowhere near ready to play in the NFL. And, honestly, he may never be. Between his inconsistent accuracy due to poor mechanics, his tendency to bail from clean pockets and his lack of field vision, he’s going to leave as many big… Read more »
In Jason we trust (although PR did a great job scouting him
https://www.buccaneers.com/video/jason-licht-olb-joe-tryon-washington-pick-32-first-round-interview
It really is comical to look back at that analysis. Truly does magnify how unpredictable the draft is. Even more comical was Brady’s scouting report heading into the 2000 draft:
–Poor build
–Skinny
–Lacks great physical stature and strength
–Lacks mobility and ability to avoid the rush
–Lacks a really strong arm
–Can’t drive the ball downfield
–Does not throw a really tight spiral
–System-type player who can get exposed if forced to ad lib
–Gets knocked down easily
Tryon isn’t that big of a raw experiment as people are led to believe by mass media in general. Tryon played in an NFL styled defense and in multiple fronts. Tryon also has some sort of plan to attack upfield and uses strategy in employing different pass rushing techniques.
I am going to say it right now…Tryon is going to surprise a lot of NFCS opponents if he is guarded one on one with a TE or RB. Tryon is too agile, strong and great length for a TE or RB to try to negate him.