WILLIE REID RELATED PRESS CONFERENCES

 

 

Willie Reid Conference Call
Wide Receiver/Halfback/Return Specialist
3rd Round – 95th Overall

Were you expecting to go higher than the third round?

I think so. I think everyone has expectations of being drafted higher than they really are. I'm just happy to be a Steeler, to be with the loyal fans, and to play for one of the great organizations in football.

Did your Bowl game against Penn State help you get noticed by the Steelers?

It was a pretty big game for me. It followed up the ACC Championship game that I performed well in, and I did well in the Orange Bowl as well. I think that helped put me in the position I am in today. It was a great bowl game overall.

How you feel you rate as a blocker?

It's something that I'm pretty good at and it's something that I'm going to get better at, especially being at Pittsburgh. It's something that I look forward to doing. Being a Pittsburgh Steeler as a receiver is a big honor.

What do you bring to the table as a receiver?

I have the ability to offer punt returns skills, to block and go over the middle, and just getting in the open areas. The offense that Pittsburgh runs, I think I fit real well into it.

How do you feel about Pittsburgh drafting Santonio Homes in the 1st round?

It's going to be a real honor to be in the same locker room with Santonio. He's a great athlete. We just happen to be on the same team right now. I think we'll cause a lot of defenses havoc.

Do you prefer flanker or split-end?

It doesn't really matter. I just want to get on the field, learn the play book, and be willing to make a lot of plays for the Steelers.

 

 

Bruce Arians
RE: Willie Reid
Wide Receiver/Halfback/Return Specialist
3rd Round – 95th Overall

Why did you pick another receiver?

I think the way the board fell. We had Willie up there, he is another extremely fast quick guy who can play inside outside and is a great return guy. He is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. In the Orange Bowl, he made some big plays as a punt returner. It is hard to pass on guys like that. He was ranked so high.

Is he going to need some work as a receiver?

Yes, he was a running back coming out of high school and worked his way into a receiver. He is a little bit of a project. I think he is ready to play there. He has excellent hands, big time speed, and a great run after the catch guy with his return ability.

What areas does he need to develop?

Overall coverage recognition and refine some route running, but he is not bad the way he is.

What speed do you have on him?

I think it was 4.36.

Does he have good hands?

Excellent.

Is he a return guy, potentially?

Yes, he is an excellent punt returner. We have the ability to return some kicks. Kevin Spencer might have the most dynamic part of the offense now.

Is the headline of this draft, Randle (El) Who?

It could be. He is pretty good when you have to take two guys to replace him though.