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Following his selection by the Green Bay Packers with the 61st overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, safety Josh Jones spoke to Packers reporters by phone on a webcast from Lambeau Field. He sounds thrilled to be joining a secondary with Pro Bowl safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, as he brought up that name unprompted as a player he looks up to.
Here are some of his comments during the press conference.
Where did you watch the draft and what was your reaction to being selected?
“I’m in Atlanta with family. I was just watching it and waiting patiently. Oh my...I couldn’t...It’s so hard to explain. I was so filled with joy. I just dropped to my knees and thanked the lord. I’m so happy my name got called and to go to such a great organization.”
Did you have any indication that the Packers might pick you?
“I wasn’t thinking anything. With this draft, so many crazy things have happened in this draft. I had a formal meeting with them at the Combine but I wasn’t expecting anything. The Cowboys were up and I got a call from Green Bay and I jut jumped to my feet so fast.”
Do you know what sorts of roles you’ll play in Green Bay?”
“Honestly I haven’t gotten into anything with that but I’m a versatile safety and I can do anything. Without a doubt (I can play linebacker). I have great size, I can play in the box. I’m just excited to get to work as soon as possible ... My best football is ahead of me, I promise you. My best football is ahead of me.”
What do you need to learn as you move on to the NFL?
“I’m a great football player. Every player has something to work on. I just want to as soon as I can, work with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, he’s a proven veteran in this game. I’ve been watching Ha Ha a lot. I’ve been watching highlights a lot. He gives me a lot of motivation the way he plays. I’m so excited I get the opportunity to play with a guy like that.”