After the Packers drafted two defensive players in the fourth round, Dom Capers talked at length about the defense in his latest press conference at Packers.com. Mike Daniels, the defensive lineman from Iowa, was among the topics.
Capers said that Daniels will likely play the three-technique defensive end position in the Packers' base defense. He was also complimentary of Daniels' in-line and one-on-one quickness. He said he also has pass-rush ability in the nickel defense, and joked that "obviously, we've been a big nickel team." He discussed Daniels size, but was not concerned about his ability to play in the Packers' 3-4 system.
NFL.com has this to say in their draft profile on Daniels:
Daniels, a two-year starter inside for Iowa, is an active, high-motor, high-character performer. He is undersized but uses that to his advantage to get inside of blockers. He has fourth-round talent as a rotational player, but he has the physical traits and intangibles to develop into more.
Here's a discussion on Daniels from SBNation's Iowa blog, Black Heart Gold Pants.
Finally, Daniels himself in a press conference at Packers.com:
The Packers "were my only official visit at the combine...(the meeting) went very well, I think they were impressed."
About his reason for not participating in combine drills: "I had shoulder surgery in late January...I was cleared (to return) about two weeks ago...they had to repair my labrum."
Regarding measureable statistics: "I put up 27 reps on the bench prior to my surgery." He also said that he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.77 at Iowa's pro day.
When asked if he has a primary pass-rush move: "Yeah, I call it Hustle. I don't stop going."
He said he'll play "wherever they put me at...I'm just here to play football."
I really like Daniels' attitude. He also mentioned that he played running back in high school, and his 40 time supports reports of good athletic ability.